What are the Advantages of a Two Stage Gas Compressor?

What are the Advantages of a Two Stage Gas Compressor?

What Is a Two Stage Gas Compressor?

When the discharge pressure needed for an application cannot be reached with a single stage gas compressor, a two stage gas compressor is essential. Although more expensive and complex to operate, a two stage gas compressor is the only solution for achieving higher discharge pressure if a single stage gas compressor falls short. These compressors are also ideal for handling sour, acidic, or heavy hydrocarbon gas streams that pose challenges for other systems.

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Here’s what you need to know about two stage compressors.

How Two Stage Gas Compressors Are Made

Ro-Flo two stage gas compressors integrate a high pressure model and a low pressure model on a single drive, creating an optimal solution for high discharge pressure needs. These compressors are flow-matched, allowing for two stages of compression with one drive, and both stages operate at the same speed.

While this is the standard configuration, there are variations. These can include independent drives and Ro-Flo models selected to handle different flow requirements at varying speeds. An intercooler and knockout vessel are typically required between stages to strip heat from compression and remove free liquids from the gas system.

What Two Stage Gas Compressors Do

Two stage gas compressor systems provide a wider range of capabilities along with enhanced reliability and efficiency. Utilized in Ro-Flo configurations, these compressors can reach gas discharge pressures up to 200 psi (13.6 barg). In vacuum operations, they can achieve levels as low as 0.7 psia (5 kPa absolute).

How to Choose a Gas Compressor for Your Application

When collaborating with Ro-Flo, selecting a gas compressor becomes straightforward. We assist you in choosing a system tailored to your needs by considering the following factors:

• Application of the compressor system
• Type of gas being processed
• Required pressures
• Compression ratio (higher ratios often necessitate a two stage gas compressor)
• Location where the system will be used
• Suction and discharge temperatures
• Capacity requirements

By assessing these variables, we determine whether a two stage gas compressor is necessary and define exact specifications for your system. For particular compression ratios, both single stage and two stage gas compressors might be viable. To choose between them, it is crucial to consider that a two stage gas compressor system:

• Is more complex and may require additional training for operators
• Is more challenging to maintain and repair
• Entails a higher initial cost
• Offers a lower discharge temperature
• Generally operates more efficiently if both single and two stage compressors are options

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