Reciprocating Piston Gas Compressors and Gas Compressor Systems
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Reciprocating piston gas compressors are mechanical devices designed to increase the pressure of gases. They achieve this by using a piston within a cylinder to compress the gas, thereby reducing its volume and increasing its pressure. These compressors are a type of positive displacement compressor, meaning they work by confining successive volumes of gas in a closed space and then compressing it.
Working Principle
Reciprocating piston gas compressors operate on the principle of positive displacement. During the suction stroke, gas is drawn into the cylinder. As the piston moves back, it creates a vacuum that allows gas to enter. During the compression stroke, the piston moves forward, reducing the volume of the gas and increasing its pressure. A check valve system ensures that the gas does not flow back into the suction side. This process results in pressure pulsations, which can be minimized by adding more stages to the compressor. These compressors are useful because they can achieve high pressures and are efficient in handling low-molecular-weight gases.
Applications
Reciprocating piston gas compressors are widely used in various industries. They are essential in the oil and gas industry for tasks such as gas lift, reinjection for pressure maintenance, and gas gathering. In the chemical industry, they are used for circulating process fluids. Additionally, they are employed in air and gas drilling operations and are crucial for providing compressed air for pneumatic tools and combustion processes.
Advantages over other Gas Compressors and Gas Compressor Systems
Reciprocating compressors have several advantages over other types of compressors. They are generally cheaper to purchase and install compared to centrifugal compressors. They are also more efficient, with an efficiency rate of about 90%, compared to 70% for centrifugal compressors. Furthermore, they are simpler to understand and engineer, and they are not subject to surge, making them ideal for applications involving low-molecular-weight gases.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, reciprocating piston gas compressors have some limitations. They are prone to pulsation and mechanical reliability issues, which can be significant drawbacks in industrial applications. Additionally, they have high maintenance costs and potential vibrational issues. They are not typically designed to run continuously at full capacity, which can limit their use in certain applications.
Considerations
When considering reciprocating piston gas compressors, several factors should be taken into account. The initial cost is relatively low, and the design is simple and easy to install. However, operating expenses can be high due to maintenance and potential repairs. Durability and accuracy are generally good, but the compressors require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Replacement and maintenance costs should be factored into the overall cost of ownership, as these can be significant over the compressor's lifespan.
from Haskel International LLC
Haskel air pressure amplifiers offer the most comprehensive operating range in the industry, combining simple principles of operation with rugged construction suitable for the most demanding industrial applications. Capable of producing pressure outputs up to 5000 psi (345 bar), Haskel air... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 2250 to 4500
- Inlet / Suction Pressure: 1250 to 4500
- Power Source: Air / Pneumatic
from Haskel International LLC
Haskel air pressure amplifiers offer the most comprehensive operating range in the industry, combining simple principles of operation with rugged construction suitable for the most demanding industrial applications. Capable of producing pressure outputs up to 5000 psi (345 bar), Haskel air... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 300 to 4500
- Inlet / Suction Pressure: 300 to 4500
- Mass Flow Capacity: 32 to 90
from Haskel International LLC
Haskel air pressure amplifiers offer the most comprehensive operating range in the industry, combining simple principles of operation with rugged construction suitable for the most demanding industrial applications. Capable of producing pressure outputs up to 5000 psi (345 bar), Haskel air... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 4500
- Inlet / Suction Pressure: 300 to 1000
- Power Source: Air / Pneumatic
from Haskel International LLC
Haskel air pressure amplifiers offer the most comprehensive operating range in the industry, combining simple principles of operation with rugged construction suitable for the most demanding industrial applications. Capable of producing pressure outputs up to 5000 psi (345 bar), Haskel air... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 320 to 600
- Inlet / Suction Pressure: 125
- Power Source: Air / Pneumatic
from Haskel International LLC
H-Drive, Haskel ’s new generation of hydraulically driven gas boosters, is designed to safely handle a wide range of critical, high-pressure gas compression and transfer needs, at high rates and pressures for the most demanding of applications. Simple and proven design is reliable and robust,... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 4500 to 15000
- Inlet / Suction Pressure: 50 to 100
- Power Source: Air / Pneumatic
from Haskel International LLC
Haskel designs and manufactures gas boosters that are the industry benchmark for durability, safety and reliability. Used for virtually all industrial gases and ideal for gas pressure increases, high pressure gas transference, cylinder charging, and scavenging, Haskel pneumatic-driven gas boosters... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 1050 to 39000
- Inlet / Suction Pressure: 25 to 11250
- Power Source: Air / Pneumatic
from Knox Western
The Eagle frame series is available in both 2 and 4 throws configurations. These heavy duty frames are designed with internal ribbing in the frame bodies, and external ribbing. on the crosshead guides. Full pressure lubrication to the frame running gear is accomplished by a crank mounted oil pump. [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from GENERON
GENERON offers 2hp to 10,000hp (1.5kw - 7,457kw). Industry proven engineered OIL-LUBE Recip Compression Packages, built to any technical specification using engine or electric motor drives. Our packages move large volumes of air or gas, from ambient or elevated suction pressures, to discharge... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 24290
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 10000
- Horse Power: 2 to 10000
from Norwalk Compressor Company, Inc.
Low speed, heavy duty, reliable, long life design [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 600
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 0.0 to 4500
- Gases Handled: Natural Gas / Methane; Natural Gas
from Quincy Compressor
Based on the proven performance of the QR-25, an air compressor with over 80 years of reliable service, but engineered exclusively for natural gas applications, the Quincy QRNG is constructed of heavy-duty cast iron for strength and durability. The cylinders are cast with horizontal cooling fins and... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 2 to 34
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 15 to 400
- Gases Handled: Natural Gas / Methane
from Advanced Gas Technologies
Advanced Gas Technologies Inc. has been marketing, installing and maintaining industrial gas generating systems, standard industrial compressor systems and engineered compressor systems throughout North America since 1994. CNG Compressor Packages. Industrial duty 2, 3, 4, and 5 stage reciprocating... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 5 to 500
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 5000
- Power Source: Natural Gas
from Dresser-Rand
Dresser-Rand process reciprocating compressors are available with up to 10 crank throws, as single-throw or balanced-opposed configurations. We custom engineer every unit by designing each cylinder and valve, and select other components to meet your specific operating requirements. Our factory... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from FS-Curtis
You shouldn ’t have to sacrifice quality and durability with your air compressor purchase. That ’s why FS-Curtis created the CT Series. These reciprocating compressors combine our signature performance and reliability with a simple industrial design, making them the most rugged —... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 13 to 14
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 24.8 to 25.4
from Fluitron, Inc.
In the FLUITRON DIAPHRAGM COMPRESSOR there are no dynamic seals or packing glands. All of the seals to the atmosphere are static gasket or o-ring seals. Therefore, the compressor is as free from leakage as any static seal in the system. Even in the event of a diaphragm or diaphragm seal failure the... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 50
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 1 to 1000
- Power Source: AC Single Phase (optional feature); AC Three Phase (optional feature)
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Stainless steel valves. Long-life, high performance. Teflon ®-PTFE compound piston ring. Lightweight, die cast aluminum components. Hard-coated aluminum cylinder for maximum heat tranfer. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 0.4000 to 0.5000
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 50 to 100
- Horse Power: 0.0334 to 0.1876
from Howden
Burton Corblin ® H-Series of Hybrid Compressors. The combination of piston and diaphragm technologies allows greater flows and high pressure delivery. Hybrid technology is a compact oil free solution to serve intermediate size units for high pressure needs. Key Benefits. Hybrid compressor is a... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Diaphragm; Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 412
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 14.5 to 6527
- Horse Power: 938
from Tecumseh Products Company
Discover the advantages of Tecumseh's broad range of energy efficient and reliable reciprocating compressors for household refrigerators and freezers, air-conditioning and commercial refrigeration applications including foodservice to walk-in coolers. What is a Reciprocating... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 0.0 to 29.08
- Inlet Temperature: 40 to 95
- Power Source: AC Single Phase (optional feature); AC Three Phase (optional feature); DC (optional feature)
from Knox Western
The Eagle frame series is available in both 2 and 4 throws configurations. These heavy duty frames are designed with internal ribbing in the frame bodies, and external ribbing. on the crosshead guides. Full pressure lubrication to the frame running gear is accomplished by a crank mounted oil pump. [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from GENERON
GENERON offers 2hp to 5,000hp, (1.5kw to 3,730kw). Industry proven engineered OIL-FREE Reciprocating Compression Packages, built to any technical specification using diesel or electric motor drives. Our packages move large volumes of air or gas, from ambient or elevated suction pressures, to... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 3000
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 10000
- Horse Power: 2 to 5000
from Advanced Gas Technologies
Advanced Gas Technologies Inc. has been marketing, installing and maintaining industrial gas generating systems, standard industrial compressor systems and engineered compressor systems throughout North America since 1994. High Pressure Gas Reciprocating Compressor Features. Industrial duty... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 3 to 1600
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 7000
- Lubrication Style: Oil-less (optional feature); Oil-free (optional feature); Lubricated (optional feature)
from Dresser-Rand
Power Ratings Over 11,000 Horsepower (8.2 MW), and Pressures from Atmospheric to 12,500 psig (861 bar). With the most versatile compressor lineup on the market and a reputation for serving both standard applications and the most demanding jobs (high pressure, CO2, sour and acid gases, and floating... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from FS-Curtis
FS-Curtis entered into the natural gas business in the 1980s. The FS-Curtis NG Series is used to boost natural gas from the well head into natural gas pipelines. FS-Curtis NG Series compressors are capable of boosting gas up to a maximum of 300 PSIG. [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 300
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Stainless steel valves. Lightweight, die cast aluminum components. Built-in check valve. Hard-coated aluminum cylinder for maximum piston wear life. Balanced for smooth, low vibration operation. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 0.5000
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 120
- Horse Power: 0.0700
from Howden
Burton Corblin ® P-Series of API618 Reciprocating Compressors. Burton Corblin ® compressors are designed and manufactured as individually engineered packages to meet the specific demands of unique applications. Key benefits. Reliable: Meet or exceed API 618 or industry standards. Model... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Horse Power: 13.4 to 3351
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 5076
- Gases Handled: Air; Corrosive / Sour Gas; Hydrocarbon; Natural Gas / Methane
from Knox Western
The Eagle frame series is available in both 2 and 4 throws configurations. These heavy duty frames are designed with internal ribbing in the frame bodies, and external ribbing. on the crosshead guides. Full pressure lubrication to the frame running gear is accomplished by a crank mounted oil pump. [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Aluminum valve plates. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Long-life, high performance PTFE compound piston seal. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to 4.3 cfm / 122... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 3.1 to 3.8
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 125
- Horse Power: 0.8819 to 1.07
from Howden
Thomassen C-Series of API618 Reciprocating Compressors. The Howden C-Series are the Heavy Duty API618 Thomassen Reciprocating Compressors. Tailor made designs are always made to assure flexible fit for process and applications. Key Benefits. The Thomassen C-series covers a range from one to 33MW and... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Gases Handled: Carbon Dioxide; Hydrocarbon; Natural Gas / Methane
- Horse Power: 1072 to 44227
- Applications: Gas Transmission / Delivery; Oil Refining / Chemical Processing
from Knox Western
The Eagle frame series is available in both 2 and 4 throws configurations. These heavy duty frames are designed with internal ribbing in the frame bodies, and external ribbing. on the crosshead guides. Full pressure lubrication to the frame running gear is accomplished by a crank mounted oil pump. [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinderStainless steel valvesLightweight, die cast aluminium componentsBuilt-in check valveBalanced for smooth, low vibration operationBuilt-in inlet filterLong-life, high performance PTFE compound piston ringDust and moisture resistantPermanently... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 0.5000
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 87
- Horse Power: 0.1273
from Knox Western
The TP is a low horsepower line of compressors, was designed to meet a wide range of compression Requirements. Single and multistage applications with Discharge Pressure to 6500 PSIG. The TP Series can be configured with distance pieces and special Materials. It comes with a single, 2 and 4 throw... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features &Benefits. Oil-less non-lube piston and cylinder. Permanently lubricated bearings. Stainless steel valves. Cylinder hard coated for wear resistance. Lightweight die cast aluminum components. Balanced for smooth, low vibration operation. All wetted aluminum parts treated for corrosion... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 0.1700 to 0.5000
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 30
- Horse Power: 0.0429 to 0.0777
from Knox Western
The TP is a low horsepower line of compressors, was designed to meet a wide range of compression Requirements. Single and multistage applications with Discharge Pressure to 6500 PSIG. The TP Series can be configured with distance pieces and special Materials. It comes with a single, 2 and 4 throw... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
from Thomas An Ingersoll Rand Business
Features & Benefits. Oil-less, non-lube piston and cylinder. Stainless steel valves. Lightweight, die cast aluminum components. Built-in check valve. Hard-coated aluminum cylinder for maximum piston wear life. Balanced for smooth, low vibration operation. Range Technical Overview. Capacity up to... [See More]
- Compressor Technology: Reciprocating Piston
- Mass Flow Capacity: 0.9000 to 1
- Discharge / Operating Pressure: 120
- Horse Power: 0.1666 to 0.1667