Difference: Centrifugal & Reciprocating Compressors

Difference between Centrifugal & Reciprocating Compressors!

Difference # Reciprocating Compressor:

1. Mechanical Balance:

Poor mechanical balance and greater vibrations due to presence of reciprocating masses.

2. Pressure Ratio per Stage:

High upto 5-8.

3. Multistaging Capability:

Suitable for high delivery pressures with multistaging, delivery pressure upto 5000 bar possible.

4. Volume Flow Rate:

Capable of delivering small volume flow rates.

5. Operational Flexibility:

Greater flexibility in pressure range and capacity.

6. Maintenance Cost:

High.

7. Effect of Pressure Ratio:

For pressure ratios above 2, efficiency is high.

8. Drive:

Suitable for slow speed drive only.

9. Attention Required:

Greater attention required.

10. Contamination with Lubricating Oil:

Greater chance of mixing working fluid with lubricating oil.

11. Suitability:

Suitable for low and medium and high delivery pressures with low/medium volume flow rates.

Difference # Centrifugal Compressor:

1. Mechanical Balance:

Absence of reciprocating masses provides better mechanical balance and vibration free operation.

2. Pressure Ratio per Stage:

Comparatively low upto 4.5.

3. Multistaging Capability:

Suitable for medium delivery pressure. Delivery pressure of 400 bar possible with multistaging.

4. Volume Flow Rate:

Capable of delivering large volume of flow rates.

5. Operational Flexibility:

No flexibility in pressure range and capacity.

6. Maintenance Cost:

Low.

7. Effect of Pressure Ratio:

High efficiency for pressure ratio below 2.

8. Drive:

Suitable for direct coupling to high speed drives like turbines.

9. Attention Required:

Less attention is adequate.

10. Contamination with Lubricating Oil:

No chance of contamination of working fluid with lubricating oil.

11. Suitability:

Suitable for low and medium pressures with large volume flow rates.