450XL Compressor

For Industrial Refrigeration

The Worlds Best Compressors

For Industrial Refrigeration

450XL Cross Section

Spring Loaded Safety Heads

Protect against liquid slugging by relieving internal cylinder

pressure if cylinders are subjected to an incompressible fluid.

Suction and Discharge Porting

Maximum suction and discharge porting through the compressor achieves

minimum pressure drop with valve plates that are made to exacting Vilter
material and manufacturing requirements for long-term service.

Piston and Connecting Rod

The unique design of the piston and connecting rod assembly allows for
movement only between the connecting rod bushing and piston pin, while
providing positive lubrication throughout the entire compression cycle.

Double Tapered Roller Bearings

Energy-efficient roller bearings enable the compressor

to be used for high suction pressure applications as
well as high belt-drive horsepower requirements.

Tri-Micro Oil Filter

Removes 95% of contaminants as small as 3 microns in size.

Allows full flow of oil at all times, resulting in reduced wear
on compressor components. Combines extreme filtering
capacity with the convenience of a throw-away recharge
element. Filter is enclosed in a seamless drawn carbon steel
shell with cast iron cover, and is equipped with a means for
determining pressure drop across the filter.

The versatile VMC 450XL is now even better!

While retaining all of the features that are exclusive to Vilter
compressors, weve made several design improvements:
Piston
Connecting road and bearing insert
Crankshaft
Safety head
Capacity reduction system

Even though weve made these specific changes, weve

retained all of the exclusive Vilter features, including
provisions for fast and easy servicing with components
that are easy to access.
The 450XL can operate with ammonia, halocarbon and
even some hydrocarbon refrigerants. It works in extreme
applications with up to a 250# pressure differential. It can
be belt-driven up to 300 bhp or direct driven all the way
up to 375 bhp. And it can run at high compression ratios
all the way up to 12:1 with certain halocarbon refrigerants.

Compression and Oil Rings

The 450XL piston ring set consists of three compression rings and a single,
special oil scraper ring for keeping oil consumption to an absolute minimum.

Heavy-Duty Crankshaft*

An over-sized crankshaft pin diameter provides years of rugged, dependable duty,

while the larger bearing surface allows for higher pressure differential capabilities.

Connecting Rod Bearings*

Vilters unique oil circuit drilling arrangement ensures proper hydrodynamic lubrication
of insert bearings throughout the entire compression process. Rod bearings are specially
designed to supply lubrication to the piston pin bushing at all times.

Double Bellows Shaft Seal

The 450XL shaft seal, designed to specific Vilter specifications, is manufactured

from materials strictly used for industrial refrigeration applications. Seal unit
assembly consists of two opposed seals one sealing from the atmosphere and
the other from the crankcase. Mating seal surfaces are lubricated and cooled by
circulated oil.

Single Casting Frame

The single casting frame incorporates suction and discharge manifolds plus bearing
supports. Its cast to exacting tolerances from a high grade of cast iron to withstand
extreme changes in heat and pressure. The castings are notably free from porosity
and internal strains, and display excellent wearing qualities.

*Patented Design

Far-Reaching Applications
Even with all these built-in features, youll still find the
450XL to be extremely cost-efficient. This compressor has
a whopping 50-cfm/cylinder displacement while running at
1200 RPM. And the high isentropic efficiency of the 450XL
means its bhp/ton is second to none when compared to
other compression systems on the market today.
The 450XL can be installed almost anywhere, even on
an upper floor if necessary, since vibration is kept to a
minimum. Noise level is low too, due to the use of quickacting, precise ring plate suction and discharge valves.

The 450XL is so versatile it can handle almost any

refrigeration system conditions. Up to 350 psig maximum
discharge, and up to 150 psig maximum suction with
a maximum 250 psig pressure differential. At different
compression ratios, too, from 8:1 for ammonia to 12:1 for
R-22. In V-belt configurations all the way up to 300 bhp, or
direct drive setups up to 375 bhp. And its usable for both 50
cycle and 60 cycle applications up to 1200 RPM.
The graph (Figure 2) on the next page depicts the broad
range of applications suitable for the 450XL.

Nominal High-Stage Capacities

With its 4-1/2 x 4-1/2 bore and stroke, the 450XL provides up to
30% more capacity than similar size compressor units, all while
maintaining a favorable bhp/ton ratio.

400

350

Nominal high-stage ratings for the 450XL are shown in Figure 1

below.

MAX
MAX
MAX
MAX

1 4 :1
1 2 :1
1 0 :1
8 :1

12

24

(R -4 0 4 a & R -5 0 7 )
(R -2 2 )
(R -1 3 4 a & R -2 9 0 )
(R -7 1 7 )

300

250

H ig h S ta g e C a p a c itie s
454XL

D IS C H AR G E
PRESSURE
(P S IG )

180
(6 3 3 )

200

150
160
(5 6 3 )

R -717

R -404a
/ R -507

120
(4 2 2 )

100

R -22

R -22

50

80
(6 0 )

R -290

100
(3 5 2 )

100
(7 5 )

R -717
R -134a

80
(2 8 1 )

60
(4 5 )

BHP (kW)

C A P A C IT Y

Tons (kWR)

140
(4 9 2 )

20
(1 5 )

20
(7 0 )

36

48

60

72

84

96 108 120 132 144

S U C T IO N P R E S S U R E (P S IG )

40
(3 0 )
R -404a
/ R -507

40
(1 4 1 )

-1 2
-5 0

R -290
R -134a

60
(2 1 1 )

M inim um A llow able

S uction P ressure
= 24" V acuum
( -11.8 P S IG / 2.9 P S IA )

M axim um M otor H P (V -B elt D rive)

RPM
452X L-458X L 4512X L-4516X L
1,200
200
300
1,130
200
300
1,000
150
250

Figure 2 Broad Applications

Tons (kWR)
BHP (kW)

0
-40
(-40)

-30
(-34)

-20
(-29)

-10
(-23)

0
(-18)

10
(-12)

20
(-7)

30
(-1)

S A T U R A T E D S U C T IO N T E M P E R A T U R E

40
(4)

50
(10)

60 F
(16) C

F (C )

Figure 1 High-Stage Capacities

The following conditions were used in establishing

these ratings:
1200 RPM
Saturated suction.
No subcooling.
No belt losses.
All ratings are based on 95F condensing temperature.
Ratings are based on a 4-cylinder 450XL (454XL). For
tonnage and approximate bhp figures of other 450XL models,
use a direct proportion to the number of cylinders of the 454XL.
For example, use a 3.0 factor for determining the 12-cylinder
450XL tons and approximate bhp figures.
Complete detailed ratings for all 450XL high-stage models, plus
ratings for 450XL booster compressors, special high suction
pressure compressors, and even integral two-stage
compressors,are available for all major refrigerants either from
the Vilter homeoffice, your Vilter District Sales Office, or from an
Authorized Vilter Distributor.

4516XL Belt Drive Recip Pak with VILTech Micro-Controller

Time-Honored Features

The Vilter 450XL Full Two-Year Warranty

Vilters attention to detail shows wherever you look.

The 450XL compressor is fully warranted against defects of

materials and workmanship under normal use and service,
for a period of two years from date of shipment regardless
of startup date. For example, if startup occurs one month
from shipping date, the customer will have a full twentythree (23) months of warranty coverage after startup.

Over a century of experience in refrigeration compressor

design goes into each and every part that comprises
the 450XL.
Weve designed our component parts to work together,
not just fit together. Thats why Vilter guarantees that all
Genuine Vilter Parts will match your Vilter compressor
dimensionally, metallurgically and thermally for optimum
compressor performance.
With Genuine Vilter Parts, you can be assured of getting
the engineering design and special construction features
that only Vilter can offer. Consider some of the special
manufacturing steps that Vilter parts go through:
Select surfaces are shot-peened for
added strength
Mating faces are lapped for greater
compressor efficiency
Many parts are ultrasonically inspected for
maximum reliability
The steels used are of special alloys for
durable performance
Exacting tolerances are measured in light bands
rather than in thousandths of inches

Piston, Pin and Ring Assembly

A shrink-fit wrist pin is used

to increase bearing load
capacity.
Hardened steel wrist pins are
ground and polished to size.
Three cast iron compression
rings and one oil ring provide
a positive seal while wiping
oil back to the crankcase.

Connecting Rod,
Bearing and Bushing

Replaceable insert bearing

improves lubrication and
load carrying capacity.
Forged connecting rods
back the precision-made,
steel-backed Babbitt insert
bearing.
Grooved wrist pin bushings
are fed with pressurized
lubricating oil.

Genuine Vilter Parts

When you need parts for your 450XL
compressor whether for repair work or
scheduled maintenance make sure you
specify Genuine Vilter Parts.
Look for the Genuine Vilter Part mark that is either etched
or stamped directly on all major Vilter parts. Its your
assurance of Vilter warranty protection. In some cases,
where a replacement part does not lend itself to stamping or
etching, a blue tag will identify the part as a Genuine Vilter
Part. Vilter replacement parts (except those too big to box)
are shipped in boxes that have the Genuine Vilter Part mark
right on the box itself.
Dont be misled by look-alike, no-name imitations of Vilter
compressor parts that carry vague warranties. Cheap parts
can become an expensive mistake. Make sure you insist on
using only Genuine Vilter Parts, and that you contact an
Authorized Vilter Distributor (or Vilter direct) for all your
450XL parts requirements

Ductile Iron Crankshaft

Designed with a bigger

crankpin diameter for
greater load bearing and
bearing surface.
All crankshafts are statically
and dynamically balanced for
reduced vibration.
Precision drilled crankshaft
ensures proper lubrication
through the compression
cycle.
The 6, 8, 12, and 16-cylinder
crankshafts are shot-peened
for greater strength.

Spring Loaded Safety Heads

Capacity Reduction System

Spring loaded safety heads

provide protection against
liquid slugging.
The suction and discharge
porting improve
compressor efficiency.

A piston operated
unloading mechanism lifts
the suction valve plate
to unload the cylinders
for reduced capacity or
unloaded starts.
Simplified unloading
piston allows easy removal
for seal servicing.

General Specifications
The complete line of 450XL compressors is comprised of six models
ranging from a nominal 25-ton 2-cylinder machine all the way to
the high end of the scale a nominal 200-ton 16-cylinder model.
In-between are the 4, 6, 8 and 12-cylinder mid-size units. All 450XL
compressors run at a maximum of 1200 RPM, and all are provided
with built-in capacity reduction steps for economical operation at
reduced loads. V-belt and direct-connected motor operation are
also available throughout the entire range of 450XL models.
Weve tried to make every inch count in designing the 450XL to fit
into even the tightest space requirements. The 450XL is a machine
that provides 50 cfm/cylinder, giving you maximum capacity in a
minimum amount of space.
Theres sure to be a 450XL model thats a perfect match to your
refrigeration application.

Engineering Specifications

The compressor(s) shall be equipped with the additional following

standard equipment: crankcase oil thermometer and heater; oil
filter pressure gauge with manual 3-way valve; oil failure switch;
high and low pressure cutout; capacity control switches and
unloader solenoid valves for ______ steps of capacity reduction;
water or refrigerant cooled oil cooler; suction, discharge, and
oil pressure gauges complete with Stedy-Mounts and shut-off
valves; ___ (water or refrigerant) cooled cylinder covers.
Compressor(s) shall come complete with structural steel base,
and be driven by a ___ HP, __________ RPM, _____ volt, _____
phase _____ cycle motor with direct coupling and coupling
guard, or V-belt drive with flywheel, belts and motor sheave for
_____ RPM. Compressor(s) shall have a capacity of not less than
____ tons when operating at _____ F (psig) suction temperature
(pressure) and _____ psig (F) condensing pressure (temperature).
Compressors are to be manufactured by Vilter Manufacturing
Corporation, Cudahy, Wisconsin, or equal as approved.

The compressor shall have double shaft seal; double tapered,

roller main shaft bearings;
Tri-Micro oil filter and oil strainer that removes 95% of
contaminants as small as 3 microns in size; dynamically and
statically balanced heavy duty crankshaft of ductile iron, also
shot-peened on 6, 8, 12 and 16-cylinder models; spring safety
heads; die-forged, steel connecting rods with replaceable
bearing halves; aluminum type heat treated pistons with three
compression rings and one oil ring; piston operated suction
valve lifters to unload the compressor for starting and to
provide capacity control. The piston and connecting rods shall
be assembled with a shrink-fit wrist pin for higher load carrying
capabilities and superior wearing qualities.

4512XL Direct Drive Recip Pak with Superseparator

and VILTech Micro-Controller

General Dimensions
ITEM
Number of Cylinders
Maximum RPM

452XL

454XL

456XL

458XL

4512XL

4516XL

12

16

1200

1200

1200

1200

1200

1200

Bore & Stroke - In. (mm)

4x4
(114x114)

4x4
(114x114)

4x4
(114x114)

4x4
(114x114)

4x4
(114x114)

4x4
(114x114)

CFM @ Maximum RPM (m3/hr)

99.4(169)

199(338

298(507)

398(676)

597(1014)

796(1352)

R-717 (10F)

24(73)

49(148)

73(221)

97(293)

146(442)

195(590)

R-22 (20F)

29(88)

59(178)

88(26)

117(354)

176(532)

235(711)

R-290 (0F)

16(48)

31(94)

47(142)

62(187)

94(284)

125(378)

2(64)

3(76)

4(102)

4(102)

5(127)

6(152)

Tons(Kcal/hr x 103)
Refrigeration @ 95F
Condensing

Suction Connection - Inches (mm)

Discharge Connection - Inches (mm)

2(51)

2(64)

3(76)

3(76)

Two 3(76)

Two 3(76)

1900(862)

2700(1225)

3100(1406)

3400(1542)

5300(2404)

5800(2630)

5(19)

7(27)

7(27)

7(27)

14(53)

14(53)

50

33/66

24/50

33/66

25/50

Option 1 Steps of Unloading (%)

50

25/50/75

25/50/75

25/50/75

Option 2 Steps of Unloading (%)

100

50/100

33/66/100

25/50/75/100

33/66/100

25/50/75/100

Maximum Discharge Temp. - F (C)

300(149)

300(149)

300(149)

300(149)

300(149)

300(149)

Crankcase Oil Temp. Range - F (C)

110-130
(43-54)

110-130
(43-54)

110-130
(43-54)

110-130
(43-54)

110-130
(43-54)

110-130
(43-54)

Unit Weight Less Motor - Lbs. (Kg.)

Oil Charge - Gallons (Liters)
Standard Steps of Unloading (%)

Vilter reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications without notice.

2 & 4 Cylinder Units

6 & 8 Cylinder Units

12 & 16 Cylinder Units

V-Belt Drive Ammonia

Cyls.
A
B
12 83(2108) 79-1/4(2013)
16 83(2108) 79-1/4(2013)

C
58-1/2(1486)
62-1/4(1581)

D
E
20(508) 59-5/8(1514)
20(508) 59-5/8(1514)

Cyls.
A
B
6 76(1930) 55-1/2(1410)
8 76(1930)
56:(1422)

C
40-38(1026)
39(991)

D
20(508)
20(508)

E
34-18(867)
34-34(883)

Cyls.
A
B
12 83(2108) 79-1/4(2013)
16 83(2108) 79-1/4(2013)

C
58-1/2(1486)
62-1/4(1581)

D
E
20(508) 59-5/8(1514)
20(508) 59-5/8(1514)

Direct Drive Ammonia

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
E
2 78-3/4(2000) 41(1041) 49-9/16(1259) 20(508) 29-1/8(740)
4 86-3/4(2203) 41-12(1054) 51-9/16(1310) 20(508) 31-9/16(802)

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
12 92-3/4(2356) 42-1/4(1073) 40-3/8(1026) 20(508)
16 95-1/4(2419) 44-7/8(1140)
39(991)
20(508)

E
34-1/8(867)
34-3/4(883)

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
E
12 128-1/4(3258) 50-3/8(1280) 60(1524) 21-1/2(546) 59-5/8(1514)
16 128-1/4(3258) 50-3/8(1280) 63-5/8(1616) 21-1/2(546) 59-5/8(1514)

V-Belt Drive Halocarbon

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
E
2
69(1753) 48-7/8:(1241) 49-7/16(1256) 20(508) 29-1/8(740)
4
74(1880) 50-1/32(1271) 51-7/16(1310) 20(508) 31-9/16(802)

Cyls.
A
6
76(1930)
8
76(1930)

B
56-1/2(1435)
57(1448)

C
40-3/8*(1026)
39(991)

D
E
20(508) 34-1/8(867)
20(508) 34-3/4(883)

Cyls.
A
12 83(2108)
16 83(2108)

B
80-1/4(2038)
80-1/4(2038)

C
57(1448)
60-1/8(1527)

D
E
20(508) 59-5/8(1514)
20(508) 59-5/8(1514)

Direct Drive Halocarbon

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
E
2 78-3/4(2000) 41(1041) 49-7/16(1256) 20(508) 29-1/8(740)
4 86-3/4(2203) 41-12(1054) 51-7/16(1310) 20(508) 31-9/16(802)

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
6
93(2369) 42-1/4(1073) 40-3/8*(1026) 20(508)
8 95-3/4(2432) 44-7/8(1140)
39(991)
20(508)

E
34-1/8(867)
34-3/4(883)

Cyls.
A
B
C
D
E
12 128-3/4(3270) 50-3/8(1280) 58-1/2(1486) 21-1/2(546) 59-5/8(1514)
16 128-3/4(3270) 50-3/8(1280) 61-5/8(1565) 21-1/2(546) 59-5/8(1514)

General Dimensions The dimensions shown above are approximate, and should not be used for construction. Vilter issues certified prints for construction purposes. These dimensions are provided in inches, and are
followed in parenthesis by millimeters in. (mm) Space needed to remove flywheel 7 (178mm).
Space needed to remove crankshaft, from wall to centerline of compressor 42 (1067mm) for 2-8 cylinder models, and 84 (2134mm) for 12-16 cylinder models.

EmersonClimate.com
Vilter Manufacturing LLC
5555 South Packard Ave.
Cudahy, Wisconsin 53110-8904
www.vilter.com
Telephone: (414) 744-0111
Fax: (414) 744-3483
Email: info.vilter@emerson.com
District Sales Offices &
Distributors Worldwide

2010VM-42 (4/10) (Previously Vilter Bulletin No. 1004 DLC/3.5m/01-09) Emerson and Vilter are trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. or one of its affiliated companies.
2009 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Vilter Manufacturing LLC reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications without notice.

Single Screw Compressors

Design & Operation

Annular Contact
Ball Bearings

Gaterotor
Support

Main Screw

Gaterotor

Gaterotor
Parallex

Journal Bearing

TM

Slide System

The VSM Single Screw Compressor has one main rotor and two gaterotors.
All bearings are pressure fed with oil.
Labyrinth
Seal

Discharge Manifold

Journal Bearing
Shaft Seal

Drive Shaft
Main Bearings

Discharge Port

Main Rotor

This side view cross-sectional drawing of a Vilter oil flooded Single Screw
illustrates the suction and the discharge ports as well as the various seals
and drive shaft.

Radially and Axially Balanced

Main Screw

Electronic Optical
Slide Actuator

The VSM Vilter Single Screw compressor

is a rotary, positive displacement compressor which incorporates a main
screw and two gaterotors. Compression
of the gas is accomplished by the
engagement of the gaterotors with the
helical grooves in the main screw. An
electric motor imparts the rotary motion
through a driveshaft to the compressors
main rotor, which in turn rotates the two
intermeshed gaterotors.
The compressor is comprised of three
fundamental components which rotate
and complete the work of the compression process. This typically includes a
cylindrical main screw with six helical
grooves and gaterotors with 11 teeth.
The rotational axes of the gaterotors are
parallel to each other and mutually
perpendicular to the axis of the main
screw.

For Industrial Refrigeration

VSM
Single Screw
Compressor

Pressurized Seal Chamber for

Increased Reliability

Star Gaterotor

Variable Volume Slide 1.2 to 7.0 Ratio

Variable Capacity Slide 10% to 100%

Vilter Manufacturing LLC

P.O. Box 8904
Cudahy, Wisconsin 53110-8904
www.vilter.com

The Worlds Best Compressors

TM

Telephone: (414) 744-0111

Fax: (414) 744-3483
E-mail: info.vilter@emerson.com

Vilter reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications without notice.
Emerson and Vilter are trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. or one of its affiliated companies.
2010 Emerson Electric Co. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A

Featuring the Exclusive

The maximum volume of gas is

trapped in the
groove.

Minimum
Volume Ratio

Rotation

Capacity Slide at
Part Load
Capacity

ParallexTM slide system

Its the key to part load efficiencies far superior to twin

screw compressors. Capacity
and volume slides (with an
expanded volume ratio of 1.2
to 7.0) move independently of
each other based on load,
eliminating over or under compression and saving motor
horsepower.

Rotation

Capacity Slide at
Minimum
Capacity

Approximately 50%
of the volume of the
groove is trapped
and allowed to be
compressed.

Approximately 20%
of the volume of the
groove is trapped
and allowed to be
compressed.

Rotation

Intermediate
Volume Ratio

Rotation

Maximum
Volume Ratio

Shaft Seal System

A shaft seal system prevents any of the process gas

from leaking around the drive shaft of the main screw to the
environment. The oil flooded Single Screw compressor has
two seal types; the standard single mechanical face seal or
a triple mechanical face seal with purge capabilities
depending on the process requirements. The stationary
carbon face of the seal rides on a hydrodynamic film of oil
on the rotating mating ring which is fixed on the shaft. The
optional triple seal allows various options including a purge
and vent to be connected to the housing thus adding a secondary safety buffer during operation. The incorporation of
this seal is shown in the cross-section of the oil flooded gas
end.

Design

Oil Cooling Options

Thermosyphon
Water Cooled
Liquid Injection
V-Plus

Each rotating assembly within the gas end has two sets
of bearings. A typical oil flooded Single Screw compressor
consists of two rotating gaterotor assemblies and a main
screw assembly, each having one pair of angular contact
bearings to maintain axial position of the assembly and a
cylindrical roller bearing to support the opposite end. All of
the bearings are pressure fed with oil. The oil, upon draining from the bearings, is drawn into the suction of the main
screw and is discharged with the process gas and injected
oil. Since the main screw has no loads except for gravity,
the bearings are considered over designed since they are
determined by the required shaft diameter for the applied
horsepower. The Single Screw design does not restrict the
bearing sizes for the gaterotor supports. As a result, the
bearings are optimized for maximum reliability.

Slide Design

Capacity Slide at
Maximum
Capacity

CAPACITY & VOLUME RATIO CONTROLS

The discharge port

Rotation
opens early in the
cycle allowing only
a small reduction in
volume and a small
Maximum
increase in presCapacity and
sure.
Minimum Volume

Rotation

Rotation

VOLUME RATIO CONTROLS

The discharge port

opens later in the
cycle allowing a
significant reduction
in volume and a
significant increase
in pressure.

Ratio

Rotation

Maximum
Capacity and
Maximum Volume
Ratio

CAPACITY CONTROL

The capacity slide is

set to compress the
maximum (100%) of
the swept volume
while the volume slide
is set to allow a minimal increase in discharge pressure.

The capacity slide is

set to compress the
maximum (100%) of
the swept volume
while the volume slide
is set to allow a maximum increase in discharge pressure.

The slide and

resulting discharge
port location are in the
maximum position
resulting in the
maximum reduction in
volume and a
maximum increase in
discharge pressure.

The dual slide design on the Vilter Single Screw compressor offers the highest level of flexibility and performance optimization for screw compressors. This design
actually has two slides per compression side of the gas
end. The two slides are commonly referred to as the
capacity slide and the volume slide. The capacity slide
moves from positions of 20% to 100% of flow to allow the
compressor to match the system flow requirements.
Although lower flow rates are possible, they are not recommended since this reduces the amount of oil flowing
through the gas end and may result in overheating. The
volume slide allows the discharge port to be positioned in
the optimum location depending on the capacity slide
location, the properties of the gas and the injectant.
A unique feature of the dual slide design is that it
allows the compressor to start completely unloaded. This
is unlike any other screw compressor. When both slides
are in the open position an unrestricted flow path through
the compressor is created. If for any reason the gas end
is completely full of oil, the position of the slides on startup
will allow the oil to be swept out of the gas end thus preventing the possibility of hydraulic lock. The slides also
allow the operation at extremely low ratios down to 1.2.
However, the recommended operating points for optimum
design efficiency occurs at pressure ratios of 2.0 and
greater. Due to their design, Single Screw compressors
are able to operate more efficiently and reliably with higher suction pressures and lower ratios than other types of
screw compressors.
Since the capacity and volume slides operate in paral-

lel (not in series like other types of screw compressors),

an important feature of the Single Screw compressor is
the ability to operate with optimum efficiency even at part
load conditions. Other types of screw compressors have
dual slides which operate in series. This results in one of
the slides blocking off some of the porting behind the
other slide creating a restriction and performance penalty
at part load conditions.

Conclusion

The Vilter single screw compressor with the 5/15-year

warranty and ParallexTM slide system makes it the most efficient and reliable compressor in the world. Its superior to
any other single screw and most certainly every twin screw.
Thousands of single screws are in operation worldwide
for gas compression, air conditioning, refrigeration, and
petrochemical industries.

Vilter Single Screw Compressor Design and Operation

The single screw compressor has no radial
or axial loads on the
main screw.

COMPRESSION PROCESS

Rotation

The gas is trapped in

the groove at suction
pressure.

START OF
COMPRESSION

Rotation

SUCTION

As the groove increases to maximum, the

gas flows into the
open grooves.

Gas
Intake

Theory

END OF
COMPRESSION

The compression cycle begins after suction gas fills the

top and bottom grooves of the main screw at the suction
end of the casing. Since the screw compressor has a
gaterotor(s), the compression process occurs simultaneously on opposite sides of the screw; the top and bottom.
As the main screw rotates, it in turn drives the
gaterotor(s). The engagement of the gaterotor with a
screw groove traps the suction gas and begins the compression process. As the screw rotates, the engagement
of the gaterotor continues, thus reducing the initial volume
of the groove and increasing the pressure in the groove.
Once again this occurs simultaneously on opposite sides
of the screw.
Finally, as the main screw rotates toward the completion of the compression cycle, the groove aligns with a
port in the housing at the discharge end of the casing.
The gas and any liquid in the groove are radially discharged through the port into the discharge plenum.
Since there are six grooves in the main screw, the compression process simultaneously occurs six times in two
locations per revolution of the screw. Operation at 3600
RPM results in 21,600 simultaneous compression strokes
at the top and bottom grooves per minute and a relatively
smooth flow of discharge gas.

Balanced Loading

One advantage of the Single Screw compressor is the

fact that there are no net radial or axial forces exerted on
the main screw or drive shaft components due to the work

Rotation

Rotation

START OF
DISCHARGE

Discharge
Port
Opening

As the groove volume

is decreased, the pressure in the groove
increases.

COMPRESSION

Rotation

DISCHARGE PROCESS

Rotation

END OF
DISCHARGE

Gas
Discharge

BALANCED LOADING

The gas in the groove

is at discharge
pressure. The main
screw aligns with the
discharge port in the
housing and pushes
the gas through the
port into the discharge
chamber.

All of the gas that was

trapped in the groove
is pushed out. The
volume of the groove
is reduced
to zero.

The Worlds Best Compressors

For Industrial Refrigeration
Vission 20/20TM
Microprocessor Control

Reliable Operation
Enhance Communications
Easy to Use
Flexible and Expandable

Vilters VSM single screw compressors deliver

longer life, higher reliability and better energy

efficiency than the twin screw compressors

and have fewer moving parts than reciprocating compressors. The key to the single screw

compressors reliability is in its balanced

Discharge
Port
Opening

design. The balance design results in ultra-low

bearing loads with significantly decreased

The gas continues

to be compressed
until it reaches the
minimum volume and
maximum pressure for
the application.

of compression. Since the compression process occurs

symmetrically and simultaneously on opposite sides of the
screw, the forces due to compression are canceled out.
The only vertical loads exerted on the main screw bearings are due to gravity. Since the discharge end of the
screw is vented to suction, the suction gas pressure is
exerted on both ends of the screw resulting in balanced
axial loads.
The Single Screw has an inherent design advantage of
reduced loading during the compression process. This is
due to the fact that the gaterotor tooth area decreases as
the gas pressure in the groove approaches discharge
pressure. When the gaterotor first engages with the main
screw the compression process begins. As rotation continues, the gaterotor tooth area exposed to the gas pressure increases. The resultant force creates the axial loads
on the gaterotor assembly. Approximately half way
through the stroke, or when the radial axis of the gaterotor
is perpendicular to the rotational axis of the main screw,
the maximum area of the gaterotor is exposed to the gas
pressure. As the compression cycle continues, the pressure within the groove increases but the area of the
gaterotor exposed to the discharge pressure continues to
decrease. The lower loads transmitted to the components
and bearings result in higher reliability. At the end of the
stroke, the area of the gaterotor has been reduced to zero
as it disengages from the main screw.
Another design feature of the Single Screw compressor that enhances reliability is the loads on the gaterotor
assemblies are well defined and isolated from the main
screw. Since the gaterotor assemblies are independent

TM

vibration and sound levels. The inherent balanced design advantages allows Vilter to offer

the exclusive 5/15

Warranty, including

5-years on the
compressor

and do not interfere with the rest of the main screw body,
bearings can be sized for maximum reliability.

Sealing During Compression

Sealing is accomplished by the combination of precision running clearances and an injected liquid
(coolant/lubricant) which is allowed to leak through and
thus seal the clearances during the compression process.
In the Single Screw compressor, this liquid must also have
adequate viscosity to lubricate the bearings. The liquid is
swept into the groove during the suction process and also
injected into the compression groove during the compression process to maximize sealing of the running clearances.
Due to the rotation of the screw, centrifugal force
impels the injected liquid to the circumferential clearance
volume between the screw and the housing. This minimizes the leakage described as cascading. Cascading is
defined as the leakage from the high pressure groove
past the land separating the grooves into the trailing low
pressure groove. Another inherent attribute of the Single
Screw design is that there is more surface area on the
lands near the discharge end of the groove than near the
middle of the groove. This attribute also minimizes leakage from the highest pressure region of the groove.
Another area where the leakage is minimized is between
the high pressure end of the groove to the volume behind
the screw which is at suction pressure. This potential leak
path is sealed by means of a non-contacting hydrodynamic seal known as a viscoseal, windback seal, or labyrinth
seal.

Block and bleed

valves are standard

and

15-years on the
bearings. The key
to the single screw

compressors high

efficiency is Vilters

exclusive Parallex slide system allowing the

compressor to run at optimum efficiency

through its full range of capacity. Providing the

highest reliability and surpassed energy effi-

ciency... The Worlds Best Compressors

are available only from Vilter!

Vilter
Model
Number

VSM-152*

VSM-152E*

VSM Specifications

CFM
152

Base Ratings (a)

Ammonia
R-22
Tons
BHP
Tons
BHP

52

57

79

VSM-182*

177

VSM-202*

202

VSM-301

305

VSM-361

353

136

151

VSM-401

405

146

169

VSM-501

502

185

202

VSM-601

609

229

241

VSM-701

691

260

272

VSM-182E*
VSM-202E*
VSM-301E
VSM-361E
VSM-401E
VSM-501E
VSM-601E
VSM-701E

61

76
84

50
60
58

78

87

8'-2"

3'-7"

3'-11"

5'-9"

3800

98

8'-2"

3'-7"

3'-11"

5'-9"

3950

136

8'-2"

3'-7"

3'-11"

5'-9"

4100

155

8'-2"

3'-7"

3'-11"

5'-9"

4100

175

8'-2"

3'-9"

3'-11"

5'-9"

5000

207

8'-2"

3'-9"

4'-0"

6'-11"

6150

237

9'-9"

3'-11"

4'-5"

7'-3"

6700

264

9'-9"

3'-11"

4'-5"

7'-9"

6900

96

79

98

81

107

107
111

139
161
203
252
285

133

139
158
178
213
254
287

67
101
119
118

139
135
160
173
199
211

245
239
276

Shipping
Weight (lbs)

5'-9"

70

147
168
190
220
255
283

8'-2"

Unit Dimensions and Weights (b)

Width, Single Width, Dual Height
Oil Filter
Oil Filters
3'-11"

88
93

Length

3'-7"

85

68
72

Standard
Connection Sizes
Suction Discharge

(a) Tons and BHP based on + 20F and 95F; 10F liquid subcooling, saturated suction.
Ratings for other refrigerants are available, consult Vilter for more informationon.
(b) Dimensions and weights are approximate, and are based on use with thermosiphon plate oil cooling, standard size oil separator and standard motor.
* Models operate at 1775 RPM; all others operate at 3550 RPM

3800

VSM Single Screw Compressor

From Nominal 150 CFM thru 700 CFM

VILTER

VSS Single Screw Compressor

From Nominal 750 CFM thru 3000 CFM

The Worlds Best Compressors

For Industrial Refrigeration

TM

Single Screw
Ammonia
Heat Pumps

Harness Your Heat...

Dont Reject It

Vilter Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pumps

Convert Waste Heat to Hot Water, Up to 195 F (90 C)

Reduce or Eliminate Hot Water Boilers
Retrofit Existing Ammonia Refrigeration Systems
High Coefficient of Performance (COP) at Full or Part Load

Conventional Food and Beverage Processing Plants

Utilize Two Opposing Paths of Energy
Refrigeration
Heat Energy OUT

Refrigeration systems
absorb heat but then
reject it back into the
atmosphere.

Fossil Fuel
Heat Energy IN

Simultaneously, plant demands

for hot water, such as process
room clean-up activities, use
fossil fuel energy to heat water.

Vilter Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pumps Harness the Heat from
Refrigeration and Bridge the Gap for the Beneficial Use of Rejected Heat

High pressure Vilter Heat Pump Compressors allow plants to conserve energy by transferring
refrigeration waste heat into useful hot water heating, while reducing or eliminating hot water boilers
and the fossil fuels they consume.
Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pump

Single Stage Scavenging Heat Pump System

Desuperheating

Oil Cooling
Subcooling

Condensing

Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

Available Waste Heat

Oil Cooling
& Desuperheating

High Temperature Ammonia

Pressure and Temperature

Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pump

psia

psig

cuft/lb

barA

90.0
95.0
100.0
105.0
110.0
115.0
120.0
125.0
130.0
135.0
140.0
145.0
150.0
155.0
160.0
165.0
170.0
175.0
180.0
185.0
190.0
195.0
200.0
205.0

180.76
195.91
212.01
229.09
247.19
266.34
286.60
307.98
330.54
354.32
379.36
405.70
433.38
462.45
492.95
524.94
558.45
593.53
630.24
668.63
708.74
750.64
794.38
840.03

166.06
181.21
197.31
214.39
232.49
251.64
271.90
293.28
315.84
339.62
364.66
391.00
418.68
447.75
478.25
510.24
543.75
578.83
615.54
653.93
694.04
735.94
779.68
825.33

1.6588
1.5319
1.4163
1.3108
1.2144
1.1262
1.0452
0.9710
0.9026
0.8397
0.7817
0.7280
0.6785
0.6325
0.5899
0.5504
0.5136
0.4793
0.4473
0.4174
0.3895
0.3633
0.3387
0.3156

32.2
35.0
37.8
40.6
43.3
46.1
48.9
51.7
54.4
57.2
60.0
62.8
65.6
68.3
71.1
73.9
76.7
79.4
82.2
85.0
87.8
90.6
93.3
96.1

12.46
13.51
14.62
15.80
17.04
18.36
19.76
21.23
22.79
24.43
26.16
27.97
29.88
31.88
33.99
36.19
38.50
40.92
43.45
46.10
48.87
51.75
54.77
57.92

Single Stage Scavenging Heat Pump System

Ammonia Heat Pump Scavenging System

Scavenger Oil Cooling

& Desuperheating

Subcooling
Condensing

Host Oil Cooling

& Desuperheating

Existing Refrigeration System

Single Stage Heat Pump Scavenging System

Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pump

A scavenging heat pump system is designed to pull heat out of an existing refrigeration system by
diverting ammonia discharge gas away from refrigeration system condensers to the suction inlet
of the heat pump system. Vilter single screw compressors are designed to handle the high suction
pressures required of this duty, and deliver the very high discharge temperature vapors for water
heating in order to make use of the refrigeration systems waste heat. In heating water to moderate
temperatures, up to 160 F (71 C), single stage single screw heat pump systems provide optimal
performance (COPs) due to the dutys relatively low differential pressures, up to 350 psid.

Single Stage Ammonia Heat Pumps

Heat Water from 55F to 155 F
Compressor
Model

F (C)

Nominal
Water
Flow
GPM (m3/hr)

160 (71)

Suction
Pressure

SST

Discharge
Pressure

SDT

psig (barg)

F (C)

psig (barg)

mBTUH (kW)

Total
Absorbed
Power
HP (kW)

unitless

72 (16.4)

4874 (1429)

305 (228)

6.28

Heat
Recovered

COP

VSS-291

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 478 (32.5)

VSS-341

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 474 (32.2) 159 (70.5)

84 (19.1)

5657 (1658)

354 (264)

6.28

VSS-451

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 468 (31.9)

158 (70)

126 (28.6)

8540 (2503)

517 (386)

6.49

VSS-601

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 469 (31.9)

158 (70)

149 (33.9)

10041 (2943)

599 (447)

6.59

* Based upon compressors operating at 3550 RPM (60 Hz)

Single Stage Ammonia Scavenging Heat Pump Package

Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pump

Two-Stage Scavenging Heat Pump System

Ammonia Heat Pump Scavenging System
2nd Stage Oil Cooling
& Desuperheating
Subcooling

Condensing

1st Stage Oil Cooling

& Desuperheating
Host Oil Cooling
& Desuperheating

EXISTING AMMONIA REFRIGERATION SYSTEM

Existing Refrigeration System

TWO-STAGE HEAT PUMP SCAVENGING SYSTEM

Two-Stage Heat Pump Scavenging System

LOW STAGE
DESUPERHEATER
SYSTEM
CONDENSOR

MAIN
DISCHARGE GAS

1ST STAGE
COMPRESSOR

2ND STAGE
COMPRESSOR

OIL COOLER

OIL COOLER

INTERCOOLER

HIGH STAGE
DESUPERHEATER

EXISTING
COMPRESSORS

OUTLET WATER

EQUALIZING
MAIN SYSTEM
LIQUID
MAIN RECEIVER

LEVEL CONTROLLER

CONDENSER

SUBCOOLER
INLET WATER

Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pump

Two-stage scavenging heat pump systems are utilized where the desired water temperatures are higher than
those provided by single stage systems. Higher differential water temperatures correlate to higher differential
pressures in heat pump compressors. By splitting the heat pump design from a single stage to a two-stage
system, superior COPs are realized in achieving very high water temperatures, up to 195 F (90 C). Vilter
single screw compressors employed to satisfy the high pressures and temperatures of two-stage ammonia
heat pumps operate reliably and efficiently at such intensive duties due to their naturally balanced axial and
radial design.

Two-Stage Ammonia Heat Pumps

Heat Water from 55F to 190 F
Stage

Compressor
Model

Suction
Pressure

SST

Discharge
Pressure

SDT

Power

psig (barg)

F (C)

psig (barg)

F (C)

HP (kW)

Nominal
Water
Flow
GPM (m3/hr)

mBTUH (kW)

Total
Absorbed
Power
HP (kW)

unitless

Heat
Recovered

COP

Low
High

VSS-451
VSS-291

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 371 (25.2) 141 (60.5)

366 (24.9) 140 (60) 721 (49.0) 193 (89.5)

383 (286)
425 (317)

130 (29.5)

8772 (2571)

808 (603)

4.27

Low
High

VSS-601
VSS-341

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 370 (25.2) 141 (60.5)

365(24.8) 140 (60) 720 (49.0) 193 (89.5)

445 (332)
498 (371)

158 (35.9)

10680 (3130)

942 (703)

4.45

Low
High

VSS-901
VSS-451

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 371 (25.2) 141 (60.5)

366 (24.9) 140 (60) 721 (49.0) 193 (89.5)

766 (571)
768 (573)

234 (53.2)

15819 (4636)

1534 (1144)

4.06

Low
High

VSS-1051
VSS-601

178 (12.1) 94 (34.5) 370 (25.2) 141 (60.5)

365 (24.8) 140 (60) 720 (49.0) 193 (89.5)

828 (618)
867 (647)

271 (61.6)

18339 (5375)

1694 (1264)

4.25

* Based upon compressors operating at 3550 RPM (60 Hz)

Two-Stage Ammonia Scavenging Heat Pump Package

Single Screw Ammonia Heat Pump

Stand-Alone Heat Pump System

The city of Drammen, Norway is embarking on
a novel energy saving plan using an ammoniabased stand-alone heat pump system. When
the project comes on line, all of Drammens
hot water heating needs with be supplied
with energy extracted from the frigid North
Sea, greatly reducing the use and emissions of
fossil fuels.
The city of Drammen (population 60,000) needed
hot water at 90 C (194 F) for their new district
heating system. Using ammonia refrigerant (R-717)
the project is highly efficient, greatly reduces the
use of fossil fuels, and has no negative impact on
the ozone layer or global warming.
The use of heat pumps to
extract heat from air and water
is increasingly popular, largely
because the heat they deliver
far exceeds the energy they
consume.
Vilter engineers, collaborating
with Star Refrigeration and
Norsk-Kulde, made use of Vilter
single screw compressors to
produce the pressures and
temperatures required for the
system.

ITS NEVER
BEEN DONE

BEFORE
Courtesy of Star Refrigeration

Emerson.com/StarRefrigeration
Vilter reserves the right to make changes in design and specifications without notice.
Emerson and Vilter are trademarks of Emerson Electric Co. or one of its affiliated companies.
2010 Emerson Electric Co. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
v11 3/2010

Allen-Bradley Programmable Controller ParallexTM Slide System - Its the key to part load
efficiencies far superior to twin screw compressors. Capacity
and volume slides move independently of
each other based on load, eliminating over or under
compression and saving motor horsepower.

The CompactLogix programmable controller with an

A-B PanelView 1000 graphic display provides high
performance in a small footprint for stand alone
operation or for integrated system control.

Large Capacity Oil Filter - Filters lubricating oil before

Oil Cooling Options

injection into the compressor. Internal cartridge filter

removes all particles larger than 25 microns. Filter inlet and
outlet are equipped with transducers for monitoring pressure drop, and shut-off valves for servicing.

Water Cooled
Air Cooled

Applications

Compressor-Features The Vilter Advantages

Gas Liquification

LNG Boil Off

Displacements from 310 to 2,048 CFM

Vapor Recovery

Gas Gathering

Variable capacity control 10-100%

Flare Gas Recovery

BIO - Gas

Variable volume ratios 1.2 7.0

Coal Bed Methane Recovery

Digester

Compression ratios 2 20

Field and Fuel Gas Boosting

CO2

Wellhead Recovery

Nitrogen

Electronic actuators are weatherproof

and conform to Class 1, Group C&D,
Division 2 Classification

Enhanced Oil Recovery

Hydrogen

High suction pressure capability

is standard

Landfill Gas Recovery

Refrigerant

Clockwise rotation models available

Balanced main rotor with no axial or

radial loads
Parallex Slide System for maximum
operating efficiency
Low Bearing Loads no
Hydrodynamic- bearings

Low noise levels

Low maintenance costs

Part Load Energy Consumption

Single Screw vs. Twin Screw

Vilters VSG single screw gas compressors deliver

longer life, higher reliability and better energy efficiency
than twin screw compressors and have fewer moving

100%

Percent of Full Load Power

90%

parts than reciprocating compressors. The key to the

Single Screw with

Parallex Slides

80%

single screw compressors reliability is in its balanced

70%

Typical Twin Screw

with Variable VI

60%
50%

design. At the core of the positive displacement rotary

Ideal HP

compressor is a single main rotor intermeshed with two

40%

% Capacity
75%
50%
25%

30%
20%
10%

% Savings
5%
10%
20%

opposing gaterotors. The balanced design results in

ultra-low bearing loads with significantly decreased
vibration and sound levels. The key to the single screw

0%
0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

compressors high energy efficiency is Vilters exclusive

Percent Capacity

Parallex slide system allowing the compressor to run

at optimum efficiency through its full range of capacity.

Isentropic Efficiency Comparison

Between Variable and Fixed Volume

Providing the highest reliability and unsurpassed energy

efficiencyThe Worlds Best Compressors are available
only from Vilter!

Isentropic Efficiency (%)

100%

90%

Parallex Slide
System

80%

3.6
2.2
5.0

70%

Single Slide
Fixed Volume Ratios

60%

10

Compression Ratio

15

Unit Features

Flow Diagram (Figure 1)

Standard Construction:

Injection Oil Circuit:

Main bearings Roller and ball type angular contact thrust.

Oil Prelube Pump with TEFC motor.

Gaterotor bearings Roller and ball type angular contact thrust.

Oil Cooler/Temperature Control Valve An oil cooler, either air or water cooled,
must be used to remove the heat of compression from the oil stream. A two way
temperature control valve is used to maintain precise oil injection temperature to
the compressor VIA PID loop control in PLC.

Hand wheels or optical slide valve motor for capacity and volume control.
Suitable for Class 1, Group C+D, Div. II.
Variable Vi - Independent volume control and capacity control for
improving efficiencies.
Separate prelube oil pump with TEFC drive motor.
Lube oil piping is carbon steel, using socket weld or butt
weld connections. Threaded connections are kept to a minimum.
ASME designed oil separator with coalesing oil filter.

Oil Filtration Filtration down to 25 microns nominal. Optional dual

filters are recommended to allow replacement of one cartridge while the
compressor continues running with the other cartridge in service.
Oil Heater Oil heaters are supplied to maintain oil temperature of at least 90F
when the compressor is not running.

Available Options:
Stainless steel lube oil circuit.

CompactLogix programmable controller with an A-B PanelView 1000 graphic

display

Suction bypass connection for fuel gas booster application.

Separate stop and check valves for both suction and discharge lines.

Dual oil pumps.

Process Gas Circuit:

Dual oil filters.

Suction Gas Stop and Check Valve.

Water cooled or air cooled oil coolers.

Suction Line Strainer The strainer is stainless steel mesh construction and
suited to Process Gas applications.

High & Low ambient temperature options.

Process Gas/Oil Separator The separator is capable of removing the oil from
the discharge gas stream and is an ASME-coded vessel which uses five stages
of separation to achieve an oil loss of below 4 PPM.
Discharge Oil Separator Relief Valve.

Note Because the oil system on the VSG compressor utilizes discharge gas pressure as the means to move
the injection oil through the system, it must be remembered that all components of the oil system are
exposed to full discharge pressure and must be pressure rated accordingly.

Alarm and Shutdown Annunciation/Indication

The control system for the VSG compressor
must protect the machine from running outside
of normal operating conditions. This is accomplished by providing operators with alarms when
operating parameters have reached an abnormal
condition, and by automatically stopping the
compressor before these conditions can cause a
unit failure.

Safety Setpoints:
Low Gas Suction Temperature
High Gas Discharge Temperature

Low Oil Injection Temperature

High Oil Injection Temperature
Low Suction Pressure
High Discharge Pressure
Prelube Oil Pressure
Low Oil Pressure
High Starting Oil Filter
Differential Pressure

Low Oil Separator Start Temperature

High Running Oil Filter

Differential Pressure

Low Oil Separator Run Temperature

High Motor Amperage Limit

In most cases, the safety setpoints described

will have settings which are dictated by
process requirements, and not necessarily
mechanical constraints of the compressor.
Process pressures and temperatures may vary
considerably depending on the application of
the compressor. The VSG compressor is
designed to operate in a broad range of
applications. Minimum and maximum values
for each safety setpoint are provided, while
precise settings for the safety setpoints must
be derived for each installation.

Instrumentation
Pressure
There are four pressure transducers to read
system pressures as listed below (Figure 1).
PT1 Suction pressure transducer
(-15.0 - 400 PSIG) measures the gas
suction pressure into the compressor
housing.
PT2 Discharge pressure transducer
(-15.0 - 400 PSIG) measures the
discharge pressure of the process gas in
the separator.
PT3 Oil Filter Inlet pressure transducer
(-15.0 - 400 PSIG) measures the oil
pressure as it enters the oil filter canisters.
PT4 Oil Manifold pressure transducer
(-15.0 - 400 PSIG) measures the oil
pressure downstream of the oil filter as the
oil is injected into the compressor.
Additional pressure transducers may be required and installed by the
customer for pressure readings at customer specified points such as
process gas discharge pressure from the package boundary, cooling
water pressure to and/or from the oil cooler, etc.

Temperature

Additional Instrumentation

There are four temperature readings for

processor control, as listed below (Figure 1).
RTD1 Suction temperature RTD measures
the temperature of the incoming suction
gas.

Motor current transformer

Optical actuators for capacity and volume
slide indication

Other Options:

RTD2 Discharge temperature RTD measures

the temperature of the gas/oil mixture as
it is discharged from the compressor
housing.
RTD3 Oil Separator temperature RTD
measures the temperature of the oil in
the separator sump.
RTD4 Oil Injection temperature RTD
measures the temperature of the oil as it
is injected into the compressor.

Additional RTDs may be required and installed by the customer for

temperature readings at customer specified points such as discharge
gas temperature from the package boundary, cooling water
temperature to and/or from the oil cooler, gas aftercooler temperature,
etc.

Remote start/stop input

Remote alarm/trip output

Application Guidelines
To ensure the successful operation of the VSG compressor, the
guidelines described below should be followed.
Proper lubrication is critical to the operation of the VSG compressor.
The compressor relies on the injected oil to absorb and remove the
heat of compression, to seal the compression chambers formed in the
flutes of the screw, and to lubricate all moving parts. For this reason,
it is imperative that the oil chosen be of correct viscosity, and that
sufficient oil flow be provided at all times, using an auxiliary oil
pump when necessary. The oil chosen must be compatible with the
process gas, to prevent absorption of the gas into the oil, which
would dilute the oil and reduce the viscosity. Also oil filtration to 25
micron nominal particle size is required to ensure that only clean oil
is injected into the compressor. For assistance in choosing the correct
oil for the application and in sizing an auxiliary oil pump, consult a
Vilter representative.

Injection oil temperature must be closely controlled for optimum

performance. Oil temperature must be maintained a minimum of
15 - 20F above the gas mixture dewpoint at anytime to prevent condensation or liquid knockout from occurring within the compressor.
Gas composition plays a role in the performance of the VSG
compressor as well. While the VSG is capable of handling a wide
variety of gases, if H2S is present in the process gas in any concentration, special oil additives are required to protect the compressor
from corrosion. Levels below 100 PPM of H2S allow the standard
warranty to apply.
Typical gases handled: Natural Gas, Landfill Gas, Carbon Dioxide,
Propane, Helium, Propylene and Ammonia. Other gases will need to
be reviewed for compatibility and operational performance by Vilter.

Compressor Capacity and Design Limitations

Standard Compressor Models
Description

VSG
301

VSG
361

VSG
401

VSG
501

VSG
601

VSG
701

VSG
751

VSG
901

VSG
1051

VSG
1201

VSG
1551

VSG
1851

VSG
2101

Rotor Diameter (mm)

Gaterotor Diameter (mm)

205
195

205
205

205
216

240
225

240
240

240
252

280
268

280
280

310
298

310
310

350
331

350
350

350
368

Theoretical
Displacement

305

353

405

502

608

691

802

906

1101

1229

1526

1790

2118

CFM at 3550 RPM

Max. H.P. 3600 RPM*
Max. Allowable Torque

300 H.P.
444 ft. lbs.

Rotor Speed (RPM)

Direction of Rotation

650 H.P.
962 ft. lbs.
1200-4800

CCW Facing Drive End

725 H.P.
1280 ft. lbs.

865 H.P.
1280 ft. lbs.

1000 H.P.
1479 ft. lbs.

1200-4000

1200-3800

1200-3600

CW Facing Drive End

Drive Type
Built-in Volume Ratio

CCW Facing Drive End

Direct Drive, Electric Motor, Gas Engine

From 1.2 to 7.0 (Continuously Variable Automatic, or Manual Control)

Capacity Range

From 10% to 100% (Continuously Variable Automatic, or Manual Control Available)

Standard Oil Separator

Design (PSIG)**

400

Bare Comp. MAWP**

(PSIG)

515

350
485

Max. Pressure
Differential (PSIG)***
Min. Inlet Temp (F)
Max. Inlet Temp (F)
Max. Disch. Temp (F)
Max. Oil Temp (F)

325
-50F
180F
210 (Contact Vilter for increased temperature limits)
190 (Contact Vilter for increased temperature limits)

* *Higher limits are available. Consult Vilter Manuafacturing LLC.

**Higher discharge pressures are achievable. Consult Vilter Manuafacturing LLC. for approval.
***Higher differential pressures can be achieved. Consult Vilter Manuafacturing LLC. for approval.
Note: MAWP (Maximum Allowable Working Pressure). The relief valve setting must be below the MAWP. The relief valve is usually set 10% lower than the MAWP.

450

VSG Unit Dimensions & Specifications

C
C

B
B

Models VSG 301-701

Models VSG 751- 2101

Models VSG 301-701, above, are shown with a standard C-Flange motor mount, single oil filter and standard water-cooled oil cooler
which is noted by the D dimension on the drawing. Models VSG 751-2101 drawings illustrate the optional dual oil filter and the optional remote mounted oil cooler which can be air cooled.
It is important to note that all VSG models can be fitted with single or dual oil filters, water-cooled oil cooler or remote mounted oil
cooler.

VSG Unit Dimensions

Standard Connection Sizes

Unit Dimensions (Approximate)

Discharge*

A
Length

B
Width

C
Height

D
Optional
Oil Cooler

Approx.
Shipping
Weight (lbs.)

3"

3"

8'-10"

4'-2"

6'

7-3/4"

3600

VSG-361

3"

3"

8'-10"

4'-2"

6'

7-3/4"

4150

VSG-401

4"

3"

8'-10"

4'-2"

6'

7-3/4"

4150

VSG-501

4"

3"

8'-9"

3'-8"

7'-6"

10-3/4"

5500

VSG-601

4"

4"

9'-10"

4'-0"

7'-10"

10-3/4"

6000

VSG-701

4"

4"

9'-10"

4'-0"

7'-10"

10-3/4"

6000

VSG-751

6"

4"

12'-0"

3'-7"

8'-0"

16"

5300

VSG-901

6"

4"

12'-0"

3'-7"

8'-0"

16"

5350

VSG-1051

6"

6"

13'-2"

4'-1"

8'-8"

16"

6600

VSG-1201

6"

6"

13'-2"

4'-1"

8'-10"

16"

6800

VSG-1551

8"

6"

14'-0"

5'-8"

10'

17"

9200

VSG-1851

8"

6"

14'-0"

5'-8"

10'

17"

9300

VSG-2101

10"

6"

14'-0"

5'-8"

10'

17"

9500

Vilter
Model

Suction*

VSG-301

* Dimensions shown are approximate and should not be used for construction.