What is Clearance Volume or Bumping Clearance in Air Compressors?

Clearance volume or bumping clearance is the space between the top of the piston and the cylinder head of an air compressor. This clearance is an important aspect of the compressors and should be as less as practically possible to improve the volumetric efficiency of the compressor. The clearance volume should not be too less or too more. Moreover, it affects the efficiency of the machinery and thus should be checked at regular intervals of time.

Significance and Effects of Bumping Clearance

In an air compressor, when the discharge valve closes in the end of the compression cycle, a small amount of high pressure air