Reciprocating gas compressor having suction shut-off unloading means

摘要

A reciprocating gas compressor of the multicylinder, radial type is disclosed which includes unloading means for selectively shutting off suction gas flow to one or more of the cylinders in order to vary the capacity of the compressor. The unloading means include a valve element having a flat, planar surface which is movable between first and second positions with respect to a generally planar valve seat surrounding the inlet of the suction flow passage means, which inlet is spaced radially from the crankshaft axis and lies in a plane substantially perpendicular thereto.