## How to Calculate the Try Life of a Compressor
The try life of a compressor is the number of hours that it can operate before it fails. This is an important factor to consider when selecting a compressor for a particular application, as it will help to ensure that the compressor is able to meet the demands of the application without failing prematurely.
There are a number of factors that can affect the try life of a compressor, including:
* The type of compressor
* The size of the compressor
* The operating conditions
* The maintenance schedule
The type of compressor is one of the most important factors that will affect its try life. Reciprocating compressors typically have a shorter try life than rotary screw compressors, as they are more prone to wear and tear. The size of the compressor will also affect its try life, as larger compressors are typically more robust and can withstand more wear and tear than smaller compressors.
The operating conditions can also affect the try life of a compressor. Compressors that are operated at high speeds or in high-temperature environments will typically have a shorter try life than compressors that are operated at lower speeds or in lower-temperature environments. The maintenance schedule is also an important factor that can affect the try life of a compressor. Compressors that are properly maintained will typically have a longer try life than compressors that are not properly maintained.
To calculate the try life of a compressor, you can use the following formula:
“`
Try life = (C * P * F) / (S * T)
“`
Where:
* C is a constant that depends on the type of compressor
* P is the power of the compressor
* F is the operating factor
* S is the speed of the compressor
* T is the temperature of the operating environment
The constant C can be found in the following table:
| Compressor type | C |.
|—|—|.
| Reciprocating | 1.0 |.
| Rotary screw | 1.5 |.
| Centrifugal | 2.0 |
The operating factor F can be found in the following table:
| Operating conditions | F |.
|—|—|.
| Light duty | 1.0 |.
| Medium duty | 1.5 |.
| Heavy duty | 2.0 |
The speed of the compressor S is typically measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The temperature of the operating environment T is typically measured in degrees Celsius (°C).
Once you have all of the necessary information, you can simply plug it into the formula to calculate the try life of the compressor. For example, if you have a 100 horsepower reciprocating compressor that is operating at 1,800 RPM in a 30°C environment, the try life of the compressor would be:
“`
Try life = (1.0 * 100 * 1.5) / (1,800 * 30) = 8,333 hours
“`
This means that the compressor would be expected to operate for 8,333 hours before it fails. It is important to note that this is just an estimate, and the actual try life of the compressor may vary depending on the specific operating conditions.
By following these steps, you can calculate the try life of a compressor and ensure that you are selecting the right compressor for your application..
