Compressors three-step control

Motor-driven reciprocating compressors above about 75 kW (100 hp) in size are usually equipped with a step control. This is in reality a variation of constant-speed control in which unloading is accomplished in a series of steps, varying from full load down to no load. Three-step control (full load, one-half load, and no load) is usually accomplished with inlet-valve unloaders. Five-step control (full load, three-fourths load, one-half load, one-fourth load, and no load) is accomplished by means of clearance pockets (see Fig. 10-91). On some machines, inlet-valve and clearance-control unloading are used in combination. 

Figure 11-21D. Helical rotors refrigerant compressors. (1) Cutaway of a 100-ton intermediate compressor. The intermediate Helirotor compressor has only three moving parts the two rotor assemblies and the capacity controlling slide valve. The general purpose Helirotor compressor has only four moving parts two rotor assemblies, the variable unloader valve, and the step unloader valve. Unlike reciprocating compressors, the Trane Helirotor compressor has no pistons, connecting rods, suction and discharge valves, or mechanical oil pump.

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