- Reciprocating compressors can have multiple design options.rouleau compresseur image by Unclesam from Fotolia.com
Industrial production facilities require compressors for compressed air, instrument air systems and compressed gases for chemical operations and storage and transportation needs. Industrial compressors are classified into two general categories: Positive displacement and continuous flow. Reciprocating compressors are a positive displacement, intermittent flow piece of equipment and are critical to the production facilities they serve. The machines increase gas pressure by reducing its volume. Reciprocating compressors can be arranged with varying numbers of compression stages, cooling methods, drive configurations and lubrication options. - Compression of a gas can take place in multiple stages.elektrokompressor image by Rainer Schmittchen from Fotolia.com
Reciprocating compressors are available in patterns from a simple single cylinder to multi-cylinder, multi-stage designs. A single acting cylinder has one suction, compression and discharge area. Double acting cylinder designs have two suction, compression and discharge areas. Some reciprocating compressors can have up to six cylinders. Pistons, connected to crankshafts, are utilized to compress the gas. Multi-compression stages take the vapor and compress it several times in a series of compression cylinders in order to increase the pressure. - Compression of a gas generates high temperatures.Different size and shaped pipes at a power plant image by Andrei Merkulov from Fotolia.com
Gas compression raises the temperature of the fluid. In a reciprocating compressor, the temperature rise can be violent and significant. Inlet temperatures at 70 degrees F can be quickly increased to over 200 degrees F by the act of compression. The cylinders get hot and usually need some form of cooling. A cylinder jacket configuration with cooling water or a glycol is usually specified to keep the cylinder from overheating. In addition, the pistons and crankshafts also generate heat and must be cooled and lubricated to ensure proper performance. Oil lubrication systems are employed to provide lubrication and cooling. These systems can be extensive requiring separate skid systems, pumps, heat exchangers and oil reservoirs. - Electric motors drive compressors.outdated machinery image by Yali Shi from Fotolia.com
Reciprocating compressors using single or multiple cylinder designs and pistons must have mechanical drivers to turn the crankshafts, move the pistons and create compression of a gas. These drivers fall into three categories: Electric, steam and gas. The electrical drivers range from small flameproof motors to very large motors with 2,000 horsepower or more. These drives also require independent cooling systems. Steam drivers are comprised of single or multistage turbines and can be fully condensing, thus utilizing the steam most effectively. Gas drivers include combustible gas turbines or gasoline engines.
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