The distillation unit requires centrifugal compressors, while another unit needs reciprocating compressors – why is that?
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The distillation unit requires centrifugal compressors, while another unit needs reciprocating compressors – why is that?
The selection of a compressor depends on considerations of flow rate and pressure to determine whether to use a centrifugal or reciprocating type; it’s not just one factor. Even within the same category, differences in flow rate can lead to the use of centrifugal compressors in some cases and reciprocating compressors in others
Reciprocating compressors have a wide range of adjustment options, strong adaptability, high efficiency, and a large compression ratio; changes in the density of the medium have little impact on them. However, they are complex and require a large amount of space； Centrifugal compressors have a large discharge volume and a simple structure. Therefore, reciprocating compressors are still the most widely used at present; centrifugal compressors are employed only in situations where the flow rate is extremely high and the operating conditions are stable, such as in the recycle hydrogen compressors used in hydrocracking, where the flow rate can reach hundreds of thousands of cubic meters per hour, as well as in catalytic pressure reactors.
Are reciprocating machines suitable for situations with large variations in operating conditions?
Sure, the combination of features in reciprocating compressors can be adjusted. Moreover, clearance adjustment is now widely used, that is, a stepless airflow control system, which is quite convenient to use