How Do Natural Gas Compressors Work?

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Natural gas is an important source of energy for countless industrial applications. It's known for being a versatile fuel that can be utilized for heating, powering vehicles, and even generating electricity. To take advantage of its many benefits, natural gas often needs to be compressed to increase its pressure and flow rate. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how natural gas compressors work.

What are natural gas compressors?

Natural gas compressors are machines that are designed to compress natural gas. The compressed gas can then be transported through pipelines or stored in tanks, making it easier to handle and more cost-effective to transport. Smaller compressors are often used for industrial applications, while larger compressors are used in natural gas production and transportation operations.

How natural gas compressors work:

1. Inlet and suction valves.

The natural gas enters the compressor through the inlet valve. The suction valve keeps the gas from flowing back into the compressor during the compression process.

2. Compression cylinders.

The compression cylinders are where the actual compression takes place. They consist of piston-cylinder assemblies, which work like a reciprocating engine to compress the gas. The piston moves up and down inside the cylinder, compressing the gas inside. The number of compression stages within a compressor depends on the desired gas pressure and flow rate. Each successive stage increases the pressure of the gas by a specific amount.

3. Intercoolers.

As the gas undergoes compression, it heats up. Intercoolers are installed between stages to cool the gas down. Cooling the gas helps to prevent damage to the compressor and also increases the compressor's efficiency.

4. Discharge valves and mechanisms.

The discharge valves are where the compressed gas exits the compressor. After exiting the compressor, the gas typically flows to a gas pipeline or storage tank. The discharge mechanism controls the flow rate and pressure of the gas leaving the compressor.

Types of natural gas compressors.

There are several types of natural gas compressors, including:

1. Centrifugal compressors.

Centrifugal compressors utilize a rotating impeller to compress the gas. The impeller is contained within a casing, which directs the gas flow. Centrifugal compressors are often used when a large flow rate of gas is required.

2. Reciprocating compressors.

Reciprocating compressors are often used when a high pressure of gas is required. They typically have lower flow rates than centrifugal compressors but can achieve higher compression ratios.

3. Screw compressors.

Screw compressors utilize two interlocking screws to compress the gas. They're known for their low maintenance requirements and high efficiency.

4. Scroll compressors.

Scroll compressors utilize a stationary and orbiting scroll to compress the gas. They're known for their low noise levels and high efficiency.

Conclusion.

Natural gas compressors are essential machines in the natural gas industry. By compressing natural gas, it becomes easier to transport and more cost-effective to use. Natural gas compressors come in a variety of types, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding how natural gas compressors work can help you choose the right type of compressor for your specific industrial operations.

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