In this article, I will share with you the working principle of a diaphragm air compressor. If you never knew about diaphragm air compressor is used in some applications where the cubic capacity to be delivered is small and where the pressure being produced is low (about 250KN/m2).
The diaphragm air compressor is simple when it comes to its operation.
If you know the working principle of a reciprocating air compressor you will not have an issue understanding the diaphragm air compressor working principle.
You might like this: Reciprocating Air Compressor: Components, Types And Working Principle
Diaphragm air compressor is a positive displacement type, and that is why the working principle of this air compressor it’s closely related to the reciprocating air compressors.
Before I share with you the working principle of a diaphragm air compressor, let me share with you some of its main components.
Components of diaphragm air compressor;
These are the main components of the diaphragm compressor;
The air chamber; it’s the part where the air is collected before it’s displaced from the air compressor.
Diaphragm (Neoprene); it’s the part that keeps stretching with the intake of air to allow more air in the air chamber, when the air is discharged it reforms to its original shape.
Its elasticity is what makes it possible for it to stretch when air occupies the air chamber.
Piston attached to the neoprene; its main function is to stretch the neoprene and return it back to its original position, thus resulting in the air inlet and discharge.
Suction valve and delivery valve; the main function of the suction valve is to allow air in the air chamber and the delivery valve is to allow air to be discharged from the air chamber.
Suction line and delivery line; the suction line is the line that directs air into the air chamber and the delivery line is the line which directs the compressed air to the point of use or to the air receiver.
With the knowledge of those few parts of the diaphragm air compressor, let me share with you the working principle now.
Working principle of diaphragm air compressor;
The working principle of the diaphragm air compressor is based on the displacement of the air chamber so that another volume of air can occupy the space.
During the downward movement of the piston; when the piston moves downward it stretches the diaphragm thus increasing the volume of the initial air left in the air chamber.
The increase in the volume of the residual air left in the chamber will cause a slight decrease in the air pressure in the air chamber.
Since the atmospheric pressure is higher than the air within the air chamber it will lift the suction valve allowing air to enter while the delivery valve will remain closed since the air pressure within the air chamber is lower than the atmospheric pressure.
Once the air has entered the air chamber the suction valve will close to prevent air from escaping to the atmosphere and also since the pressure within the air chamber is now greater than the atmospheric pressure.
During the upward movement of the piston; when the piston moves upward it will decrease the volume of air within the air chamber and this will result in an increase in air pressure within the air chamber.
The increase of pressure in the air chamber will lift the delivery valve since the pressure within the air chamber will be higher compared to the atmospheric pressure outside the delivery valve while the suction valve will remain close.
The air will be discharged from the air chamber under high pressure and delivered to the air receiver or the point of use.
And the process will be repeated as long as the piston keeps moving up and down flexing the diaphragm.
Advantages of using a diaphragm air compressor;
These are some of the advantages of using a diaphragm air compressor;
- Diaphragm air compressors are easier to maintain and operate.
- They occupy a small space due to their small and compact design.
- They are amazing when it comes to lower pressure discharge.
Disadvantages of using a diaphragm air compressor;
These are the disadvantages of using a diaphragm air compressor;
- They have a short life due to the rapid flexing of the diaphragm compared to the piston-type reciprocating air compressor.
- They can’t be used for higher pressure discharge since they have a lower capacity.
- It handles a lower volume of air thus the discharge volume is very low.
If you have any questions leave your comment, thanks for reading and see you in my next article.
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