Chapter 2

Compression Systems And Compressor

The compression system is the basis of operation of the refrigeration units described in this
chapter. One must understand the system to accurately diagnose (identify) mechanical
difficulties. Many types of compression mechanisms are explained to help the service technician
become familiar with their basic operations.
The arrangement of the units of study in this chapter will be in the same order as the arrangement
of the parts in a refrigerating system. Beginning with the evaporator (where the heat is absorbed),
the sequence (order of study) is through the suction line, into the compressor, then through the
condenser, liquid receiver, filter-drier, liquid line, refrigerant control and back into the
evaporator.
Necessary details concerning the construction and operation of the parts as well as of various
types of these mechanisms are explained fully. Included are necessary temperature and motor
controls.
Laws of Refrigeration
All refrigerating systems depend on five thermal laws:
1. Fluids absorb heat while changing from a liquid state to a vapor state and give up heat in
changing from a vapor to a liquid.
2. The temperature at which a change of state occurs is constant during the change provided
the pressure remains constant.
3. Heat flows only from a body which is at a higher temperature to a body which is at a
lower temperature (hot to cold).
4. Metallic parts of the evaporating and condensing units use metals which have a high heat
conductivity (copper, brass, aluminum).
5. Heat energy and other forms of energy are interchangeable. For example, electricity may
be converted to heat, heat to electrical energy and heat to mechanical energy.
Compression Cycle
The compression cycle is so named because it is the compressor which changes the refrigerant
vapor from low pressure to high pressure. This pumping causes the transfer of heat energy from
the inside of the cabinet to the outside. Since the compression machine transfers heat from one
place to another, it may also be called a heat pump.
A refrigerating system consists principally of a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, fig 21.
A refrigeration cycle follows these steps: From the liquid receiver, G, liquid refrigerant, at a
high pressure, flows through the refrigerant control, A, (a pressure reducer). It moves into the

[2-1]

evaporator, B, The evaporator is under a low pressure. Here the liquid refrigerant vaporizes
(boils) and absorbs heat.
The vapor then flows into the compressor through the intake valve, C, back into the compressor
cylinder. The piston, D, on the compression stroke, squeezes the vapor into a small space with an
increase in temperature. Fig 2-2 illustrates this principle.
In Fig 2-1, the compressed high-temperature vapor is pushed through the exhaust valve, E, into
the condenser, F. In the condenser, heat from the refrigerant is passed on to the surrounding air.
In giving up this heat, it returns to a liquid and is stored in the receiver. From here the cycle is
repeated.
In operation, the apparatus transfer heat from one place to another place. That is, it takes heat
from inside of a refrigerator to the outside air or from the inside of a refrigerator to the outside
air or from the water of a water cooler to the outside air. This action may be compared to using a
sponge to pickup water in one place and releasing it in another by squeezing it.
To have a transfer of heat, there must be a temperature difference. To get the temperature
difference, there must be a low-pressure side (heat absorber) and a high-pressure side (heat
dissipater).

Fig 2-1 : Compression cycle showing the two pressure conditions. Low-pressure side
extends from refrigeration control A, through evaporator, B, to the compressor intake
valve,C. High-pressure side begins in the cylinder above the piston, D, on the comression
stroke. It extends from exhuast valve, E, through condenser, F, liquid receiver, G, and
liquid line, to refrigerat control A.

[2-2]

Fig 2-2 : Heat of the vapor compressed into a small space raises vapor temperature greatly.
A-V1 = volume of vapor at the end of the intake stroke + 8 cu. In. (131cm3). T1 =
temperature of vapor at end of intake stroke = 50F. (10C). B-V2 + the volume of the vapor
at the end of compression stroke = 1/2cu.in. (8.2cm3). T2 = the temperature of the vapor at
the end of the compression stroke = 250 F. (121C).
Operation of Compression Cycle
Fig 2-3 illustrates a typical compression cycle as used in a domestic refrigerator. It has certain
necessary parts which will be explained.
In any compression refrigeration system, there are two different pressure conditions. One is
called the low side and the other the high side. The evaporator is in the low side. Heat is
absorbed in the low side.
The accumulator, suction line in and entrance to the compressor suction valve are also on the low
side.
The condenser is in the high side, where the heat is released from the refrigerant. The compressor
exhaust valve, liquid receiver (if used), liquid line filter-drier, liquid line and the refrigerant
control are also on the high side.
A thermostat maintains correct operating temperature by controlling the motor electrical circuit.

[2-3]

Fig 2-3 : Compression cycle showing the flow of refrigerant.

Figure 2-4: Shell type evaporator used with capillary tube or high-side float type
refrigerant control.
Evaporator
The liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator from the refrigerant flow control is suddenly under
low pressure. This makes it vaporize (boil) and absorb heat. The vapors move on into the suction
line. If all of the liquid refrigerant has not vaporized in the evaporator, there is usually a cylinder
(accumulator) to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction.

[2-4]

Evaporators are mainly of two types, a dry system and the flooded system. Refrigerant is fed into
the dry system evaporator only as fast as is needed to maintain the temperature wanted. In the
flooded system, the evaporator is always filled with liquid refrigerant. The type of refrigerant
control used determines the type of evaporator to be used.

Fig 2-5 : Shelf type evaporator. This shows evaporator as it forms the shelf in upright
freezer. Accumulator is located at outlet of evaporator. This is a small reservoir to catch
refrigerant not needed in evaporator.
Evaporators are made in four different styles:
1. Shell type, Fig 2-4
2. Shelf type, Fig 2-5
3. Wall type, used in chest type freezer, fig 2-6
4. Fin tube type with forced circulation. This type of evaporator is most used with frost-free
construction.
Frost-free refrigerators usually need a fan. They circulate the air over the evaporator and
distribute cold air throughout the cabinet.
There are many types of commercial system evaporators. Air cooling and liquid cooling are two
of the basic designs. They are constructed of plain or finned tubing or of plate.

[2-5]

Accumulator
The accumulator is a safety device to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the suction line
and into the compressor. Liquid refrigerant, if it were to flow into the compressor, could cause
considerable knocking and damage to the compressor.
A typical accumulator, Fig 2-4 and 2-5, has the outlet at the top. Any liquid refrigerant that flows
into the accumulator will be evaporated. Then vapor only will flow into the suction line. Since
the accumulator is located inside the cabinet, it also provides some refrigeration.

Fig 2-6 : Wall type evaporator. Note evaporator tubing is attached to lining of freezing
cabinet. This arrangement provides smooth inside surface with uniform cooling throughout
cabinet.

Fig 2-7: Forced convection evaporator. A-A forced circulation evaporator is used in this
upright freezer cabinet. Door switch stops fan when cabinet door is opened. B- Fin type
evaporator. Note the through to collect and carry away the defrost moisture which drains
from the evaporator during the defrost part of the cycle.

[2-6]

Suction Line
The suction line carries the refrigerant vapor from the evaporator to the compressor. The line
must be large enough to carry the vaporized refrigerant with minimal flow resistance. It should
slope from the evaporator or accumulator down to the compressor. Otherwise, pockets of oil
collect.
In many units, the liquid line is in contact with all or part of the length of the suction line. This
cools the liquid refrigerant, helping to reduce flash gas in the evaporator. It also adds some
superheat to the refrigerant vapor entering the compressor.
Low Side Filter-Drier
Some systems include a low-side filter-drier at the compressor end of the suction line. These may
be a part of the original system or may be placed in the system, for a short time, to clean it up.
Fig 2-8 is a typical suction line filter-drier. The filter-drier used in the suction line should offer
little resistance to the flow of the vaporized refrigerant. This is because the pressure difference
between the pressure in the evaporator and the inlet to the compressor should be small.

Fig 2-8: Suction line filter-drier. Direction of refrigerant vapor flow is indicated.
Compressor Low Side Or Suction Service Valve
Many systems have some means that allow the service technician to connect gauges to the
system, check pressures and add or take out refrigerant or oil.
A typical compressor suction service valve is pictured in Fig 2-9. This valve is connected to the
compressor at the compressor inlet union. The suction line from the evaporator is attached at the
low-side inlet. Sealing caps protect the charging and gauge opening port and the valve stem
when the valve is not in use.
More recent domestic models do not have service valves.

[2-7]

Fig 2-9: Compressor low-side or suction service valve. If valve stem is turned all the way in,
it closes off the connection from the compressor to the suction line. In this position, if valve
is removed from compressor, suction line remains sealed. If valve stem is turned out as far
as possible to install compound gauge or charging line.
Compressor
The refrigeration compressor is a motor-driven device which moves the heat-laden vapor
refrigerant from the evaporator and compresses (squeezes) it into a small volume and to a high
temperature. The various types of pumping mechanisms (compressors) used are explained later
in this chapter.
Compressor High-Side Service Valve
The compressor high-side service valve provides a shutoff between the compressor and the
condenser. It also provides and opening for a high-pressure gauge or a gauge manifold.
With the valve closed (all the way in), it is possible to disconnect the compressor from the
condenser without any leakage of refrigerant from the condenser. When the valve stem is all the
way out, the opening for the gauge is closed.
Fig 2-10 illustrates a cross-section of the service valve. It is not used on all refrigerating systems.

[2-8]

Fig 2-10. A compressor high-side service valve. If valve is turned all the way in, as in view
A, it shuts off connection between compressor, 3, and condenser, 2. If valve is turned all the
way out, as in view B, it closes off connection to gauge port1. At mid-position, view C, all
passages are open.
Oil Separator
Refrigeration compressors get their lubrication from a small amount of special lubrication oil
placed inside the compressor crankcase or housing. This oil is circulated to various compressor
parts. In a hermetic (airtight) system, this oil also lubricates the motor bearings.
When the compressor operates, small amounts of oil will be pumped out with the hot compressed
vapor. A small amount of oil throughout the system does no harm. However, too much oil in
such parts as the condenser, refrigerant flow controls, evaporator and filters interferes with their
operation.
It is possible to separate the oil from the hot compressed vapor. This involves placing and oil
separator between the compressor exhaust and the condenser. The location and operation of such
a separator is shown in fig 2-11. The separator is enlarged in the illustration to help show details.
The oil separator is a tank or cylinder with a series of baffles or screens which collect the oil. The
oil separated from the hot, compressed vapors, drops to the bottom of the separator.

[2-9]

A float arrangement controls a needle valve which opens an oil return line to the compressor
crankcase. When the oil level is high enough, the float rises and opens the needles valve. This oil
returns quickly to the compressor crankcase, since the pressure in the separator is considerably
higher than the pressure in the compressor crankcase.
Oil separators are quite efficient. Very little oil passes on into the system. They are most
commonly used in large commercial installation.

Fig 2-11: An oil separator located in the discharge line. Note flow of refrigerant and oil.
Condenser
The condenser in the refrigeration cycle removes the condensation heat from the refrigerant
vapor. This heat is picked up in the evaporator. Domestic refrigerators commonly use the four
following types of condensers. (fig 2-12):
1. Finned-static (natural convection)
2. Finned-forced convection
3. Wire-static
4. Plate-static
Illustrated in view A, Fig 2-12 is a common finned type static condenser. Static means that air
circulation through the condenser tubing and fins is by natural convection, that is, warm air tends
to rise. As the air in contact with the fins and tubes becomes heated, it rises and cooler air takes
its place. The tubes and fins are usually made of copper or steel.
View B, Fig 2-12, is a forced convection fin type condenser. Whenever the compressor is
operating, the motor-driven fan forces air through the condenser.
Shown in view C is a wire type condenser which user small metal wires brazed or spot welded to
the condenser tubing. It is usually of the static type.
The plate type condenser is pictured in view D. In this type, the condenser tubes are soldered or
brazed to a flat metal surface. This is a very common type of condenser construction. It is used
on many chest-type freezers. The condenser tubes are attached to the inside (insulation side) of
the freezers outer shell. This type of condenser is very easy to keep clean. It is only necessary to
wipe off the surface of the cabinet shell. To get proper removal of heat from the refrigerant
vapor, always keep the condenser clean.
[2-10]

Commercial systems use three types of condensers:

1. Finned-static, air-cooled
2. Finned-forced convection, air-cooled
3. Water cooled, tube- in-a-tube and shell
The finned-static and the finned-forced convection condensers are built much the same as the
domestic condensers, except that they are larger. Forced convection finned condensers are used
on many commercial refrigeration installations.
Water-cooled condensers usually consist of two tubes, one within the other. Water circulates
through the inside tube. Hot compressed vapor circulates through the space between the tubes.
These condensers are usually called tube-within-a-tube condensers. They are very efficient.
With the rapid development of commercial refrigeration and air conditioning, many communities
have difficulty in supplying enough water for water-cooled condensers. Thus, more and more
forced convection air-cooled condensers are being used instead.

Fig 2-12 : Common domestic type condensers.

[2-11]

Fig 2-13 : Two common types of liquid receivers.

Liquid Receiver
The liquid receiver is a storage tank for liquid refrigerant. When a refrigerating mechanism has
one, the refrigerant is usually pumped out of the various parts and stored in it during servicing.
Its use makes the quantity of refrigerant in a system less critical.
Occasionally one may find a liquid receiver built into the bottom of the condenser. Most
receivers have service valves. See figure 2-13. A fine copper mesh in the outlet prevents dirt
from entering the refrigerant control valves.

Liquid receivers are used on most systems with the low-side float type or the expansion valve
type refrigerant control. Capillary tube systems do not use them because all the liquid refrigerant
is stored in the evaporator during the off part of the cycle. Greater use of hermetic systems and
capillary tube refrigerant controls has removed the need for liquid receivers in domestic systems
and in many small commercial units.
On larger commercial systems the receiver provides enough reserve liquid refrigerant to ensure
that the liquid line refrigerant is sub-cooled and free of flash gas. The receiver must provide
enough room for refrigerant during automatic pump-downs (for defrost purposes and when some
of the evaporators are not in use)
Some systems which have an outdoor air-cooled condenser need room in the receiver for extra
refrigerant. This applies to systems which partly fill the condenser with liquid when the head
pressure tends to decrease too much.
Liquid Line Filter-Drier
It is common practice to install a filter-drier in the liquid line. This tank-like accessory keeps
moisture, dirt, metal and chips from entering the refrigerant flow control. What is more, the
drying element in the filter removes moisture which might otherwise freeze in the refrigerant
flow control.

[2-12]

Moisture is also harmful when mixed with oil in a system. It forms sludges and acids. It is
especially harmful to hermetic units. A liquid line filter-drier is shown in Fig 2-14. Some filterdrier are equipped with a sight glass which will indicate refrigerant level. Many sight glasses also
have a chemical which will change color when the system has moisture in it.

Fig 2-14 : A liquid line filter-drier

Liquid Line
While copper tubing is commonly used to carry the liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the
evaporator, domestic units often use steel. These lines are mounted at the back of the refrigerator
cabinet or are hidden behind the breaker strip at the refrigerator door jamb (frame).
The lines are soldered or brazed to fittings. It is important to avoid pinching or buckling these
lines. They must also be supported to prevent wear or breakage from vibration.
Refrigerant lines in commercial units may be connected by soldering, brazing or by flared
fittings.
In many installations, the liquid line runs parallel to and in contact with the suction line.

Refrigerant Flow Control-Types

The refrigerant flow control has two functions. It allows liquid refrigerant to enter the evaporator
and, at the same time, maintains the required evaporating pressure in the evaporator.
Several types of refrigerant flow controls are used in modern refrigerating mechanisms.
There are five principal types:
1. Capillary Tubes (Cap.) (Dry system)
2. Automatic Expansion Valve (AEV) (Dry system)
3. Thermostatic Expansion Valve (TEV) (Dry system)

[2-13]

4. Low-Side Float (LSF) (flooded system)

5. High-Side Float (HSF) (Flooded system)

Fig 2-15 : Refrigerating system using capillary tube refrigerant control. Filter-drier is
located in liquid line ahead of connection to capillary tube. Most of the capillary tube is
fastened to suction line which provides heat exchange. A-Enlarged cross-section of suction
line (1) and capillary tube (2) showing how they are soldered or brazed together.
Capillary (CAP.) Tube
The capillary tube is the most common refrigerant flow control for domestic refrigerators,
freezers, room air conditioners and small commercial installations. A typical installation is
shown in Fig. 2-15.
The capillary tube is a long length of small diameter tubing. It reduces pressure, by reducing the
flow of refrigerant through its length.
Fig. 2-16 is another drawing of a capillary tube refrigerant control. The tubes inside diameter
may vary, depending upon the refrigerant, capacity of the unit and length of the line.
The tube is placed between the liquid line and the evaporator. Just enough liquid passes through
it to make up for the amount that is vaporized in the evaporator as the compressor operates.
[2-14]

It reduces the liquid refrigerant from its high pressure to its evaporating pressure. There is no
change in the liquid except a slight drop in pressure for about the first two-thirds of the length of
the capillary tube.
Then some of the liquid starts to change to vapor. By the time the refrigerant reaches the end of
the tube, 10 to 20 percent of it has vaporized. The increased volume of the vapor causes most of
the pressure drop to take place in the end of the tube nearest the liquid line.
A recent development in capillary tube design uses a line and longer tube (20 to 30ft). Being
larger in diameter, it is less likely to become plugged.
The capillary tube refrigerant control does not use a check valve or a direction control valve. The
high end low pressure equalize during the off part of the cycle. This permit easier starting, since
the compressor starts with equal pressures on the high and low side. The system must not have
an overcharge of refrigerant, as the extra refrigerant would tend to fill the evaporator too full.
An over charge will be indicated by severe frosting of the suction line when the motor starts.

Fig 2-16 : Capillary tube refrigerant control. A strainer is located in liquid line at entrance
to capillary tube. Note the accumulator. This serves as receiver for any liquid refrigerant
overflow.
Automatic expansion Valve (AEV)
One of the dry systems uses an automatic expansion valve (AEV) as refrigerant flow control
Figure 2 -17. As pressure drops on the low side, the expansion valve opens and liquid refrigerant
flow into the evaporator. It absorbs heat then, while evaporating under low pressure. The valve
maintains constant pressure in the evaporator when the system is running. This system operates
independently of the amount of refrigerant in the system.
The AEV is, therefore, one of the division points between the high-pressure and low-pressure
sides of the system.
[2-15]

The automatic expansion valve, Fig 2-18 maybe adjusted to the correct evaporator pressure.
Turning the adjustment clockwise will increase the rate of flow and, therefore, increase the lowside pressure.
The rate of refrigerant flow through the automatic expansion valve is controlled by the pressure
in the evaporator. No refrigerant will flow through the valve unless the compressor is running
and the evaporator is under a low pressure.
Remember, lowering the pressure in the evaporator will lower the temperature at which the
refrigerant evaporates.
This valve may be used only with the temperature operated motor control.

Fig 2-17 : Cross section of an automatic expansion valve shows flow of refrigerant through
valve. This valve is designed to control the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator. It
also maintains constant low pressure in the evaporator while the compressor is operating.

[2-16]

Fig 2-18: A refrigerating system using an automatic expansion valve refrigerant control. A
filter-drier is located in the liquid line ahead of the automatic expansion valve.

Fig 2-19: Diaphragm type thermostatic expansion valve. Sensing bulb pressure operates on
upper surface of diaphragm. As sensing bulb temperature increases, pressure on top of
diagram increases and tends to open valve allowing liquid refrigerant to enter evaporator.
Note screen at liquid line connection and direction of refrigerant flow through valve.

[2-17]

Fig 2-20: Typical thermostatic expansion valve system. Note two-cylinder hermetic
compressor.

[2-18]

Hermetic Compressor
The motor in a hermetic compressor is sealed inside a dome or housing with the compressor. It is
directly connected to the compressor. A crank shaft seal is not needed.
A motor rotor is usually a press fit on the compressor crankshaft. Some motor compressors are
made with the motor at the top, others have the motor at the bottom and the compressor at the
top.
The unit is usually spring mounted inside the hermetic dome. A connection through the dome
provides means of fastening the compressor lines to the remainder of the system. The electrical
connections to the motor pass through the dome by means of insulated leakproof construction.
To lubricate the compressor, the return suction gas is fed into a hollow disk mounted on the
motor compressor shaft. Centrifugal force throws the oil and liquid refrigerant to the outer rim of
the disk and flows over the motor windings. (Centrifugal force action rotates things to pull
spinning particles away from the center of the rotation). Only the vapor refrigerant remains at the
center and is drawn into the cylinders of the compressor.
A hermetic motor compressor usually requires an outside electrical relay starting mechanism. Fig
2-21 shows a section through such a motor.
Some motor compressors are two-speed. These are popular in large systems and in air
conditioning where heat loads change.
Types of Compressors
There are four basic types of compressor in use:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Reciprocating (piston-cylinder)
Rotary
Screw type
Centrifugal.

[2-19]

Fig 2-21 : Reciprocating hermetic compressor. Compressor is at top and motor at bottom.
Assembly is mounted on springs inside dome. A- motor. B-Motor Stator. C-Compressor
cylinder. D-Compressor piston. E-Connecting rod. F-Crankshaft. G-Crank throw. HCompressor shell. I-Glass sealed electrical connections through compressor dome.

Fig 2-22 : Large capacity external drive two-cylinder reciprocating compressor. Note
eccentric type crankshaft and pistons fitted with rings.

[2-20]

Reciprocating Compressors
The original energy source is usually an electric motor. Its rotary motion must be changed to
reciprocating motors. This change is usually made by a crank and a rod connecting the crank to
the piston. The complete mechanism is housed in a leakproof container called a crankcase. It is
very efficient. Its construction resembles, in many ways, that of the automobiles engine. A
typical external drive reciprocating compressor is shown in Fig 2-22.
Basically, this compressor is a cylinder and a piston. Fig 2-23 shows the principle of operation of
operation of a reciprocating compressor. In illustration 1, the piston, B, has moved downward in
cylinder, A, and has moved refrigerant vapor from the suction line, C, through the intake valve,
E, and into the cylinder space, G. In illustration No. 2, the piston has moved upward and has
compressed the vaporized refrigerant into a much smaller space (clearance space) marked H, and
has pushed the compressed vapor through valve, F, into the condenser.

Fig 2-23: Basic construction of a reciprocating compressor. A- cylinder. B- Piston. C-Intake

port from suction line. D-Exhaust port to condenser. E-Intake valve. F-Exhaust valve. GPiston displacement indicates volume of vapor drawn into cylinder on intake stroke. HClearance space at end of compression stroke. Left-hand illustration shows intake stroke,
right-hand the exhaust stroke.
Rotary Compressor
There are two basic types of rotary compressors. One has blades that rotate with the shaft. The
others has stationary blades. The rotary blade compressor using two blades, shown in Fig 2-24, is
typical of this type. The low-pressure vapor from the suction line is drawn into the opening and
fills the space behind the blade as it revolves. As the blades revolves, trapped vapor in the space
ahead of the blade is compressed until it can be pushed into the exhaust line to the condenser.

[2-21]

A commercial rotary blade compressor, using eight blades, is pictured in Fig 2-25. The basic
operation of the eight-blade compressor is the same as the two-blade.

Fig 2-24: A rotary blade compressor. Black arrows indicate direction of rotation or rotor.
Red arrows indicate refrigerant vapor flow.

Fig 2-25: Eight bladed rotary compressor. Black arrows indicate direction of rotation. Red
arrows indicate direction of flow of vapor.

Fig 2-26: Section through rotating vane compressor. This is an external drive compressor.
Note shaft seal at the right end.

[2-22]

Fig 2-27: Cylinder and rotor from fig 2-26 in detail. A- The inside of the cylinder showing
port openings. Note intake ports are longer than exhaust ports. B- Relative position of rotor
and blades inside cylinder.
Screw Type Compressor
The screw type compressor uses a pair of special helical rotors. They trap and compress air as
they revolve in an accurately machined compressor cylinder. These compressors are available in
either external drive or hermetic construction. They are used in large systems (20 tons and up).
Fig 2-28 illustrates a cross section. The two rotors are not the same shape. One is male, the other
female. The male rotor, A is driven by the motor. It has four lobes. The female rotor, B, meshes
with and is driven by the male rotor. It has six interlobe spaces. The cylinder, C, encloses both
rotors.
In operation, the refrigerant vapor is drawn in as shown in Fig 2-29. The intake (low-pressure
vapor) enters at one end of the compressor and is discharged (compressed vapor) at the opposite
end.
Since there are four lobes on the male rotor and six on the female rotor, the male rotor will
revolve more rapidly than the female rotor. The rotors are helixes so the pumping action will be a
continuous action rather than pulsating as with a reciprocating compressor. In the absence of this
reciprocating motion, there is very little vibration during operation.

[2-23]

Fig 2-28 : Cross section of a screw-type compressor. A-Male Rotor. B-Female Rotor. CCylinder. Vaporized refrigerant enters at one end and exhausts at other end.

Fig 2-29: Basic operation of a screw-type compressor. Revolving rotor compresses vapor :
A-Compressor interlobe spaces being filled. B- Beginning of compression. C-Full
compression of trapped vapor. D-Beginning of discharge of compressed vapor. ECompressed vapor fully discharged from interlobes spaces.

Fig 2-30 : Screw type compressor which uses matched set of helical rotors.

[2-24]

Fig 2-30 illustrates a cut view of an external drive screw type compressor. It is powered by an
external electric motor, operating off the shaft. The motor drives the male rotor. Two matched
helical rotors, male and female, trap and compress the refrigerant as they turn together. The rotor
is mounted on the drive shaft. The other rotor is made to turn by the action of the first rotor. A
control device mounted outside the housing regulates the capacity of the unit. The device can be
seen at the left.
A hermetic screw type compressor is shown in Fig 2-31. Its capacity control device is mounted
inside the housing. Its inlet port is located at right angles to the rotors. Outlet port is through the
motor housing.
Many screw type compressors operate with oil injection. This seals the clearance between the
rotors and between the rotors and cylinder. It also helps cool the compressor. The efficiency of
these compressors is quiet good. They may be used with most of the common refrigerants.
Fig. 2-32 illustrates a pair of screw type rotors in operating position. Since the screw type
operates at fairly high speed, adequate bearings must be provided for good rotor bearing life.

Fig 2-31: Screw type hermetic motor compressor. Note helical rotors and capacity control
slide. 1-Oil separation plate. 2-Inlet main bearings. 3-Rotors. 4-Slide valve.
5-Unloader piston. 6-Discharge port. 7-Hermetic motor housing 8-Suction service valve. 9Suction port. 10-Oil strainer.

[2-25]

Fig 2-32: Matched set of helical rotors in a screw type compressor. Refrigerant vapor is
compressed as it flows from left to right through the screw compressor.

Fig 2-33: A two-stage centrifugal compressor. 1- Second stage variable inlet guide vane. 2First stage impeller. 3- Second stage impeller. 4-Water cooled motor. 5-Base, oil tank and
lubricating oil pump assembly. 6-First stage guide vanes and capacity control. 7- Labyrinth
seal. 8-cross-over connection. 9-Guide vane actuator. 10-Volute casing. 11-Pressure
lubricated sleeve bearing.

[2-26]

Fig 2-34: Two-stage centrifugal compressor. System uses water-cooled condenser. Also note
control panel mounted directly on system.
Centrifugal Compressor
Centrifugal compressors are used successfully in large refrigerating systems. In this type, vapor,
since it is moved rapidly in a circular path, moves outward. This action called centrifugal force.
The vapor is fed into a housing near the center of the compressor. A disk with radial blades
(impellers) spins rapidly in this housing forcing vapor against the outer diameter.
The pressure gained is small. Therefore several of these compressor wheels or impellers are put
in series to create greater pressure difference and to pump a sufficient volume of vapor. This type
of compressor looks like a steam turbine or an axial flow air compressor for a gas turbine engine.
The centrifugal compressor has the advantage of simplicity. There are no valves or pistons and
cylinders. The only wearing parts are the main bearings. Pumping efficiency increases with
speed so compressors operate at high speeds.
Fig 2-33 is a cross section through a two stage centrifugal type compressor. The driving motor is
mounted between stages. The inlet is at the left on the illustration. The discharge is in the back at
the right end of the illustration and is not shown. Fig 2-34 pictures a centrifugal compressor
mounted in the refrigerating system. Fig 2-35 shows a section through a hermetic centrifugal
compressor. These compressors operate at a high speed and are usually driven by an electric
motor or steam turbine.

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Fig 2-35 : Hermetic centrifugal compressor. A-Intake, B-First stage impeller, C-Second
stage impeller, D-Hermetic motor, E-Exhaust.

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