Purpose of intercooling in multi-stage air compressors: choose the primary objective. Select the main reason intercoolers are used between compression stages.
Mechanical Engineering
Compressors, Gas Dynamics and Gas Turbines
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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ATo cool the air during compression
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BTo cool the air at delivery
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CTo enable compression in two stages
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DTo minimise the work of compression
Answer
Correct Answer: To minimise the work of compression
Explanation
Concept/ApproachFor a given overall pressure ratio, the compression work W ∝ ∫ v dp. Reducing the specific volume by cooling between stages lowers the required work.
Key resultPerfect intercooling (returning to the initial temperature) with equal pressure ratios per stage minimizes total work.
Final AnswerTo minimise the work of compression.