A compressor that operates by squeezing gas between the piston and a valve plate is called a?

A compressor that operates by squeezing gas between the piston and a valve plate is known as a reciprocating compressor. This type of compressor works by using a piston that moves within a cylinder to compress the gas. As the piston moves down during the intake phase, gas enters through an intake valve, and when the piston moves up, it squeezes the gas against the valve plate, raising the pressure before it exits through the discharge valve.

Reciprocating compressors are commonly used in various applications, including refrigeration and air conditioning systems, due to their ability to handle high pressures and varying refrigerants. Their design allows for efficient compression by utilizing mechanical movement to repeatedly compress gas, delivering consistent performance in HVAC systems.

Other types of compressors, such as centrifugal, screw, and scroll compressors, operate using different mechanisms that do not involve the compression of gas between a piston and a valve plate. Understanding the unique operation of reciprocating compressors compared to these other types highlights why this specific choice is the correct answer in the context of the question.