Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Types of Compressors

Types Advantages Disadvantages

Roto-Dynamic Compressor
Centrifugal • Wide operating range • Instability at reduced flow
• High reliability and low maintenance • Sensitive to changes in gas composition
• Susceptible to rotor-dynamics problems
• Sensitive to liquids in the gas stream
Integrally • Relatively inexpensive method of obtaining a high • Limited operating flow range
Geared compression ration • Sensitive to liquids in the gas stream
Centrifugal • High efficiency at best efficiency point
Axial • High capacity for a given size and high efficiency • Low compression ratios
• Heavy duty and low maintenance • Limited turndown
Thermal/Jet • No moving parts and low maintenance • Very low efficiency
• High pressure ratio • Narrow range of application
Positive Displacement Compressor
Reciprocating • Wide pressure ratios • Heavy foundations required due to unbalanced forces
(Piston) • High efficiency • Flow pulsation can cause vibration and structural problems
• High maintenance compared to dynamic compressors
• Sensitive to liquids in the gas stream
Diaphragm • Very high pressure • Limited capacity range
• Available in special materials • Periodic replacement of diaphragms required
• No moving seals • Flow pulsation problems
• Low flow
Screw • Wide range of applications • Noisy
• Wet screw has high efficiency and high pressure ratio • Wet screw not suitable for corrosive or dirty gases
• Dry screw insensitive to changes in gas composition and can
handle dirty gases
Lobe • Simple in design and construction • Limited operating range and pressure ratio
• Low cost • Capacity control limited to suction throttling
Sliding Vane • Simple in design • Generally unsuitable for process gases
• High single-stage pressure ratio • Low reliability
• Able to tolerate small quantities of liquids in the process gas
Liquid Ring • High vacuum capability • Sealing liquid/process gas compatibility required
• Able to tolerate small quantities of liquids in the process gas • Sealing liquid separation equipment required
• High reliability • Limited suction pressure
• High single-stage pressure ratio
Reference source - PIP REEC001 Compressor Selection Guidelines