Experimental study of self-acting reed valves.

In principle, a reciprocating compressor stage consists of a working volume which varies periodically due to a piston moving inside a liner. Latter is sealed by two sets of valves. The typical type of valves used within compressors for refrigeration plants are reed valves. The measurements of the reed valve dynamics as well as their movement in compressors can be performed with commercial proximity sensors, strain gauges or in house developed sensors. Although timing and lift information is available through these methods, other types of deflection such as torsional movement are more difficult to observe. This work tries to address these aspects by providing real operation data obtained in a test rig. An in-depth comparative analysis of two measurement methodologies, represented by an optical and a state-of-the-art resistive sensor system will be carried out.