Basic overview of air compressor thermodynamics
21 April, 2022
To better understand the physics of air compressor thermodynamics and heat generation, this article discusses the main principles and two gas laws.
Decoding Air Compressor Acronyms
November 13, 2024
When dealing with air compressors, clear communication is essential for both effective operation and maintenance. The numerous acronyms used to describe various measurements and technologies can be overwhelming, yet they play a critical role in understanding compressor performance and capabilities. This article aims to clarify these commonly used acronyms, providing valuable insights that will enhance user comprehension at all levels.
PSI - Pounds per square inch
A unit of pressure commonly used to measure the operating pressure of air compressors; it indicates the force exerted per square inch of an area.
PSIA – Pounds per square inch absolute
The pressure relative to zero or a perfect vacuum.
PSIG – Pounds per square inch gauge
The pressure relative to the ambient atmospheric pressure.
ATM – Atmospheric pressure
Unit based on the average pressure at sea level; it is equal to 101,325 pascals.
PA – Pascal
The SI (System of Units) unit of pressure; it is defined as one Newton per square meter.
kPA – Kilopascals
It is equal to a thousand PA.
MPa – Megapascals
It is equal to a million PA.
mBAR – Millibar
It represents one-thousandth of a bar
CFM – Cubic Feet per Minute
A unit measurement used to express the volumetric flow rate of air or gas.
SCFM – Standard Cubic Feet per Minute
It represents the volumetric flow rate of air or gas at standard conditions .
VSD – Variable Speed Drive
A technology that allows the speed of the compressor motor to be automatically adjusted, resulting in energy savings and improved efficiency.
HP – Horsepower
It is defined as the unit of power used to quantify the output or capacity of the compressor motor.
RPM – Revolutions per Minute
The measure of the rotational speed of a compressor’s motor of compressor pump.
FAD – Free Air Delivery
The volume flow rate of gas compressed and delivered at the standard discharge point, referred to the atmospheric conditions of the site, not affected by the compressor.
RH – Relative Humidity
It is the ratio between the water content to the amount of water the air can hold in the same temperature. The typical relative humidity for ambient air is around 60-80%.
DP – Dew Point
It can be described as the temperature at which dew/condensation occurs.
PDP – Pressure Dew Point
It indicates the temperature at which air or gas is saturated with water and begins to turn into a liquid state through condensation. In other words, it is the water content in the air at actual pressure.
ADP – Atmospheric Dew Point
The water content at the ambient pressure. This value is useful to customers who expand their air back to atmospheric pressure at the point of use and then use it in their process.
Related Articles
The Science of Stages of Matter
5 May, 2023
To understand the workings of compressed air, a basic introduction to physics is helpful, including the 4 stages of matter.
What Type of Compressor Do I Need?
20 December, 2022
There are a lot of things you have to consider when choosing an air compressor for your business. We will take a look at some of the compressor types available and which one is best for you.