THE VALVE PLATE LIFT MEASUREMENT IN THE EXPERIMENTAL RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR

Abstract

Performances (delivery rate and power intake), as reliability of reciprocating compressors, largely are in depending upon the valves functionality. With the aim of precise designing, it is necessary to describe the dynamics of the valve sealing element. This requires linking of the valve plate motion with the current position of the crankshaft and other parameters of the compressor. Surveyed in the paper are some experimental methods applicable for the measurement of the valve plate lift, consisting of the compressor is currently being experimentally investigated on a custom test rig for small air compressors in the Engine Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering of Kragujevac University. The experimental results can be useful for the further improvement in some areas, as example for refining the models of the resistance to valve plate motion, etc. Further contribution can be achieved by combining the measurements with the numerical methods, which would contribute in reducing the design time and overall cost of the compressor.