top of page

Mechanical Expert

GAS COMPRESSION SYSTEM (RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR)

General overview of operating range:

1. Power and Flow Range

The compressors are designed for a variety of power and flow requirements, from small field applications to large pipeline projects.

Horsepower (BHP / kW): Our compressors are available in a range from as low as 50 BHP (37 kW) up to 10,000 BHP (7.5 MW). This allows them to be used for a wide array of applications.

Flow Rate: The flow capacity is highly dependent on the number and size of the cylinders. For example, a CNG compressor might handle flows from 125 to 2,000+ SCFM (200 to 2,800+ Nm³/h).

2. Pressure Range

Inlet Pressure: They can handle a wide range of suction (inlet) pressures, from a slight vacuum or sub-atmospheric up to 200+ psig (13.6+ barg).

Discharge Pressure: Ariel compressors are designed for high-pressure applications, with discharge pressures exceeding 4,500 psig (310+ barg). For specialized applications, particularly in petrochemicals and industrial gases, pressures can reach even higher.

3. Application and Specific Models

Small Line: These are often used for gas gathering, gas lift, and CNG vehicle fueling. They are engineered to pair high-speed engines and are known for their cost-effectiveness.

Mid-Line: These models are designed for continuous duty in oil and gas fields and can handle a wide range of standard and specialized applications.

Large Line: These are their largest frames, designed for applications requiring high horsepower and high-compression capacity. They are commonly used in pipeline transmission and high-pressure injection applications, with some models rated up to 10,000 BHP.

4. Key Performance and Design Limits

Rod Loads: Each compressor frame has a maximum rated rod load (both in tension and compression) that is a critical design parameter.

Piston Speed: Compressors operate within a specific range of piston speeds, often specified in feet per minute (FPM) or meters per second (m/s). For example, the models have a piston speed of around 1,125 FPM (5.72 m/s). This is a crucial factor in the design and is a key parameter that must be kept within the specified range to ensure long-term reliability.

A wide-angle industrial photograph showing a row of large, heavy-duty reciprocating gas compressors (piston compressors) installed side-by-side in a well-lit, older-style machinery hall. Each compressor features large cylinders mounted on a horizontal crankcase, painted in light blue/gray, and is connected to extensive piping and valves with prominent red handwheels. The compressors rest on red brick or concrete bases, and the foreground shows dark metal grate flooring.

Speed Control (RPM): Compressors are designed to operate at specific maximum and minimum rotational speeds (RPMs). While they can run at lower speeds for turndown, operation below half of the rated speed may require an auxiliary lube oil pump to maintain proper lubrication.

Capacity Control

Suction Valve Unloaders: To hold suction valves open, effectively "unloading" a cylinder.
Clearance Pockets: Fixed or variable volume clearance pockets to change the cylinder's effective clearance.
Variable Speed Drive (VSD): Using a VSD with an electric motor to modulate speed and flow.

Gas Composition: The compressors are designed to handle a wide variety of gases, from sweet to sour (H₂S content) and other challenging process gases. Their reliability in these applications is a key differentiator.

a) White Superior parts

BACK TO SOLUTIONS

bottom of page