Diaphragm compressors and piston compressors
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Could some expert please explain in detail the advantages and disadvantages of diaphragm compressors and piston compressors when used for compressing syngas composed of hydrogen and carbon monoxide? Thank you so much! :)
These two types of gases are generally handled using reciprocating compressors; diaphragm compressors are used for transporting high-purity gases, as they provide a good separation from the gas and help prevent oil contamination. It’s probably the diaphragm compressor having low pressure
The design institute advises you: Diaphragm compressors are suitable for compressing gases with low flow rates and high pressure, where it is required that the gas remain unpolluted. For example, diaphragm compressors are required for use in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Piston compressors can achieve high flow rates, with a pressure ratio that can exceed 700; however, their cylinders require lubrication and are prone to contaminating the gas. It is widely used in general industry. I assume this is for industrial use; if the flow rate is high, a reciprocating piston type is the better choice.
Diaphragm compressor: Advantages: 1. Good sealing performance, low leakage risk； 2. High single-stage compression ratio ； 3. Compressed gas is free from contamination by lubricating oils and other solid impurities ； 4. Low noise. Disadvantages: 1. Low air volume ； 2. The price is relatively high ； 3. High requirements for gas moisture content in piston engines: Advantages: 1. Wide pressure range ； 2. Air volume adjustment has little impact on pressure ； 3 The equipment has a low price, resulting in low initial investment ； 4. Easy to operate ； 5. Long service life. Disadvantages: 1. The device is large in size and bulky ； 2. Complex structure with many vulnerable components, resulting in substantial maintenance workload ； 3. High vibration and noise during operation; high requirements for the equipment’s mounting foundation ； 4. Operating and maintenance costs are relatively high.
We’ve learned that our diaphragm compressors can handle 200 kilograms of pressure, with a pressure level that is quite high
This post was last edited by wuzhandong on 2020-3-11 at 18:16. Experienced experts are welcome to answer questions. As a supplementary note, regarding process gas compressors that are required to operate continuously and stably for 8,000 hours:
Diaphragm compressors:
1. Due to their high single-stage compression ratio (which varies depending on operating conditions and requirements; in China, a single stage can achieve a ratio of up to 14), fewer compressor stages are needed to reach the same exhaust pressure, resulting in fewer wear-prone components.
2. Their service life is primarily determined by the lifespan of the diaphragm; it is currently difficult to ensure 8,000 hours of stable operation. Even when there is a backup unit, it takes some time for the oil pressure to stabilize, so a certain amount of time is required for switching between units.
3. The volume of gas they can handle is generally small; a motor power of 100 kW is considered high for such compressors.
4. Very strict requirements are placed on the liquid content in the gas stream – essentially, no liquid should be present.
5. Their noise level is low mainly because of their relatively low overall power output.
Piston compressors:
1. They can effectively meet the requirements for continuous operation in industrial processes.
2. They are suitable for applications that require handling large volumes of gas (or high motor power).
3. These compressors are larger and heavier, and this is largely due to the power of the motor. For the same volume of gas to be handled, their size is smaller than that of diaphragm compressors, or it’s roughly similar. 4. At the same power level as diaphragm compressors, it also generates low vibration and noise during operation, and the requirements for the installation foundation of the equipment are essentially the same. In short, the choice between diaphragm compressors and piston compressors depends on specific operating conditions and requirements; diaphragm compressors are better suited for certain conditions, while piston compressors are preferable in other situations
Diaphragm compressors:
1. Due to their high single-stage compression ratio (which varies depending on operating conditions and requirements; in China, a single stage can achieve a ratio of up to 14), fewer compressor stages are needed to reach the same exhaust pressure, resulting in fewer wear-prone components.
2. Their service life is primarily determined by the lifespan of the diaphragm; it is currently difficult to ensure 8,000 hours of stable operation. Even when there is a backup unit, it takes some time for the oil pressure to stabilize, so a certain amount of time is required for switching between units.
3. The volume of gas they can handle is generally small; a motor power of 100 kW is considered high for such compressors.
4. Very strict requirements are placed on the liquid content in the gas stream – essentially, no liquid should be present.
5. Their noise level is low mainly because of their relatively low overall power output.
Piston compressors:
1. They can effectively meet the requirements for continuous operation in industrial processes.
2. They are suitable for applications that require handling large volumes of gas (or high motor power).
3. These compressors are larger and heavier, and this is largely due to the power of the motor. For the same volume of gas to be handled, their size is smaller than that of diaphragm compressors, or it’s roughly similar. 4. At the same power level as diaphragm compressors, it also generates low vibration and noise during operation, and the requirements for the installation foundation of the equipment are essentially the same. In short, the choice between diaphragm compressors and piston compressors depends on specific operating conditions and requirements; diaphragm compressors are better suited for certain conditions, while piston compressors are preferable in other situations
For high flow rates, use a piston; for low flow rates, use a diaphragm. The other two can both do it.