For the uninitiated, a reciprocating compressor is a compressor that uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure. Reciprocating techniques are very similar between different compressors of this type, and mostly vary in the way the crankshaft is driven. These compressors nay either be standing or moveable and are usually driven by either an electric motor or a petrol or diesel engine. Various reciprocating techniques may be found in the final method of compression, which may be single stage or multi-stage. In addition some larger compressors may have a total of, say, six cylinders, of which two, four or six may be used to compress the gas. Typically gas enters the compressor through an intake suction manifold, from which it passes through a valve into the compression cylinders. A reciprocating piston, driven by the crankshaft, then compresses the gas, which passes through a second valve into a pressurised holding tank.

Different reciprocating techniques may need to be used depending on the application in question. These gas compressors are used widely in a number of different industries, including gas pipelines, chemical plants, oil refineries, refrigeration plants and natural gas processing plants. The pressure realised by these compressors depends upon the reciprocating techniques, some multi-stage compressors are capable of producing a gas pressure of more than 5000 pounds per square inch, and are some of the most efficient compressors available. If you would like more information on gas compressors please give us a call.