Multi-Stage Compressor
Reciprocating/piston compressors use a cylinder to force air into a chamber, where it is compressed. The simplest compressor designs feature a single cylinder/chamber arrangement. While straightforward, this setup is limited in its efficiency and capacity for delivering high volumes of pressurized air.
That’s where multi-stage compressors come in. By increasing the number of cylinder stages, these machines work more effectively and can handle more tools at once.
How Multi-stage Compressors Work
Multi-stage compressors feature a series of cylinders, each of a different diameter. Between each compression stage, the air passes through a heat exchanger, where it is cooled. Cooling the air reduces the amount of work necessary to compress it further.
In a two-stage compressor, air is then forced into an additional chamber where it is pressurized to the required extent. In a three-stage compressor, an additional cycle of compression and cooling occurs before this.
Benefits of Multi-stage Compression
Both single and multi-stage compressors have their benefits. The right one for your application will depend on a number of factors. Specific advantages of a three or two stage compressor design include:
Improved efficiency. Two-stage compressors perform less work to compress air to a given pressure, which means your operating costs are lower.
Better reliability. The inter-cooling stage of two-stage compression creates less chance of overheating, which in turn means more up-time and better productivity.
Less moisture buildup. Cooler air has a lower moisture content. Moisture in compressed air can lead to equipment failure and premature wear. Using a two- or three-stage compressor can potentially save you from having to purchase a separate air dryer.
Smaller footprint. For heavy-duty applications, multi-stage compressors deliver greater air pressure (PSI) at higher capacities (CFM) than single-stage machines of a comparable size.
Few maintenance requirements. Thanks to smaller components and cooler temperatures, wearable components don’t wear out as quickly. As a result, recommended service intervals are longer.
Applications
Clearly there are benefits to selecting a multi-stage machine; however, their higher cost means they are not necessarily the right choice for every application. Generally speaking, single-stage compressors are best for light-duty, intermittent use applications, in which pressure requirements don’t exceed 100 PSIG. Two- or three-stage compressors, on the other hand, offer better value and reliability for continuous use applications, such as auto repair and manufacturing.
Manufactures twin-screw, rotary natural gas compressors and reciprocating natural gas compressors. Provides technical training and field service for natural gas producers. Parts for rotary or reciprocating compressors, compressor lubricants, and rotary screw repair. New Berlin, WI. Distributor of industrial air compressors, systems and parts as well as lubricants, reciprocating rotary screw and centrifugal compressor parts, coolers, dryer parts, and filters.
Manufacturer of compressor (piston type) spare parts: Valves, piston rod packings, scraper rings, PTFE piston rings, for Ateliers Francois, ABC, Belliss and Morcom and other compressors. Manufacturer of labyrinth piston and crosshead piston compressors for the oil refining, chemical and petrochemical industries. Manufacturers of air compressors, including piston and screw air products.
Manufacturer of diaphragm and piston compressors, valves and fittings for high pressure applications. Germany Manufacturer of compressor (piston type) spare parts: Valves, piston rod packings, scraper rings, PTFE piston rings, for Ateliers Francois, ABC, Belliss and Morcom and other compressors. Manufacturer of labyrinth piston and crosshead piston compressors for the oil refining, chemical and petrochemical industries.
Distributor of industrial air compressors, systems and parts as well as lubricants, reciprocating rotary screw and centrifugal compressor parts, coolers, dryer parts, and filters. Parts for rotary or reciprocating compressors, compressor lubricants, and rotary screw repair. New Berlin, WI. Air compressor parts and supplies including lubricants, reciprocating, rotary screw and centrifugal compressor parts, inter and after coolers, dryer parts, coalescing and point of use filters, duct collector elements.
