Modern refrigeration processes comprise a wide variety of highly advanced techniques to remove heat from an enclosed space. These methods range from vapor compression and vapor absorption refrigeration to thermoelectric and magnetic refrigeration. Vapor-compression cyclical refrigeration is the most widespread form of refrigeration for household and commercial refrigerators, air conditioning installations, the food processing industry, refrigerated trucks and other large industrial refrigeration systems. With this particular refrigeration technique, the liquid refrigerant evaporates by absorbing the heat contained in the space to be cooled down, therefore lowering its temperature. Later in the circuit, the gaseous refrigerant is compressed and condensed again into a liquid state, releasing the heat.
The vapor-compression refrigeration system consists of four main components: a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator. Different compressor types can be used in refrigeration systems depending on the particular application as well as on size, noise, efficiency, and pressure issues. The most commonly used refrigeration compressors are reciprocating and rotary screw compressors. As with any mechanical device, compressors are subjected to noise and vibration issues which might compromise the manufacturer’s quality standards and customer satisfaction.