Comparison between Centrifugal Compressor and Reciprocating Compressor

Centrifugal Compressor Reciprocating Compressor

Working Principle It is rotodynamic type of compressor where the pressure rise is accomplished by dynamic It is positive displacement type of compressor, Certain volume of gas is drawn
& energy from the rotor to the gas. into the compression chamber where it is trapped, compressor and released.
compression process Rotating element Impeller imparts kinetic energy to gas and increase the velocity. Static Reciprocating motion of piston compress the gas inside the cylinder and deliver
diffuser controls the velocity of gas and convert it into pressure. it at higher pressure.
Maximum discharge pressure For Horizontal split case - Up to 100 bar Up to 3500 bar
For radially split case – Up to 1000 bar
Discharge Temperature range -46 C to 234 C (Lower or higher with special material) -40 C to 200 C (Lower or higher with special material)
Maximum Flow rate 8,50,000 Nm3/Hr 35,000 Nm3/Hr
Nature of flow Steady and continuous Pulsating and intermittent
Flow control / operating range Up to approx. 70% for fixed speed, Up to approx. 50% for VFD or Inlet Guide Vane Not possible for fixed speed. Up to 20% or lower through lower speed
Efficiency 70% to 85%, For axial it could go up to 90% 80% to 90%
Polytropic efficiency usually used except air compressors which use adiabatic efficiency Follow Adiabatic efficiency curve. Efficiency drops with compression ratio and
decreases with increased molecular weight
Reliability and availability Extremely reliable and availability is high Less reliable due to large number of parts and more rubbing seals that wear and
Due to a smaller number of rubbing parts and all rotating and critical parts are highly require more frequent replacement than any seal or part in a centrifugal
engineered, precision manufactured, tested and balanced. machine.
Maintenance cost Low High
Less number of replacement parts, repair or o/h interval is high. Large number of recurring parts, repair and O/h interval could be few months to
API 617, centrifugal compressor must be designed for at least five years of uninterrupted maximum 3-5 years.
service; they can operate continuously for 10 years or longer.
Noise and vibration Low High
Speed 1500-50,000 rpm 200-900 rpm
Initial cost High Low
Equipment protection Surge control Necessary Safety relief valve (Surge control is not required)
Applicable API standard API 617 API 618

Kirit Domadiya