For a two stage reciprocating compressor, compression from p₁ to p₃ is with perfect intercooling and no pressure losses. If compression in both the cylinders follows the same polytropic process and the atmospheric pressure is pa, then the intermediate pressure p₂ is given by

For a two stage reciprocating compressor, compression from p₁ to p₃ is with perfect intercooling and no pressure losses. If compression in both the cylinders follows the same polytropic process and the atmospheric pressure is p_a, then the intermediate pressure p₂ is given by

(A) p₂= (p₁ + p₃)/2

(B) p₂ = p₁. p₃              (Ans)

(C) P₂ = P_a × p₃/p₁

(D) p₂ = P_a p₃/p₁