What are the limitations of a single shaft compressor?

Single shaft compressors are not a good fit for very low flow applications and can have lower efficiency at part load operation. They are also more sensitive to applications in which the process gas has widely varying mole weights. In such applications a positive displacement type compressor could be a better fit.

What is the pressure ratio for a single shaft compressor?

The pressure ratio for single shaft compressors can vary widely depending on the specific design and application. For example, horizontally split single-shaft compressors can achieve discharge pressures up to 100 bar (1,450 psi), while vertically split single-shaft compressors can reach up to 1,000 bar (14,500 psi) 56.

What are the common prime movers used for single-shaft centrifugal compressors?

Our single-shaft compressors can be driven by electric motors (both fixed and variable speed), gas turbines or steam turbines depending on the application and energy source availability. We also have designs that can have both motor and gas turbine drivers that can be switched based on grid and fuel availability.

What industries and applications are Siemens Energy single-shaft centrifugal compressors suitable for?

Single shaft compressors are a flexible product used in upstream (onshore/offshore), pipelines and LNG, chemicals (including ammonia and methanol) and petrochemicals, refining, hydrogen, CO2 and decarbonization projects.

How does Siemens Energy ensure ease of maintenance for single-shaft centrifugal compressors?

Our compressors are designed for easy maintenance with our modular cartridge designs which allow fast and easy swapping of compressor internals without removing piping. Remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance services are also available to monitor the health of the compressor.

Single Shaft Compressors

Single-shaft centrifugal compressors with flexible design for decarbonization and industrial applications

From standard processes to high-pressure applications, our single-shaft compressors are the ideal solution for a wide range of industries and process applications. They are designed to customer specifications and API 617 standards. Compression solutions can be supplied in a variety of configurations from skid mounted, combining the compressor with its driver and auxiliaries, to single lift process modules where we can fully integrate compressors, drivers and process equipment such as coolers, scrubbers, separators, piping, and wiring. Module fabrication can be done in our yard or contracted out to qualified yards in destination countries to fulfill local content requirements.

Covering a wide performance range in terms of pressure ratio and volume flow, our horizontally split single-shaft compressors can compress gases with suction temperatures as low as required for LNG boil-off gas service (-160 °C / -256 °F).

Several process stages can be housed in each casing depending on process requirements. These include straight-through, back-to-back or double flow configurations while side streams and intercooling can be accommodated as well. Up to three casings can be arranged in line to be driven by a single prime mover. The horizontal casing split allows for easy access to the compressor internals for inspection and maintenance without the need to remove the casing from the base plate or to detach process gas piping. Depending on process specifics, optional adjustable inlet guide vanes in front of the first impeller can optimize energy efficiency under part load conditions.

Several process stages and side streams can be included in each casing depending on process requirements, including intercooling. All compressor internals are arranged as a bundle that can be pulled horizontally out of the casing to allow easy access for inspection and maintenance. This configuration eliminates the need to remove gas piping. Depending on process specifics, optional adjustable inlet guide vanes in front of the first impeller can optimize energy efficiency under part load conditions.

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Single shaft compressors are a type of centrifugal compressors that uses a rotating impeller to increase the pressure and velocity of a gas. It is characterized by having one or more impellers mounted on a single shaft, which is supported by bearings at both ends. Single shaft compressors are a reliable and efficient solution for various gas compression applications, particularly those requiring high flow rates and low to moderate pressure ratios. Their compact design, high efficiency, and cost-effectiveness make them a popular choice in many industries. They can be applied in a wide range of industrial applications, including decarbonization and high-pressure processes.

We can analyze the existing compressors performance to evaluate the benefit of revamping which could offer an efficiency, range or flow advantage. Materials and subcomponents can also be evaluated for upgrades, offering improved mechanical properties without modifying operating performance. We can upgrade control systems using our proprietary anti surge protection systems, load sharing technology, and continuous monitoring technologies such as remote diagnostics

Single-shaft centrifugal compressors

Horizontally split casings

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Vertically split casings

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The next generation of single shaft compression