Correct Answer - Option 4 : Due to pressure drop and heat transfer
Irreversibility:
An irreversible process can be defined as a process in which the system and the surroundings do not return to their original condition once the process is initiated.
There is two types of irreversibility:
1. Internal irreversibility
- Internal irreversibility due to mixing of fluid, fluid friction, and throttling.
2. External irreversibility
- External irreversibility due to finite temperature difference existence.
In a reciprocating compressor, due to fluid friction pressure drop occur and due to finite temperature difference heat transfer also occurs. These are the main reason of internal and external irreversibility in reciprocating compressors.
Reciprocating compressor:
- Reciprocating compressors are positive displacement compressors. Comprising of piston-cylinder assembly with two valves i.e inlet valve and delivery valve.
- These compressors are the only compressors which are capable of giving the highest pressure rise in the family of compressors.
- These compressors are heavier due to the large mass of reciprocating parts as well as cylinder assembly.
- Reciprocating compressors can be best utilized whenever used in multistage along with intercooling in between the stage.
- These compressors encounter high leakage in comparison to rotary compressors.
- These compressors are not uniform delivering type but deliver the flow intermittently.
