Compressors

In process plants, compressors are used to compress process or operating media, such as for example instrument air for the operation of pneumatically controlled valves. Compressors are grouped into dynamic compressors and volumetric compressors. Among other things, the selection of the proper compressor type depends on the flow capacity, the suction and discharge pressure, and the required purity of the compressed medium. As density changes with pressure, deviations of the suction and discharge pressure have an impact on the flow capacity.

Cooling

Usually, compressors are cooled during operation by means of the ambient air or a cooling loop due to the heat caused by the compression of the medium passing through. The heat removed from the compressors might be used for heating purposes or as a heat source within the process plant using a heat pump if required.

Drying

As the dew point increases with increasing pressure, components of the compressed medium can potentially experience condensation following the compression. For this reason, if ambient air is compressed to be used as instrument air, a drying process is often implemented after the compression stage. The dew point required for the compressed medium must be defined in conjunction with the corresponding pressure.

Oil Separation

If needed, an aggregate for oil separation is used after the compression stage in case that the medium can become contaminated with oil while passing through the compressor.