Pumps Compressors Fans Blowers

Overview

Engineering reference data for Pumps Compressors Fans Blowers in gases and compressed air.

Key Formulas

Ideal Gas Law

$PV = nRT$

Pressure × Volume = moles × gas constant × temperature.

Boyle's Law

$P_1 V_1 = P_2 V_2$

At constant temperature.

Charles's Law

$\frac{V_1}{T_1} = \frac{V_2}{T_2}$

At constant pressure.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$P$	Pressure	Pa
$V$	Volume	m³
$T$	Temperature	K
$R$	Gas constant	8.314 J/(mol·K)

Types and Definitions

While the Overview provides general descriptions, the fundamental distinction lies in the fluid being moved and the resulting pressure change:

• Pump: A machine for raising a liquid—a relatively incompressible fluid—to a higher level of pressure or head.
• Compressor: A machine for raising a gas—a compressible fluid—to a higher level of pressure.
• Blower: A machine for moving volumes of a gas with a moderate increase of pressure.
• Fan: A machine for moving large amounts of gas with a low increase in pressure.

This classification is primarily based on the nature of the fluid (liquid vs. gas) and the degree of compression (head increase) achieved by the machine.

References

• Original Source