What is a reciprocating compressor?

A reciprocating compressor is a type of positive displacement compressor that uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure.

What is the difference between centrifugal and reciprocating compressors?

Centrifugal compressors use a rotating impeller to add velocity to the gas and then convert this velocity into pressure (dynamic compression). In contrast, reciprocating compressors use pistons to compress the gas in a cylinder (positive compression).

How does a reciprocating compressor operate?

A reciprocating compressor operates by using a piston within a cylinder to compress the gas. The piston moves back and forth, driven by crankshaft, drawing in gas during the intake cycle then compressing the gas when piston changes direction.

What opens and closes the valves in a reciprocating compressor?

The valves in a reciprocating compressor operate automatically in response to pressure differences and are designed to open and close at precise times during the piston's movement.

What maintenance and modernization services does Siemens Energy provide for reciprocating compressors?

We have an extensive catalogue of upgrades available for even the oldest compressors, to enhance performance, improve reliability, improve serviceability and reduce emissions.

Reciprocating Compressors

High performance, high efficiency, high reliability, and low maintenance reciprocating compressors for process industry and decarbonization

As a leading supplier of reciprocating compressors, our extensive Dresser-Rand portfolio of slow speed process reciprocating compressors and medium to high-speed separable units enable us to offer products for applications across both process and decarbonization industries.

View our webinar: From Data to Decisions: Compressor Selection Simplified

Our reciprocating compressors are used in a wide range of applications, helping customers across the globe through their energy transition, increasing efficiency and lowering emissions step by step. Applications include:

Upstream: LNG (boil-off gas), reinjection, CO2 / EOR, gathering, export / sales gas, fuel gas
Midstream: Gas pipeline transmission, gas storage / withdrawal, gas processing
Downstream: Hydrocracking, hydrotreating, reforming, hydrogen plants, off gas receovery, fertilizer syngas, polyethylene, biodiesel
Decarbonization: Green H2 production, H2 pipeline, H2 storage, H2 liquefaction, green ammonia, green methanol, CO2 capture / pipeline / storage

Our process reciprocating compressors are available with up to 10 crank throws, as single-throw or balanced-opposed configurations. We custom engineer every unit by designing each cylinder and valve, and select other components to meet your specific operating requirements. Our factory experts check all critical clearances and dimensions, and perform inspections and tests to prevent installation problems. The result is a reciprocating compressor that meets or exceeds client specifications, while delivering unmatched efficiency and reliability.

With the most versatile compressor lineup on the market and a reputation for serving standard applications and the most demanding jobs (high pressure, CO₂, sour and acid gases, and floating applications), we cover virtually every application. This class of reciprocating compressors is designed to meet ISO 13631 with options to meet ISO 13707, or API 618 specifications. Our offering includes three different models with horsepower (HP) ranges up to 7,800 HP (5,816 kW), allowable rod loads up to 75,000 PSI (333kn), rated maximum speeds up to 1,500 RPM, and pressures up to 10,000 PSIG. Click on the model types below to learn more about our best in class.

Reciprocating compressor valves and capacity control

We have installed over 2 million horsepower of reciprocating compression in hydrogen rich services.
With extensive experience and a long list of project references, our process and high speed reciprocating compressors can be tailored for your specific project designs.

Our compressors are used primarily for H₂ product, tail gas, feed gas and H₂ make up applications, as well as H₂ pipelines and storage.

Reduce your CAPEX and experience high reliability and dependable service from our hydrogen compressor portfolio.

Markets:

Process industries
Refining
H₂fuel gas boosting (H₂ rich fuel with reduced CO₂ emissions from our gas turbines)
H₂ pipelines
H₂ boosting after electrolysis system
H₂ storage

Our Plug and Play reciprocating compressor package offers efficient and flexible solutions for hydrogen applications. The modular design reduces erection, installation, and commissioning times by up to 50% compared to standard compressor systems, helping accelerate project delivery. With 17 fully engineered modules - each weighing less than 25 tons and featuring a 20% smaller footprint - transport and site integration are straightforward and cost-effective. The solution is customizable to meet specific operational needs, and advanced safety features, including completed HAZOP analysis and detailed P&ID documentation, can provide reliable and secure performance from day one.

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We have a long history of operation with all gases such as H2, CO2, Ammonia, Syn Gas etc, resulting in a field proven design. Our product line includes high speed reciprocating compressors, process reciprocating compressors, lubricated cylinders and non-lubricated cylinders, from the smallest to largest HP. In addition, we are supplying single shaft compressors for bundled solutions with reciprocating compressors, which is unique to Siemens Energy.

Reciprocating compressors

View our webinar: From Data to Decisions: Compressor Selection Simplified