The Three Major Types of Gas Compressors
A hydrogen compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of hydrogen by reducing its volume. Hydraulic compressors are used in a wide range of applications including industrial sites, mobile and fixed fueling stations, backup power systems among other areas. Each hydrogen compressor contains a hydraulically driven intensifier, which consists of a hydraulic cylinder coupled with two gas cylinders. For a hydrogen compressor to function correctly, the pressure of the gas acting on the gas piston, must be equal to the force of the hydraulic pressure acting on the hydraulic piston. When the hydraulic cylinder strokes, hydrogen gas is compressed and removed from one gas cylinder and filled in the other cylinder. The following are the three major types of high pressure gas compressors.
Multi-Stage Gas Compressors
Multi-stage gas compressors are one of the common hydrogen gas compressors. They are usually used to fill fuel storage tanks. These types of compressors are capable of boosting gas inlet pressures from as low as 70 psi and discharging high pressures as high as 15,000 psi. Multi-stage gas compressors can be customized to match the flow of the hydrogen gas produced by an electrolyzer or reformer.
Single Stage Gas Compressors
Single stage gas compressors are used for moving large amounts of gas when high inlet pressures are available. These machines can withstand high internal temperatures and pressure. This feature makes them ideal for moving large quantities of gas via small units. Single-stage compressors are used to perform tasks, such as emptying high-pressure tube trailers, moving gas between storage vessels and rapidly filling vehicle tanks.
Hybrid Gas Compressors
Hybrid gas compressors combine the features of multi-stage compressors and single stage compressors. These machines are used when the inlet pressures are low. They can act as multi-stage conventional units by helping to boost low-pressure inlet gas to high discharge pressure. If high pressures are available, hybrid compressors act as single stage compressors take advantage of the high inlet pressures.
These are just some of the most important details to know about high-pressure hydrogen compressors. Before choosing gas compressors, consider factors such intended application, materials of construction, price and size of the compressor. For more information about gas compressors, and how to contact a reputable manufacturer, visit pdcmachines.com.
