Before you buy a centrifugal compressor, you must have enough knowledge to select the right type of centrifugal compressor for your application requirements, as centrifugal compressor companies offer a variety of compressors, such as centrifugal air compressors, multi-stage centrifugal compressors, an axial centrifugal compressor and gear type centrifugal compressors.

If you want to be a centrifugal compressor manufacturer or distributor, you can subscribe to magazines or join associations that provide updates about centrifugal compressor products.

To acquire basic information and updates about compressors, their design and performance, you can:

1. Search for courses in compressors design and performance.
2. Search for online training programs on compressors.
3. Read magazines that provide updates on various types of compressors including axial and centrifugal compressors.
4. Join associations for compressor manufacturing companies.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Search for courses in centrifugal compressor design and performance

Different institutions offer training programs about centrifugal compressor design, applications and maintenance. These courses would also help you to understand the different types of centrifugal compressors and their applications.

I recommend: ASME International (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) organizes short-term courses on centrifugal compressor performance analysis. Concepts NREC is an independent turbo-machinery design and development organization that conducts specialized courses in centrifugal compressor design and performance. Solar Turbines, a reputable centrifugal gas compressor manufacturer, also offers courses for experienced engineers in turbo machinery.

Opt for online courses on centrifugal compressors education and training

Online courses are a good alternative if you cannot opt for courses from institutions. You can educate yourself about the centrifugal compressors by choosing a course that suits your level of expertise. You can select an entry-level course or a sophisticated training program that explains details of design, application and troubleshooting of centrifugal compressors and centrifugal compressor parts.

I recommend: ACTT, a division of Compressor Engineering Corp., conducts online training on the fundamentals of centrifugal compressors. Dresser Rand, a global supplier of rotating equipment, offers an entry-level course on different types of centrifugal compressors and their applications.

Find magazines and technical articles that provide information on centrifugal compressors

You can keep yourself updated with the latest developments in centrifugal compression technology by referring to technical articles and magazines related to different compression technologies.

I recommend: You can subscribe to Technical Associates of Charlotte for technical papers on centrifugal compressors and their performance. You can also subscribe to COMPRESSORTechTwo, a machinery-oriented publication by Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications. You can also check for updates or articles on the centrifugal compressors at Energy-Tech Magazine, a magazine dedicated to news and events in the field of electric power.

Centrifugal compressors are commonly used in more than 30 different industries. These machines compress air and gases and then release them with centrifugal force. Centrifugal compressors use minimal oil or chemicals, making them environmentally friendly. It does not matter what your company's needs are for a compressor, there are centrifugal compressors available that will work for your business.

Centrifugal compressor design is broken down into four specific categories. Gear type compressors are single- or multi-stage compressors and are the most energy efficient. Barrel centrifugal compression systems are used in oil and chemical industries for toxic gases. Isotherm compressors use a low amount of energy and are generally used for air compression. Pipeline centrifugal compressors are used for large pipelines to maintain the compressed state of the gases. When purchasing a centrifugal compressor, review your company's needs and choose from these designs.

1. Save money and energy with a gear type centrifugal compressor.

2. Use barrel compressors for toxic or dangerous gases.

3. Benefit from the integrated cooling system of an isotherm compressor.

4. Compress large volumes with a pipeline centrifugal compressor.

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Locate gear type centrifugal compressor design

Gear type centrifugal compressors are categorized by their low operating cost. Because of the low cost these compressors are used in textiles, automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, industrial gases, chemical, aerospace, electrics, oil and gas refineries, and many other industries.

I recommend: Buy integral gear centrifugal compressors that are easy to maintain and operate from Red Mountain Energy Cooperation. Compare the features of more than 10 different types of gear compressors at the Sundyne Corporation. Vortron Industrial carries industrial gear centrifugal compressors for aerospace and other industries.

Buy a barrel centrifugal gas compressor

The most popular brand of barrel compressor is the axial centrifugal compressor. A barrel compressor is completely enclosed in a round or cylindrical shape.

I recommend: Buy or request replacement centrifugal compressor parts for barrel and other types of compressors at TurboCare. The Spencer Turbine Company offers a variety of stack compressors and builds custom barrel compressors for businesses. Buy centrifugal compressor systems at Siemens AG.

Find an isotherm centrifugal compressor supplier

A single shaft centrifugal industrial compressor that is equipped with an integrated cooling system is called a isotherm compressor. This type of centrifugal gas and air compressor uses minimal energy and generates a smaller amount of noise compared to other centrifugal air compressors.

I recommend: Purchase isotherm centrifugal industrial compressors from a leading centrifugal compressor manufacturer at Atlas Copco. Customize complete multistage centrifugal compressor packages at the Ingersoll-Rand website.

Buy a pipeline centrifugal flow compressor

Pipeline gases lose their compression when the distance traveled increases. Pipeline centrifugal compressors return the gases to their original compressed state. This type of centrifugal gas compressor is designed for frequent use and efficiency.

I recommend: Browse the centrifugal compressor catalog at GE. Find pipeline, barrel, gear and axel compressors at MAN Turbo AG.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Centrifugal air compressors are designed for either air or gas. Always read the information before buying to make sure you purchase the correct compressor for your business.

A centrifugal compressor (also known as a radial compressor) compresses fluid by using rotating vanes or impellers. For achieving high discharge pressures, you can also use a multi-stage centrifugal compressor.

If you want to use centrifugal compressors for your applications, you will need to be aware of various technical terms relating to them. This guide will familiarize you with the key terms of centrifugal compressors, including gauge pressure, brake horsepower, compression efficiency, impellers, API 617 and SCFM.

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Gauge pressure

Gauge pressure (also referred to as overpressure) is the pressure of a system measured by a gauge or any other pressure-measuring instruments.

I recommend: JPL Air Compressor Service and Main Power Connect provide air compressor glossaries explaining various key terms such as gauge pressure.

Brake horsepower

Compressor manufacturers use brake horsepower, a measurement unit, to specify the power of a centrifugal compressor. The brake horsepower of a compressor is the horsepower required at the compressor shaft for its efficient functioning.

I recommend: Industrial Air Power, a supplier of compressor parts, offers information about the term brake horsepower. PneuSource, Inc., a specialist in the air-compression technology, also provides definitions for compressed air terms.

Compression efficiency

Compression efficiency is the ratio of the theoretical work requirement to the actual work required to be done on the fluid for its compression and delivery.

I recommend: R and R Compressor Service Co. publishes the basics of compression efficiency. In addition, Enerquip offers a glossary of compressor key terms, such as compression efficiency.

Impellers

An impeller is a rotating device that pushes the liquids, gases or vapors into the desired direction. Axial and radial are the most common type of impellers.

I recommend: Learn more about impellers Pneumatic-Source.com, a knowledge resource for pneumatic manufacturers.

PTC 10 - 1997

This code provides test procedures to determine the thermodynamic performance of an axial or centrifugal compressor or exhauster doing work on a gas of known or measurable properties under specified conditions.

I recommend: To learn more about this standard, you can browse through the ASME International Web site.

API 617

The American Petroleum Institute (API) develops standards for many devices used in the oil and gas industry. API 617 covers the minimum requirements for centrifugal compressors for use in the petroleum, chemical and gas industries.

I recommend: The American Petroleum Institute provides detailed information about this standard.

Centrifugal compressors pricing and costs include not just the initial price of the equipment but also the entire life cycle costs. The maintenance cost is strongly influenced by the amount of disassembly the unit requires. Traditional models may need to be disassembled even for routine maintenance, whereas the newer frictionless models may only require the periodic replacement of filters. Design efficiency is also an important consideration as this will affect the reliability and operating costs of the air compressor.

A comparison of air compressors should reflect any differences in performance categories, such as the power of the compressors or their air flow. The following three sources have pricing information on centrifugal air compressors and centrifugal compressor parts:

1. Buying guides for an axial centrifugal compressor. These sources typically discuss pricing in general terms by performance category rather that specific models.

2. Retailers for a centrifugal gas compressor. These sources usually provide pricing information on specific models.

3. Dealers of used centrifugal air compressors. Retailers may carry used equipment and there are also companies that specialize in used equipment.

Action Steps
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Examine a buying guide for a centrifugal industrial compressor

Buying guides offer price ranges and performance comparisons for different types of compressors. They may also have information on the other costs of owning an air compressor.

I recommend: According to PlantServices.com, the initial purchase price of the compressor represents only 15% of the compressor's total expenses over the first five to seven years. BuyerZone provides prices on compressors ranging from less than $500 for home use to millions of dollars for an industrial centrifugal compressor.

Examine prices on a specific centrifugal flow compressor model

Retailers typically provide detailed information on the pricing and other costs of their air compressors. Trade magazines may also offer reviews of specific models of centrifugal compressors.

I recommend: Tradeline claims that the 10 to 20% price premium on a frictionless compressor will be quickly recovered by the savings in operational costs. Cameron shows that the inlet guide vane of the Turbo-Air 9000 centrifugal air compressor provides a power savings of up to nine percent over the traditional inlet butterfly valve.

Research centrifugal compressor companies that deal in used equipment

A commercial centrifugal air represents a substantial investment for many businesses. Many companies do not need a compressor full time and choose rent or purchase new equipment instead.

I recommend: Kitmondo lists used compressors for sale, such as a model 552-50492 York/Borg Warner compressor for $50,000. LabX advertises a used Said Compressor model WS2 1160 A1H for $45,000.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A multistage centrifugal compressor has one stage of operation for each level of pressure, such that machines with more stages generally provide higher levels of compression. A three-stage centrifugal compressor is generally more efficient than a model that uses a rotary screw and typically produces pressure in the range of 100 to 150 pounds per square inch (psi). Compressors with five to eight stages may reach pressures of up to 1200 psi.