HDPE As An Alternate Material for Metal Shroud Used in Screw Air Compressor Canopy: Analysis and Fabrication

Abstract

Use of alternate material is always a continuous development in any industry. Such proposals aim at weight reduction, improve life of the components and reduce the components cost. When it comes to the compressor application, there is always a challenge in replacing such parts with polymers, especially on the canopy parts. This study aims at replacing the material of screw compressor canopy with a suitable material with the target of weight and cost reduction, without compromising the functional requirements. Suitable material for the shroud assembly is chosen using the theoretical method and validated using finite element analysis. Suitable process is chosen for the Proto-type shroud from the proposed alternate material (HDPE) and tested in the real-time environment