How are blades forced outwards in a rotary vane compressor?

In a rotary vane compressor, the blades are designed to slide in and out of their slots as the rotor turns. As the rotor spins, the centrifugal force acts on the blades, pushing them outward against the walls of the compressor housing. This outward movement creates a seal and traps the refrigerant gas in the space between the vanes and the housing. The design allows for efficient compression as the gas is drawn in, compressed, and then discharged as the rotor continues to turn.

Centrifugal force is crucial because it operates based on the rotation of the rotor, relying on the inertia of the blades as they attempt to move in a straight line while being constrained by the rotating assembly. This force is significant in ensuring that the vanes maintain contact with the housing for effective compression throughout the entire cycle.

Other forces, such as magnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic pressures, do not play a role in the mechanical action of the vanes in a rotary vane compressor.