RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR ADVANTAGES

RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR ADVANTAGES:

1.High Compression ratios

Due to the positive displacement characteristics, reciprocating compressors are capable of extremely high compression ratios and pressure levels. They are limited by the resultant discharge temperature (best approximated by assuming adiabatic compression) and mechanical strength of the drive train and cylinder. Polythylene machines are today compressing this material to 50,000 psig. at which point the
fluid behaves more like a liquid than a gas.

2.Constant Volume, Variable Pressure

As has been illustrated in the figure showing characteristic performance curves, a reciprocating compressor can be advantageous in its ability to deliver a fairly constant volume over a wide pressure range. However, due to increased slippage, inlet gas preheating, valve efficiency, and volumetric efficiency effects at higher compression ratios, less volume will be moved.

 

3.Molecular Weight Flexibility

Whether a low molecular weight gas such as hydrogen or an extremely high molecular weight gas is to be compressed, this machine can achieve high compression ratios within the discharge temperature and mechanical limitations. This has proven to be beneficial when handling a service which has a fairly wide molecular weight range due to diversity of feed stocks, plant operational flexibility,
catalyst activity changes etc.

4.Basic Technology

It is one of the oldest, tested and proven technology over the years. With good manufacturing and design techniques, once built and installed properly, reciprocating compressors are more easily understood and maintained than the dynamic machines.

5.High efficiency

Up until a few years ago, most users had an unflinching desire to use dynamic machines wherever possible. In today’s world of high kilowatt-hours, reciprocating compressors are winning a few more battles when the utilities are evaluated. The efficiency advantage is greater at lower flows and for services requiring a wide molecular weight range.