Also known as reciprocating compressor, a piston compressor is one of the most expensive and critical systems used in any manufacturing establishment. Because of this, it necessarily receives special consideration. There are numerous types of facilities throughout industry, such as petrochemical plants, gas transmission pipelines that are dependant upon this equipment.
A number of different factors affect the reliability, cost and lifespan of piston compressors after they have been installed for industrial use. Those factors include their operation, maintenance and the design specifications and quality of materials used along with several others.
It is not uncommon to see various styles of piston compressors used in most industrial situations. The types of gasses compressed are; compressed air for use in various tools and instruments as well as air systems, oxygen, hydrogen and other gases in chemical processing, and a variety of gases used for transmission and storage purposes. The list goes on, but the above are the most common.
Compressors come in two basic classifications within industry. Those are positive displacement or intermittent flow which includes rotary and reciprocating style equipment and continuous flow which includes axial and centrifugal flow.
The use of the piston compressor is most often in places where high compression ratios are required and relatively dry fluids are being compressed. The centrifugal style compressors are typically used for compressing wet gases. Axial flow compressors are more desirable for use in applications where high flow and low compression ratios are needed.
When selecting the correct reciprocating compressor for industry, it is important to understand the type of gas that will be used and what it is used for. One also has to know some other important elements in their operation to get the most benefits from their use.
Problems will inevitably occur with any piece of equipment, and knowing how to diagnose the causes of those problems, their power requirements and many other aspects will help get the most out of piston compressors.
Want to find out more about a rotary vacuum pump, then visit Airtech USA’s website on how to choose the best positive displacement blower for your needs.