Compressor Performance: reciprocating
Centrifugal, reciprocating, and rotary screw compressor typical performance envelopes — polytropic and adiabatic efficiency, head per stage, pressure ratio, speed range, and turndown by compressor type and flow range
| compressor type | flow range | adiabatic efficiency pct (%) | flow max acfm (acfm) | flow min acfm (acfm) | head per stage ft (ft) | notes | polytropic efficiency pct (%) | pressure ratio per stage max (dimensionless) | pressure ratio per stage min (dimensionless) | speed rpm max (rpm) | speed rpm min (rpm) | turndown pct (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| reciprocating | large | 82 | 50,000 | 5,000 | 0 | Large reciprocating (8-16+ cylinders); 5000-50000+ acfm pipeline or high-pressure industrial service; overall adiabatic efficiency 80-87%; cylinder unloading provides 100% adjustable flow (step-wise); slow-speed direct-coupled 100-600 rpm; high pressure ratios achievable with multiple stages; API 618 specifies design and testing requirements | 85 | 4 | 2 | 600 | 100 | 100 |
| reciprocating | medium | 82 | 5,000 | 500 | 0 | Medium reciprocating (2-8 cylinders); overall adiabatic efficiency 80-87%; used for high-pressure/high-ratio service | 85 | 5 | 2 | 900 | 200 | 100 |
| reciprocating | small | 80 | 500 | 10 | 0 | Reciprocating: positive displacement near-constant efficiency vs flow. Turndown via cylinder unloading 100% adjustable. Flow 10-500 acfm per cylinder. | 83 | 4 | 2 | 1,200 | 300 | 100 |
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