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Reciprocating gas compressors are designed to deliver high-efficiency operation output for the transfer and recovery of gases such as LPG (propane/butane/propylene), refrigerants, carbon dioxide, natural gas, anhydrous ammonia, nitrogen, and numerous others. They are available in many configurations, including single-stage or two-stage; air-cooled or liquid-cooled; and single, double, or triple seal.

Blackmer Piston Compressors fill a special niche in the compressor market. They come in 5 different power frame sizes up to 100 HP (75 kW), provide flows up to 3,000 MCFD, and feature maximum allowable working pressure up to 1,500 psi (103 bar).

Many liquid-transfer applications can be handled more efficiently with a reciprocating piston compressor than a liquid pump. These applications include unloading of transports and pressure vessels where system piping restricts flow and may cause cavitation, unloading of LPG from rail cars, and other installations that require an initial lift to the liquid.

For more than a century, Blackmer has been building a reputation as a reliable manufacturer. Our reciprocating gas compressor technology, namely the LB, HD and NG Series models, have proven themselves over and over as dependable and robust equipment for the markets served. Blackmer Oil-Free Reciprocating Gas Compressors are equipped with superior components, which are better constructed to provide maximum performance and reliability under the most severe service conditions.

Go interactive now with our Blackmer Reciprocating Gas Compressors by using our online tool. See what’s happening inside the compressor with exploded and cutaway views.

Reciprocating Gas Compressor Interactive Tool

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How Do Reciprocating Gas Compressors Work?

When transferring liquid, single- and two-stage reciprocating gas compressors work by creating a slight pressure differential between the vessel being unloaded and the receiving tank. The suction stroke of the compressor piston draws in vapor and decreases the receiving tank pressure. The discharge stroke moves a measured volume of vapor at a higher pressure into the supply tank where it displaces an equal volume of liquid through a separate line into the receiving tank. Generally, the liquid flow rate will be 5 to 6 U.S. gpm for each cubic foot (ft3) of piston displacement (670 - 775 liters per cubic meter [m3]).

When the liquid transfer phase has been completed, a significant amount of product (vapor and liquid) is left in the tank car (often 3% or more of the tank’s capacity). Reciprocating gas compressors accomplish vapor recovery with the use of a four-way valve. By rotating the valve handle 90°, gas flow is reversed and the vapor pressure within the supply vessel is reduced. At this point, remaining liquid vaporizes and is quickly recovered. As the tank pressure is drawn down further, remaining vapors are also recovered to an economical level. Recovered vapor is discharged into the liquid area of the receiving tank and then condensed back into a liquid state.

Reciprocating Gas Compressors “How it Works” Animation

Features of Blackmer Reciprocating Gas Compressors

All Blackmer Compressors

  • Advanced design technology and heavy-duty materials to give maximum performance with minimum maintenance
  • Oil-free design for chemical, petroleum, industrial and liquefied gas applications
  • High-efficiency valves provides superior sealing characteristics, high efficiency, and durability
  • Greater strength and longer life
  • Ductile-iron construction for greater resistance to thermal and mechanical shock
  • Wear-resistant crosshead assemblies designed for maximum lubrication and wear resistance
  • Designed for ease of maintenance, with all components readily accessible
  • Multiple seal options
  • Standard and custom packaging options
Blackmer Reciprocating Gas Compressors 

Special Epoxy Coating

  • Interior of the crankcase is coated with a specially formulated epoxy coating providing an added layer of protection

Crankshaft

  • Heavy-duty, precision-ground ductile iron crankshaft for smooth, quiet operation
  • Main crankshaft bearings are built to last and will not need to be replaced under normal operating conditions

Piston Rod Seals

  • Self-adjusting piston rod seals provide maximum sealing and minimum friction
  • Loaded glass filled PTFE seal maintain constant sealing pressure around the piston rods, preventing crankcase oil contamination and cylinder blow-by

One Piece Piston

  • Ductile iron pistons are connected to the rod with a single positive locking nut. This is stronger and simpler than multi-piece designs, less parts that can break or need to be repaired.
    • LB940 features a two-piece piston design

Oil Pump

  • Self-reversing oil pump provides pressure lubricated crankcase and positive oil distribution to all running gear components, including, the crosshead for long life and minimal wear. A full flow spin-on filter comes standard.

S3R Oil Control Seal

  • Delivers enhanced oil control and even greater leakage control by keeping oil in the crankcase
  • Available on 600 & 900 Series models of HD, NG, and LB  Series Compressors

Valves

  • High-efficiency valves move more gas volume with each piston stroke and provide greater strength, quieter operation, and longer life
  • Designed for non-lubricated gas applications
  • Valves seat more positively due to precisely engineered clearances, spring tension, and a special finish.

LB Series

Blackmer-LB601-Reciprocating-Gas-Compressor-LR 

Piston Rings

  • Self-lubricating PTFE piston rings provide positive sealing, and the special pressure assisted design features a chamber that ensures pressure behind the ring to provide maximum efficiency with minimal friction wear

O-Rings Seals

  • All pressure containing parts are sealed with O-rings to ensure positive sealing under all operating conditions, eliminating leakage and maintenance problems

S3R Oil Control Seal

  • Delivers enhanced oil control and even greater leakage control by keeping oil in the crankcase
  • Available on 600 & 900 models of LB Series Compressors

Valves

  • Constructed of corrosion resistant stainless-steel discs and springs on all models except the LB940 Series which has PEEK valve plates
  • Easy to remove for service without disturbing the piping

    • HD Series

    Blackmer-HD942-Reciprocating-Gas-Compressor-Skid-LR 

    No Yellow Metals

    • No brass or copper is present in the gas compressor, keeping the compressor safe from the corrosive nature of some gases

    O-Rings

    • O-rings available in Buna-N, FKM, Neoprene, PTFE, or Ethylene-Propylene

    Single or Double-Distance Pieces (Isolation Chambers)

    • Allows for precise leakage control and minimize product contamination
    • Distance pieces control contamination of the compressed gas from crankcase lubricant, even at high vacuum inlet conditions
    • Each isolation chamber may be independently purged, pressurized, or vented for maximum containment and safety from toxic or hazardous gases

    Wrist pin Needle Bearings

    • These steel wrist pins are designed to last a lifetime
    • Large roller steel needle bearings provide long life under high rod load applications and will not need to be replaced under normal operating conditions
    • Superior wrist pin lubrication is assured under all load conditions
    • Steel needle bearings are free of yellow metals which eliminate the risk of contamination

    S3R Oil Control Seal

    • Delivers enhanced oil control and even greater leakage control by keeping oil in the crankcase
    • Available on 600 & 900 models of HD Series Compressors

    Piston Rings

    • Special pressure assisted piston ring design features a chamber that ensures pressure behind the ring to provide maximum sealing efficiency with minimal friction wear
    • Extra thick piston rings are double the size of rings in competitive compressors, and provide more wear surface for greater ring service life
    • Constructed of self-lubricating PTFE for positive sealing
    • Design results in peak performance and extended compressor service life

    Valves

    • Constructed of self-lubricating PEEK material, Blackmer valve plates provide superior sealing characteristics, high efficiency, and durability
    • PEEK materials provide extended life due to low mass and self-lubricating qualities of the PEEK material, because the slight give of a plastic versus metal plate allows it to survive more abuse and provide better sealing throughout the life of the valve
    • Optional stainless-steel valves and TNT impregnated steel valves also available

    NG Series

    Blackmer-NGH100-Cutaway-600-Reciprocating-Gas-Compressor-LR 

    No Yellow Metals

    • No brass or copper is present in the gas compressor, keeping the compressor safe from the corrosive nature of some gases

    Piston Rings

    • Self-lubricating PTFE piston rings provide positive sealing, and the special pressure assisted design features a chamber that ensures pressure behind the ring to provide maximum efficiency with minimal friction wear

    S3R Oil Control Seal

    • Delivers enhanced oil control and even greater leakage control by keeping oil in the crankcase
    • Available on 600 & 900 models of HD Series Compressors

    Wrist Pin Needle Bearings

    • These steel wrist pins are designed to last a lifetime
    • Large roller steel needle bearings provide long life under high rod load applications and will not need to be replaced under normal operating conditions
    • Superior wrist pin lubrication is assured under all load conditions
    • Steel needle bearings are free of yellow metals which eliminate the risk of contamination

    Single-Distance Pieces (Isolation Chambers)

    • Allow for precise leakage control and minimize product contamination
    • The single piece control contamination of the compressed gas from crankcase lubricant, even at high vacuum inlet conditions
    • The isolation chamber may be independently purged, pressurized, or vented for maximum containment and safety from toxic or hazardous gases

    O-Rings

    • All pressure containing parts are sealed with FKM or PTFE O-rings to ensure positive sealing under all operating conditions, eliminating leakage and maintenance problems

    Valves

    • Constructed of self-lubricating PEEK material, Blackmer valve plates provide superior sealing characteristics, high efficiency, and durability
    • PEEK materials provide extended life due to low mass and self-lubricating qualities of the PEEK material, because the slight give of a plastic versus metal plate allows it to survive more abuse and provide better sealing throughout the life of the valve
    • Optional stainless-steel valves also available on all models

    Advantages Of Reciprocating Gas Compressors

    Reciprocating gas compressors are designed to deliver high-efficiency operation output for the transfer and recovery of gases such as LPG (propane/butane/propylene), refrigerants, carbon dioxide, natural gas, anhydrous ammonia, nitrogen, and numerous others. They are available in many configurations, including single stage or two stage; air cooled or liquid cooled; and single, double or triple seal.

    Reciprocating Gas Compressor Applications

    • Vapor Recovery
    • Gas Blanketing
    • Gas Gathering
    • Pressure Boosting
    • Gas Transfer
    • Flare Elimination
    • Gas Evacuation
    • Leak-Test Recovery
    • Liquefied Gas Transfer
    • Transloading

    Reciprocating Gas Compressor Applications

    • Vapor Recovery
    • Gas Blanketing
    • Gas Gathering
    • Pressure Boosting
    • Gas Transfer
    • Flare Elimination
    • Gas Evacuation
    • Leak-Test Recovery
    • Liquefied Gas Transfer
    • Transloading