A Piston Compressor (or Reciprocating Compressor) is a positive displacement compressor that uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure. The Piston Compressor is available in single-acting or double-acting, oil-lubricated or oil-free variants, with various numbers of cylinders in different configurations. (Refer to the Reciprocating Compressor)
Reference Definition by Cascousa.com: Piston Compressor are further divided into two main categories – single acting and double acting. Single Acting means that air is drawn in and compressed on one side of the piston. The other side is exposed to the crankcase of the compressor. In this case, the downward stroke of the piston draws in the air, and the upward stroke compresses it. Double Acting reciprocating compressors have compression chambers on both sides of the piston. On the down stroke, air is drawn in on the top of the piston while air is compressed on the bottom side. On the upstroke, air is drawn into the bottom side while air is compressed on the top side. Double acting machines require sealing of the piston rod, so a crosshead is used to eliminate the angular movement of the rod.
Related Definitions in the Project: The Mechanical Engineering
