Study of Leakages in Screw Compressors

Abstract

r-meshing rotors with helical grooves (called as screws) separated by very small clearance, to compress the air. In order to achieve higher pressure ratio, oil is inserted in an oil injected twin screw compressor which acts as a cooling, lubricating and sealing agent. At moderate pressure ratio condition, the screw compressor proves itself as the best option for compression among all other conventional compressors. Hence it becomes essential to optimize and enhance the performance of a twin screw compressor. Among various performance parameters, the volumetric efficiency of compressor is the main factor which decides the overall compressor efficiency. In the present study, attempts are made to analyze various leakages related to screw compressors. The clearance provided in between two rotors helps in smooth operation. In the present study, experimental and computational work is presented which are utilized to determine the appropreate values of properties related to twin screw compressor. These properties are further used to determine leakage in twin screw compressor. All the four major leakages associated with the oil injected twin screw compressor are calculated by the simpification of the area from where the leakages are determined. The results obtained by both experimental and Ansys are compared and percentage variation of individual leakage is determined. Present study encloses the influence of geometrical parameters like areas and clearances on total leakage rate