🔍 Key Concepts

• Reciprocating air compressor start-up and why high starting load is a problem • Methods of unloading a compressor (reducing pressure or effective compression) during start-up • Difference between relieving discharge pressure vs. changing the compressor’s effective compression ratio/clearance volume

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: which option actually makes it easier for the motor to start by reducing the work of compression during the first few revolutions? • Which methods are commonly used to ‘unload’ a reciprocating compressor without wasting air or creating continuous blow-off to atmosphere? • Consider how clearance volume and re-circulating air to the intake affect the pressure that the compressor sees on start-up.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which choice truly reduces starting torque on the compressor rather than just providing storage or buffering. • Check which options are temporary start-up measures versus permanent design features that affect normal running as well. • Confirm whether the method involves bypassing compressed air to a low-pressure point (like the intake) or simply holding a valve open to atmosphere.