Comparison between

Different Types of
Compressors
Performance and Efficiency
 Flow Rate and Pressure Ratio (single stage)
Flow Pressure Efficie Additional
Type
Rate Ratio ncy comments
Very high Low - narrow operating
(860k (1.05 2.1; up region
Axial-flow 80 91 % + smaller and lighter
ft3/min) to 30 for
multistage) than centrifugal

Medium
High 75 87 % + very wide operating
Centrifugal (170k region
(1.2 9.0)
ft3/min)
High
Reciprocatin Low
(4; 8 for low 75 82 %
g
capacity)
Low High 75 82 %
Rotary
(15k ft3/min) (2 5)
Obtainable Pressures and Power Consumption
Obtainable
Type Power Consumption
Pressures
Multistage: 15 kW (2000 hp) for
light gases. 4 kW (500 hp) general
Centrifugal > 34.5 MPa (5000 psi)
hydrocarbon
Single Stage: Low power
Reciprocating 690 MPa (105 psi) 110 kW (15000 hp)
Sliding-Vane: 0.86 MPa (125
psi)
Sliding-Vane: 3 kW (400 hp)
Straight-lobe: 83 kPa (12 psi)
Straight-lobe: ---------
Rotary Liquid-Piston: 0.52 MPa (75
Liquid-Piston: -----------
psi)
Screw: 10 6000 hp
Helical Screw: 1.17 MPa (170
psi)
 Advantages of Centrifugal Compressors

No contamination by lubricating oil, as they do not have

rubbing surfaces.
Balanced machines and do not require heavy foundations.
Low maintenance costs.
Within their operating range, initial cost is less than that
for reciprocating compressors within the same operating
range.
Can handle liquids and solids better than other types of
compressors, although it is not desirable to have liquids
and solids in the gas for any type of compressor.
Capacity can be controlled by speed variations
Disadvantages of Reciprocating Compressors

Large and expensive.

Require large foundations.
High maintenance costs, especially when
handling gases containing liquids, solids, or
corrosives.
Pros and Cons of Rotary Screw Compressors

Balanced machines and require light foundations.

As there are no rubbing surfaces, do not contaminate
compressed gas with lube oil.
Low maintenance costs.
Cheaper than centrifugal and reciprocating compressors.
Can be used to compress gases with contaminants such as
liquid droplets, tars, and polymers, with good levels of
efficiency.
Noisy.
Range of capacity variation at constant speed is very small.
Designed for a specified gas and compression ratio.
Pros and Cons of Vane type Rotary Compressors

Low cost.
Highest compression efficiency and overall efficiency
over all types of rotary compressors.
Very high volumetric efficiency and hence high flow
rate with respect to machine size
Continuous lubrication of internal rubbing parts is
required (10 times more than reciprocating machines).
High maintenance due to wear.
Sensitive to solids in gas stream and so require filters
in air service.
Pros and Cons of Liquid Ring Rotary Compressors

Low discharge temperature capability. Useful for

polymerizing gases such as acetylene and gas
mixtures with exothermic reactions.
Selection and processing of liquid allows unit
operations such as absorption, scrubbing, and cooling,
besides compression.
Insensitive to liquid and solids fines carry over.
Oil-free operation.
Maintenance in corrosive environments is lower than
for other types.
Low overall efficiency (3550%).