Final answer:
The pressurized glass tank of oil on top of a booster compressor serves to lubricate, maintain hydraulic pressure, and cool the system. It functions as an accumulator to regulate pressure within the compressor system, absorbing heat to prevent overheating and ensure efficient operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the pressurized glass tank of oil atop a booster compressor is multi-faceted, but primarily serves to lubricate the compressor, maintain hydraulic pressure, and cool the system by absorbing heat generated during the compression process. In compressors or hydraulic systems, a pressurized oil tank, often referred to as an accumulator, regulates pressure, ensuring consistent operation and preventing damage due to pressure spikes or drops. As the compressor works, it generates heat, and an oil system helps remove this heat to prevent overheating and maintain the efficiency of the machine.
Much like the effect observed in a rigid canister where the increase in the number of gas molecules causes the pressure to double, in hydraulic systems, pressure is managed to avoid the risk of system failure. This pressurized oil system is a critical component within the broader context of industrial equipment and processes, as it ensures reliability and safe operation of machinery that is central to a wide range of applications, including those in the energy sector.