Centrifugal Air Compressors

While for many applications, a rotary screw air compressor or reciprocating air compressor is the ideal machine for the job, some applications are so large that these types of compressors may not be the most effective choice.

Centrifugal air compressors suit a broad range of applications, with compressors ranging from 250 hp all the way up to 3,000 hp in two and three-stage configurations that deliver up to 150 psig discharge pressure. Ideal for industries like chemical, electronics, paper processing, food and beverage, textiles, and medical and pharmaceutical (just to name a few), a centrifugal air compressor may be a superior option. These types of air compressors are very popular because they have no internal wearing parts other than their seals and bearings; meaning relatively simple maintenance, clean (ISO 8573-1 Class oil-free) air, superior control options, and extreme reliability.

Centrifugal Air Compressor Basics

Centrifugal air compressors are similar to rotary screw air compressors in that they take air from the atmosphere and compress it to plant conditions. Rather than using a screw or piston, however, these types of compressors create air pressure through the use of an impeller and a diffuser. The impeller uses centrifugal force to accelerate the gas, and then the diffuser uses expansion to slow it down, converting the velocity into pressure energy. Centrifugal air compressors typically compress air in three stages to achieve the 8:1 pressure rise most plant air systems require.

Centrifugal air compressors are base-load air compressors, meaning they are most effective when running at full capacity. They are best suited to applications that require constant demand. If your applications do not need a continually running compressor at full capacity, they may require a different type of compressor. When you do expect that constant demand, however, centrifugal air compressors are an excellent energy-efficient, oil-free solution. To learn more about the basics of centrifugal air compressors and how they operate, check out our blog post.

Centrifugal air compressors are designed to deliver high quality, energy efficiency, and ease of operation that make any industrial job more successful; increasing productivity and lowering system operating costs.

Your Trusted Centrifugal Compressor Supplier for the mid-Atlantic Region

If your plant or other industrial facility requires an effective compressed air solution in locations like Hanover, PA, Erie, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Milton, PA, Cleveland, OH and surrounding mid-Atlantic areas, C.H. Reed is a proven leader in providing total compressed air solutions for a wide variety of industries.

We can help improve productivity, help your plant become more eco-friendly, reduce energy costs, and help you enhance your compressed air system reliability. We also offer centrifugal air compressor maintenance and a wide range of other services. To learn more about centrifugal air compressors specific to your application, contact us today.