Types of Industrial Compressors

Types of Industrial Compressors

Industrial compressors are available in various designs, including reciprocating (piston) compressors, rotary compressors (screw, water ring, turbine types), axial compressors, and jet compressors. Among these, the reciprocating compressor is the most widely used due to its versatility and reliability.

Classification of Reciprocating (Piston) Compressors

Reciprocating compressors can be classified in several ways, depending on structure, performance, and application:

1. By Cylinder Arrangement

• Horizontal Compressors – Cylinders are arranged horizontally.

• Vertical Compressors – Cylinders are arranged vertically.

• Angular Compressors – Cylinders are arranged in L-type, V-type, W-type, or star-type layouts.

2. By Number of Stages

• Single-Stage Compressors – Gas is compressed once.

• Two-Stage Compressors – Gas is compressed twice for higher pressure.

• Multi-Stage Compressors – Gas is compressed multiple times to achieve very high pressure.

3. By Cylinder Configuration

• In-line (Series) Compressors – Cylinders arranged along one shaft.

• Parallel Compressors – Cylinders arranged along multiple shafts.

• Compound Compressors – Combination of series and parallel.

• Balanced Compressors – Cylinders arranged symmetrically to reduce vibration (common in large units).

4. By Piston Action

• Single-Acting Compressors – Compression occurs on one side of the piston.

• Double-Acting Compressors – Compression occurs on both sides of the piston.

• Multi-Cylinder Designs – Improve efficiency and performance.

5. By Discharge Pressure

• Low Pressure Compressors – 3 to 10 bar(g).

• Medium Pressure Compressors – 10 to 100 bar(g).

• High Pressure Compressors – 100 to 1000 bar(g).

• Ultra-High Pressure Compressors – Above 1000 bar(g).

6. By Flow Capacity

• Mini Compressors – Below 1 m³/min.

• Small Compressors – 1–10 m³/min.

• Medium Compressors – 10–100 m³/min.

• Large Compressors – Above 100 m³/min.

7. By Speed

• Low-Speed Compressors – Below 200 rpm.

• Medium-Speed Compressors – 200–450 rpm.

• High-Speed Compressors – 450–1000 rpm.

8. By Drive Type

• Electric Motor Driven Compressors

• Steam Engine Driven Compressors

• Internal Combustion Engine Driven Compressors

• Turbine Driven Compressors

9. By Cooling Method

• Water-Cooled Compressors – Use water circulation to remove heat.

• Air-Cooled Compressors – Use airflow and fins to dissipate heat.

10. By Transmission Method

• Direct coupling, flexible coupling, gear drive, or belt drive.

• Free-piston and integral motor-compressor designs are also available.

Additionally, compressors can be stationary or portable, with or without a crosshead design, depending on industrial requirements.