Difference between reciprocating and rotary compressors

The main difference between rotary and reciprocating compressor can be done on the basis of maximum delivery pressure, free discharge rate, speed of the compressor, the supply of air,  the size of compressor, lubrication system, efficiency, suitability, initial cost, working fluid, the cycle of operation, balancing. So here this article gives the information about the main key difference between reciprocating compressor and a rotary compressor to better understand this topic.

What is a reciprocating compressor?

Reciprocating compressors are meat intermittent use and when you need a small amount of air. These are best suited for a homeowner. Workshops, small business, and construction work. If your compressor is going to be idle more than about one of a third of the time, then a  reciprocating compressor is a probably better choice for your need and satisfaction because the rotary compressor does not fare well with downtime.

What is a rotary compressor?

Rotary compressors are for an application that needs continues to air. They are designed to operate non stop and produce a strong and consistent flow of air. Rotary compressors are a good choice for commercial as well as industrial users that have a constant demand for air. They are very durable and reliable in situations where they are put under a lot of demand. 

Difference between reciprocating and rotary compressors:

  • In reciprocating compressor compression of air takes place with the help of position and cylinder arrangement with reciprocating motion of the piston. While in rotary compressor compression of air takes place due to rotary motion of blades.
  • Reciprocating compressor delivery of air intermittent, Rotary compressor delivery of air is continuous. 
  • The reciprocating compressor flow rate of air is low, while the flow rate of air is high in a rotary compressor.
  • Delivery pressure is high in a reciprocating compressor, while the delivery pressure is low in the rotary compressor.
  • Rotation speed is low in a reciprocating compressor, while in rotation speed is high in a rotary compressor 
  • The reciprocating compressor needs proper lubrication and more maintenance, while in a rotary compressor required less lubrication and maintenance.
  • The speed of the compressor is low because of unbalanced in a reciprocating compressor but the speed of the compressor is high because of perfect balancing in a rotary compressor.
  • In reciprocating air compressor has more number of moving parts, while in rotary air compressor has fewer number of moving parts.
  • A reciprocating compressor is used when the small quality of air at high pressure is required, while in a rotary compressor used where large-quality pressure is required.
  • Reciprocating compressor due to the speed of rotation can not be directly coupled to prime mover but it requires reduction of speed, but in the rotary compressor can be directly coupled to the prime mover.
  • The size of the reciprocating compressor is bulky for given discharge volume, while in rotary compressor size is small for given discharge volume.
  • Reciprocating compressor required complicated lubrication style is required, while in a rotary compressor Simple lubrication style is required.
  • Reciprocating compressor air is delivered from the compressor is dirty, since it comes in contact with the lubricating oil and cylinder surface. While on air delivered from the rotary compressor is clean and free from dirt.

Difference between air cooled and water cooled condenser

The main important factor to note in the comparison between the air-cooled condenser and the water-cooled condenser is the cost of purchase, maintenance, and installation. Here this article gives the main difference between air-cooled and water-cooled condenser to better understand this topic. 

What is Air-cooled condenser?


The air-cooled condensers use ambient air for cooling in the refrigerant cycle. These can often be seen outdoors, as they are commonly used in the exterior unit in the residential and rooftop cooling system.

What is Water cooled condenser?


Water cooling systems have been widely used for years, although they are also on the rise in small businesses and some residential applications. The system operates through a network of water coils used to transfer the heat from the condenser coil. These systems typically work in tandem with the cooling tower in order to circulate out the heat.

Difference between Air-cooled and water-cooled condenser:

  • In an Air-cooled condenser, the initial and maintenance cost is low due to simple construction. While in water-cooled condenser cost high since construction is complicated.
  • Air-cooled condenser used for low capacity, while in water-cooled condenser used for large capacity.
  • An air-cooled condenser no handling problem with air but in water-cooled condenser difficult to handle.
  • While the used air-cooled condenser fouling effect is low since no corrosion, while water-cooled condenser fouling effect is high due to corrosion inside tubes.
  • Air-cooled condenser low heat transfer capacity due to the low thermal conductivity of air, while in water-cooled condenser they have high heat transfer capacity due to the high thermal conductivity of water.
  • The hot air can easily dispose of in air-cooled condenser while in there is the problem of disposing of in water-cooled condenser used water unless the recirculation system is provided
  • Air cool condenser operates on higher condensing temperature so more power required, but in water-cooled operate on lower condensing temperature.
  • In Air-cooled condenser, the efficiency advantage lessens at part load condition, while in water-cooled condenser efficiency advantages much less due to additional cost of CT and pump. 
  • In Air-cooled condenser do not require a sophisticated piping arrangement for carrying air, While in water-cooled condenser piping arrangement is required for carrying water.
  • Air-cooled condensers required more power for the circulation of air and high power fans are noisy. But in water-cooled condensers require less power to the circulation on water.
  • Air-cooled condenser refrigerant condensing temperature is higher due to dependent on DBT, while in water-cooled condenser refrigerant condensing temperature is lower due to dependent on condenser water temperature which is dependent on WBT.
  • Air-cooled condenser life approx 15 to 20 years, while in water-cooled condenser longer equipment life 20 to 30 years.




Advantage of 12V battery Ignition over 6V battery ignition system

Since 1950 all car engines had 6 Volt ignition systems. The advantage of the 6-volt system is that it uses the three cell storage battery which is cheaper, lighter, and less bulky than a six-cell battery of the same watt-hour capacity. As the compression ratio and engine speed increased, the voltage required to break down hence, the 12 Volt system came to be preferred. Now, let us check out the advantages of the 12 Volt battery ignition system over the 6 Volt battery ignition system. 


The main advantages of 12 Volt ignition system are:

  • The cables of a 6 Volt system to be twice the thickness of 12 Volt.
  • Transmitting equal power without excessive voltage drop.
  • During the starting surge, nearly twice the power is available for the ignition coil.
  • Considerably higher voltage can be obtained. 
  • The number of accessories that can be connected to the battery is more since giving adequate voltage.
  • Improve the starting of the engine because of twice power is available than 6 Volt. 

Advantages and disadvantages of LPG

Most of the uses of LPG as fuel at present in domestic and industrial purposes. However, it is also used in the automobile sector as fuel. Let us check some of the advantages and disadvantages of LPG are as follows. Also, you can check out the advantages and disadvantages of LPG cars to know more about it.


Advantages of LPG: 

  1. LPG is non-toxic and non-corrosive in nature. 
  2. Possesses good anti-knocking characteristics. 
  3. LPG can be mix with air at any temperature. 
  4. It has a high octane rating thus it burns cleaner than gasoline. 
  5. LPG does not produce harmful emissions like CO, NO, and higher hydrocarbons. Because LPG contains less content of carbon than gasoline. 
  6. LPG used as fuel in vapor form, therefore, there is no chance of crankcase dilution. 
  7. A uniform mixture of air and fuel can be delivered to the cylinder.
  8. Frequent cleaning of the combustion chamber is not required because particulate emissions are less in LPG. 
  9. There is no carbon deposit on the electrode of the spark plug. Thus, increase the life of sparkplug. 
  10. High thermal efficiency due to the high octane rating. 
  11. The longer engine life than gasoline engine due to less wear on the engine. 
  12. Less vibration, less noise as compared with the diesel engines. 
  13. LPG provides uniform calorific value. Thus, high combustion efficiency. 
  14. LPG running vehicles result in a 10% increase in consumption compared with gasoline. 

Disadvantages of LPG: 

  1. LPG requires a special fuel system for a car. 
  2. The storage tank is heavy thus increase the weight of the car. 
  3. LPG is inflammable gas thus it is hazardous. 
  4. It causes suffocation if leakage because it is heavier than air. 
  5. LPG has low energy density thus it consumes more. 
  6. LPG is costlier than CNG. 
  7. Ignition temperature of LPG is higher than gasoline. 
  8. LPG engine starting trouble at low temperatures because of low vapour pressure. 
  9. It is difficult to provide sufficient power to vehicles in mountains or rough terrains. 
  10. It reduces volumetric efficiency due to the high heat of vaporization. 
  11. LPG is odorless therefore, leakage cannot be easily detected. 

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Advantages and disadvantages of LPG cars

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of LPG cars are as follows. Now, let you check out how to harm vehicles if you used the LPG as a fuel in your cars. Also, check out the advantages and disadvantages of LPG to know more about it. 


Advantages of LPG used cars:

  • LPG mixes with air at all temperatures.
  • LPG has high antiknock characteristics.
  • LPG used engine may have a 50% longer life.
  • Instantly controllable decarburizing of parts.
  • LPG contains less carbon than petrol.
  • In LPG no crankcase dilution.
  • LPG heat energy accounts for about 80% of petrol, but its high octane value compensates for the thermal efficiency of the engine.
  • LPG is a cost-saving of about 50%.
  • Maintenance is low.
  • Clean burning and lowest CO2 emissions amongst all refined fuels.
  • The effects of corrosion are greatly reduced.
  • Avoid scaling and decarburizing of parts.
  • Very high thermal efficiency.
  • LPG can be used in a variety of applications such as in a vehicle, cooking, refrigeration, and rural heating.  
  • With the use of the LPG, the engine tends to overheat easily.

Disadvantages of LPG cars:

  • At full throttle, LPG will produce 10% less horsepower.
  • LPG ignition temperature is somewhere higher than petrol.
  • LPG reduced 5% valve life.
  • A good cooling system is necessary.
  • The vehicle weight is increased due to the use of a heavy pressure cylinder to store LPG.
  • Not all petrol stations sell LPG hence you can always use petrol as a backup.
  • Installation is difficult.
  • An engine will be overheated on a long journey because complete combustion occurs so more heat is liberated.
  • Reduce engine life efficiency.
  • Handling must be done under approximately 18 bar pressure.
  • LPG characteristics odor is faint, so leakage can not be easily detected. 
  • Response to blending is feeble.  

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Advantages and disadvantages of extrusion

Extrusion is a common manufacturing process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile. It is one type of forming process. Although this process is widely used and with many advantages, it also comes with some disadvantages too which we will be discussing here. 

Advantages of the extrusion process:

  1. Extrusion is a continuous high production volume process. 
  2. It can easily create complex shapes too. 
  3. This process can be used for both brittle and ductile materials. 
  4. Lower cost per parts manufacturing. 
  5. This process working operation is easy and flexible. 
  6. Good mechanical properties and surface finish obtained especially in cold extrusion.
  7. Good compounding and efficient melting are achieved by this process. 
  8. No oxidation takes place in this process.
  9. Superior dimension control. 
  10. Uniform product produced by this process. 
  11. Better grain structure and accuracy achieved in this metal forming process.  
  12. Less wastage of material in the extrusion process. 
  13. Required low deformation energy.
  14. Economical for mass production.

Disadvantages of the extrusion process:

  1. For deformation high compressive force required. 
  2. High set up cost. 
  3. Only one type of cross-section can be obtained at a time thus product limitation. 
  4. Sometimes the product expands more due to unequal force applied thus variations in the size of the product. 
  5. Close tolerance can not be held. 
  6. High temperatures may promote undesirable cause thus heat resistant tools are required which are expensive. 
  7. Extrusion dies easily wear out. 
  8. Thermoset plastic is not suitable. 

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What are the disadvantages of muff coupling?

Muff coupling is also called sleeve coupling is the simplest type of rigid coupling that consists of a hollow cylinder. Whose inner diameter is the same as a shaft. It is fitted over the ends of two shafts by means of gif head key and power transmitted from one shaft to another by means of a key and a sleeve. Now, let us have a deep insight into the disadvantages of muff coupling in this article. 

Disadvantages of muff coupling:

  • Muff coupling is difficult to assemble or dismantle.
  • It is a rigid type of coupling and requires accurate alignment of shafts.
  • It can not absorb shocks and vibrations because there are no flexible parts.
  • This coupling is used where the motion is free from vibrations.
  • It requires more axial space compared with flange coupling.

Automobile full form list | Automobile Acronyms



Difference between galvanizing and electroplating

Some information on galvanizing and electroplating and their difference are discussed in this article. So now, first of all, we can check out the definition of both processes. Let us check out the difference between galvanizing and electroplating to know more about it. 


What is galvanizing?

The process of applying a coating of zinc to steel to protect it against corrosion is called galvanizing. The entire process is done through immersion of a steel product into a bath of molten zinc. 

What is electroplating?

The process of coating a metal with a thin layer of another metal by electrolysis to protect metal against corrosion is called electroplating. Electroplating is also known as electrodeposition. 

The main key difference between galvanizing and electroplating is given below. 

Galvanizing Vs Electroplating: 

  • Galvanizing is specific coating of zinc whereas electroplating is various options of metal for coating. 
  • Galvanizing is done just by dunking steel into molten zinc so no electricity is required while electroplating requires electric current. 

Difference between anodic and cathodic coating

Information on anodic and cathodic coating and their difference between them is given below in this article. Coatings are coating applied on metal to protect the metal and reduce the wear and tear. 

What is the anodic coating?

As we know the anodic coating is a type of coating material that uses anodizing to provide aluminum or any type of subtraction with increased thickness, color, and protection. This coating consists of the oxide film formed by electrolysis on metal, with the metal acting as an anode.

What is a cathodic coating?

While in the cathodic coating is a technique that reduces the corrosion of a metal surface by making that entire structure of the cathode of an electrochemical cell- that is the derivation of the term. This is typically accomplished by discharging current from an external anode so that the current flow through the electrolyte to the original anodic sites on the surface of the structure, rather than the aways from it.

The cathodic coating often classified and also known as electrophoretic deposition, e-coating, electrocoating, cathodic electrodeposition, anodic electrodeposition, electrophoretic coating, and electrophoretic painting. 

The main key difference between anodic and cathodic metal coating is given below. 

  • Anodic means positively charged conductor and cathodic means negatively charged conductor.
  • In anodic coating the base metal is coated with metal which is anodic to it, it is called an anodic coating while in if the base metal is coated with metal which is cathodic to it, such a phenomenon is called as a cathodic coating.
  • anodic coating, it protects the base metal from corrosion while in cathodic coating prevents the metal from getting corroded.
  • Anodic coating failure of this coating causes the formation of galvanic cells while in cathodic coating loses its strength, it causes imbalanced cathode and anode and causes corrosion at a severe rate.
  • The well-known example of anodic coating is the coating of zinc on iron while the cathodic metal coating is coating tin on iron.

Why flexible couping are preferred over rigid coupling?

Flexible coupling accomplishes the purpose of any coupling, but the main advantage over rigid coupling is flexible coupling is to accommodate the unavoidable misalignment between shafts in some machinery. 

The flexible coupling also allows a degree of axial movement between the coupling shafts as possible due to thermal expansion.  

As compared with a flexible coupling, the rigid coupling has limited application because rigid couplings do not have the ability to compensate for shaft misalignment, therefore, used where shafts are already positioned in precise lateral and angular alignment.


Explore more information:

  1. What are the disadvantages of muff coupling?
  2. What is coupling?
  3. Difference between the rigid and flexible coupling

Proell governor | Construction | Working | Equation of height

A porter governor is known as a proell governor is the two balls are fixed on the upward extensions of the lower links which are in the form of bent links BAE and CDF as shown in the figure below. 


Proell governor


Now, considering the equilibrium of the link BAE which is under the action of following characteristics. 

  • The weight of the ball, mg
  • The tension in the link AO
  • The horizontal reaction of the sleeve
  • The weight of sleeve and friction 1/2 (mg+f) or 1/2 (mg-f)
  • The centrifugal force, mr’á¾ 2 
I is the instantaneous centre of the link BAE and take moments about I to find out the height relation for proell governor. 

N2 = 895×a/h×e [ 2mg + ( mg + or – f ) ( 1+k) / 2mg ] 

Difference between watt governor and proell governor

The function of the governor is to regulate the speed of an engine when there are variations in the load. For example, when the load increases, it becomes necessary to increase the supply of working fluid and when the load decreases, less working fuel is required. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between watt governor and proell governor in this article. 

Difference between Watt and Proell Governor : 

  • Watt governor is the simplest form of a centrifugal governor basically a conical pendulum with links attached to a sleeve of negligible weight and the proell governor has the balls fixed at the endpoint to the extension of the links. 
  • Watt governor is pendulum-type while the proell governor is dead-weight loaded type governor. 
  • The arm of watt governor may be connected to the spindle by two way, the pivot may be on the spindle axis, and pivot may be offset from the spindle axis but arms intersect while in proell governor the balls are fixed. 
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Mechanical Vs Hydraulic disc brake | Difference between mechanical and hydraulic disc brake

The function of both braking systems are the same but there is a lot of difference between these two brakes. Mechanical disc brake also known as cable-actuated brakes rely on a braided steel cable to activate the piston that causes the compression of brake pad against the rotor when the brake lever is pulled. Hydraulic disc brake used hydro or rather fluid uses a sealed fluid-filler system as a means of actuation. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between these two braking systems. 

Difference between mechanical and hydraulic brake : 

  • A mechanical disc brake uses cables as a braking medium whereas hydraulic disc brake uses the fluid as a braking medium. 
  • The mechanical disc brake is heavier in weight as compared to hydraulic disc brake. 
  • A mechanical disc brake is less sensitive, requires more force to come to a stop and the hydraulic disc brake is more sensitive and efficient. 
  • Maintainance is frequent in mechanical disc brake whereas hydraulic brake is the maintenance free. 
  • Adjustment of brakes is easy in mechanical braking while complex in hydraulic braking.
  • The hydraulic disc brake is expensive as compared to mechanical disc brake. 
  • Hydraulic brakes give better performance for the same size rotor, but mechanical brakes are good enough if you are using a bigger rotor and set them up correctly.

Types of air filter

The air filtration manufacturer has seen its share of changes over the last decade. They have created new products that not only have improved indoor air quality but also have reduced the cost of installation. When the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-conditioning engineers introduced IAQ standards for an air filter. Among these several types of air filters are common in common HVAC systems. 


Different types of air filter: 


Fibreglass filter: This is the most common type of air filter. Layered fibreglass fibres are laid over each other to form the filter media and reinforced with metal supports to prevent failure. 

Polyester and pleated filter: This filter is similar to fibreglass filters but typically have a higher resistance to airflow and a superior dust stopping ability. 

Washable air filter: This filter is not common and relies on the build-up of dust along the clothes to improve the efficiency of a filter. 

High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter: Air passing through this filter at a very fine scale. The US department of energy (DOE) use this filter that meets standards. 

Carbon air filter: Carbon can be treated with oxygen, which opens the carbon's pores making it highly absorbent. It uses activated carbon to trap chemicals and gases, and can also filter cigarette smoke. These activated carbon air filters are well suited to an environment where chemical must be removed from the air. 

UV light air filter: This filter use reaction that occurs when titanium dioxide is exposed to UV light. As the air stream encounters the photochemical process, harmful particles, such as mould and bacteria, are neutralized. 


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Difference between air filter and cabin filter

Both air filters and cabin filters purify the air but their purpose is slightly different. The air filter cleans the air that flowing to the engine while cabin filter decontaminate air coming into the cockpit. It's important to recognize the distinction between these two filters so in this article you can check it out some difference between the air filter and cabin filter. 


Difference between the air filter and cabin filter : 

  • The air filter is often a performance upgrade, while the cabin air filter is more of a health and safety concern. 
  • The air filter is located in the engine bay under the hood inside a sealed box and is one of the important components of the engine whereas the cabin filter is located behind the glove compartment, under the dash and under the hood. 
  • The air filter prevents dirty air from getting into the engine while cabin air filter blocks dirty air from getting inside the cabin. 
  • Some old vehicle with carburettors has a big metal air filter that located in a round, bulky case made of plastic or metal whereas some vehicles have the air filter installed inside the HVAC case between the blower motor and evaporator core. 
  • The air filter prevents the bugs, dirt, debris and contaminants from entering the delicate system of an engine and allows the only pure air in and the cabin air filter blocks all the airborne allergens and other pollutants from entering the ventilation system of the vehicle. 
  • If the air filter is not replaced and allowed to block up, it can increase fuel consumption and place additional strain on the engine and driveline components whereas failure to replace the cabin air filter may cause a musty smell to emanate through the air conditioning system, and make car trips unpleasant, especially on hot days.
  • Due to a bad or clogged air filter, the turbo life of vehicle gets minimized whereas cabin filter only passes to clean air to the vehicle. 

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Porter Governor | Construction | Working | Equation of height

Porter governor is same as Watt governor. If the watt governor sleeve is loaded with a heavyweight, it becomes a Porter governor. 

Let M = Mass of the sleeve
m = Mass of each ball
f = Force of friction at the sleeve
Porter Governor
Porter Governor

The frictional force always acts in the opposite direction to the motion, so when the sleeve moves up, the frictional force acts in the downward direction, and the downward force acting on the sleeve is Mg+f. Likewise, the force on the sleeve will be Mg-f when the sleeve moves down. Depending on whether the sleeve is going up or down, the net force acting on the sleeve is mg+f or Mg-f.

Forces acting on the sleeve and on each ball have been shown in the figure. 

Let h = height of the governor
r = distance of the centre of each ball from the axis of rotation

The instantaneous rotation centre of AB link is at I. It is because of the motion of its two points A and B relative to the link. The point A oscillates about the point O and B moves in the verticle direction parallel to the axis. 

Now, the equilibrium of the left-hand half of the governor and taking moments about I. We equate the equation form given below to find the height of governor. 


N2 = 895/h × [ 2mg + ( mg + or -  f ) ( 1 + k ) / 2mg ] 

This equation would provide two values of N for the governor for the same height depending upon the sleeve movement.  

Advantages and disadvantages of worm gear

Worm gear drive is used to transmit power between two non-intersecting shafts, which are at right angles to each other consists of a worm and a worm wheel. The worm is a threaded screw, while the worm wheel is toothed gear. The teeth on the worm wheel envelope the threads on the worm and give the contact between mating parts. Let us have a deep insight into the benefits and drawback of the worm gear in this article. 


Advantages of worm gear : 


  • High-speed reduction: A speed reduction is as high as 100:1 can be obtained with a single pair of worm gear. 
  • The worm gear is compact with small overall dimensions, compared with equivalent spur or helical gear drives having same speed reduction. 
  • The operation is smooth and silent. 
  • Provision can be made for self-locking operation, where the motion is transmitted only from the worm to the worm wheel. This is advantageous in application like cranes and lifting devices. 
  • The worm gear has good meshing effectiveness.
  • The worm gear used for reducing speed and increasing torque. 

Disadvantages of worm gear : 


  • The efficiency is low as compared with the other types of gear drives. 
  • The worm wheel is made of phosphor bronze, which increases the cost. 
  • A considerable amount of heat is generated in worm gear drives, which is required to be dissipated by a lubricating oil to the housing walls and finally to the surroundings.
  • The power transmitting capacity is low. 
  • It is used for up to 100 kW of power transmission. 
  • Lubrication must be strictly maintained for the healthiness of worm gear. 

Difference between welding and fabrication

Welding and fabrication both are two essential processes in the metal industry. In this article, you can check it out the difference between both of these processes so let start with the definition first. 

Definition of Welding : 


Welding is a process which usually involves metals or thermoplastics by inducing melting, which is distinct from lower temperature metal joining processes such as brazing and soldering that do not melt the base metal. Welding is essentially a combination of two pieces, no design, no layout or cutting.

Definition of Fabrication : 


Fabrication is the building of metal structures by cutting, bending, welding and assembling processes. Fabrication is the process of manufacturing or inventing something. Fabrication is making something while welding is only one operation performed during the process. 

Let us have a deep insight into the difference between welding and fabrication below. 


Difference between welding and fabrication : 

  • Fabrication of metal refers to the build of metal structures and is carried out through a variety of processes such as cutting, bending, profiling, welding and assembling whereas the prepared metal from fabrication process then welded together using a variety of techniques and methods frequently involve arc, power supply in order to create an electric arc between electrode on the welding rod and the material itself. 
  • The difference between welding and fabrication is that welding is a particular method of making something by using heat to join together the metal pieces, and fabrication is creating something and does not usually use heat.