A reciprocating compressor uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure. These types of compressors can be driven by electric motors or gasoline, diesel or natural gas engines, but electric motors are the most energy efficient.
Reciprocating compressors are used in a variety of applications in the commercial, government and industrial markets. Oil refineries, gas, pipelines, chemical plants, natural gas processing plants and refrigeration plants use reciprocating compressors to pressurizes their gases and reduce their volume for easier storage and transport. Reciprocating compressors are also used in a specialized process of blowing plastic bottles.
Types of gases in reciprocating compression applications include:
1. Air for compressed tool and instrument air systems in reciprocating compressors
2. Hydrogen, oxygen, and others for chemical processing
3. Light hydrocarbon fractions for refining by reciprocating compressing
4. Various gases for storage or transmission
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Locate reciprocating compressor dealers that supply air systems for tools and instruments
Piston-driven or reciprocating compressors are the oldest and most affordable type of air compressor, and are commonly found in portable industrial applications or home workshops. This type of compression works best for intermittent applications such as nail guns and pneumatic drills.
I recommend: Scales Industrial Technology carries reciprocating air compressors for all types of businesses starting at 5 horsepower.
Total Equipment offers small industrial reciprocating compressors ranging from 1 to 30 horsepower.
Purchase from reciprocating compression companies that specialize in refining applications
Refining applications use reciprocating compressors to handle gases of different pressures. Typical applications include natural gas processing, enhanced oil recovery and refinery processes such as hydrocracking, hydrotreating and desulfurization
I recommend: Norwalk Compressor manufactures reciprocating piston type compressors for low and high pressure inert and process gas service for the most demanding compression requirements in petrochemical, off-shore, oilfield and refinery facilities.
Ariel is a reciprocating compressor company that specializes in pipeline, storage, and high-pressure injection applications that require large horsepower drivers and compression capacity.
Find reciprocating compressor suppliers for chemical applications
Smaller reciprocating compressors are used in a variety of difficult process applications including ammonia, butadiene, butane, carbon dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen, hydrogen sulphide, methane, bone dry nitrogen, pentane, phosgene, propylene, sulfur dioxide and vinyl chloride.
I recommend: Hydro-Pac distributes reciprocating compressors for chemical processing.
Dresser-Rand offers reciprocating compressing equipment for chemical applications that require compact, simple and speedy installation. This company also specializes in reciprocating compressor sizing.
Cut costs with used reciprocating compressors
Many companies that sell new reciprocating compressors also offer used ones that have been reconditioned. In addition, there are companies that will remanufacture your existing unit.
I recommend: Energy Machinery has a large inventory of new and used reciprocating compressors.
National Compressor Exchange is a certified remanufacturer of reciprocating compressors with capabilities in disassembling, cleaning, machining and motor rewinding.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Ask for guidance from reciprocating compressor suppliers to determine the correct size compressor for your application.
The official source of Reciprocating Compressors is
the Reciprocating Compressors page at Business.com