TM 5-4310-373-14
Compressing the air heats it up. The intercooler (5) gets rid
of some of that heat before passing the air on to the high
a.
AIR COMPRESSOR. The air compressor is a
pressure stage.
2 stage air cooled type compressor with a
centrifugal unloader.
The high pressure stage works the same as the low pressure
stage except that the high pressure piston (6) goes up when
the low pressure piston (1) goes down. This way, the low
The cycle starts with the low pressure piston (1) at the top
pressure piston is drawing air in while the high pressure
of its stroke.
piston is pushing air out.
When the piston moves down, it draws air through the
Compressed air from the high pressure stage goes to the air
muffler element (2) and inlet valve (3) into the cylinder.
tank through the aftercooler. The aftercooler gets rid of
The air cleaner keeps dirt out of the compressor.
some more of the heat generated by compression of the air.
On the upstroke, inlet valve (3) closes and the low pressure
If there is an excessive pressure build-up due to a stuck
piston (1) pushes air out into the intercooler (5) through
valve or other air blockage, the interstage relief valve (10)
the exhaust valve (4).
will open and prevent damage to the compressor.
Figure 1-2. Operation of compressor
1-4
