Impact of altitude on the production capacity of piston compressors and improvement methods
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The company has a piston compressor for compressing CO2; its compression capacity is generally 500 kg/h in plain areas. When installed at an altitude of 1,500 meters, this capacity drops to around 300 kg/h, resulting in significant limitations on production capacity. Does altitude have such a big impact on the compressor’s performance? If a 1-bar blower is installed in front, can the compressor’s production capacity be restored? Or how much can be restored?
Air compressors might have an impact, but carbon dioxide cannot have any effect
There is an airbag for storage in front of the compressor, which maintains a slight positive pressure; why then isn’t CO2 affected by altitude?
For positive displacement compressors, the following formula can be used for calculation: MMcfd = PD * VE * Ps * 0.000001 / Zs. Where: PD – piston displacement; VE – volumetric efficiency; Ps – suction pressure; Zs – suction compression factor. MMcfd represents the volumetric capacity at the suction temperature (14.4 psia), measured in million cubic feet per day. At different altitudes, PD remains constant; therefore, the volumetric capacity is proportional to the suction pressure (note: absolute pressure) and the volumetric efficiency. If the compressor’s suction gauge pressure is what is being controlled, then due to the decrease in atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes, the absolute pressure corresponding to the same gauge pressure also decreases, resulting in a slight reduction in the volumetric capacity. However, such a significant decrease is not normal. It is recommended to check the system and consult the manufacturer.
Does your company produce liquid industrial carbon dioxide?
Is the production capacity of piston compressors related to altitude?
We manufacture equipment for producing carbon dioxide; if you need liquid carbon dioxide, we can also help you find a source