Natural Gas Compressor
Reciprocating natural gas compressors for low- and high-pressure process duties — gas gathering, pipeline boosting, fuel gas service, and industrial process compression. Five series across two pressure classes, covering 0.1–9.0 MPa and 2–600 m³/min.
pressure range
classes
Quick Reference
Series Comparison Overview
Use this table to identify the series most likely to match your pressure class and capacity level, then consult the individual series page for verified model specifications.
For applications requiring gas compression at relatively low outlet pressures — large-volume gas handling, gas gathering at low differential, process boosting, and fuel gas supply. Series: D • H • L • 4M • Z.
For medium- to high-pressure process duties where the required discharge pressure exceeds 1.2 MPa. Compression is typically distributed across two, three, or four stages. Series: L • Z • D • 4M.
D Series
Two-row reciprocating, single- and two-stage. The broadest model range in the low-pressure family — from mid-capacity to large-flow process service.
H Series
Four-row one-stage configuration. The highest single-unit gas capacity in the low-pressure family, for high-throughput process duties at very low discharge pressure.
L Series
Two-row, one- and two-stage. Lower-capacity range with 380 V electrical supply on verified models — suited where high-voltage infrastructure is not available.
4M Series
Four-row two-stage construction. Combines high gas volume with a higher low-pressure discharge — a configuration distinct from the two-row D and H Series.
Z Series
Two-row two-stage, smallest verified capacity in the low-pressure family. 380 V supply, 45 kW — for small-volume process or booster service at standard industrial power supply.
L Series
Two-stage and three-stage configurations, 380 V supply available. Lower-capacity high-pressure service — multi-stage compression distributes the pressure ratio across stages to manage discharge temperature.
Z Series
Two-row and three-row three-stage configurations. Smallest verified capacity in the high-pressure family, reaching up to 6.00 MPa discharge. Modular configurations available on selected models.
D Series
The broadest model range in the high-pressure family. Two-row, three-stage and four-stage — medium capacity for gas processing and pipeline service. Several models rated for 3.00 MPa or 4.00 MPa discharge.
4M Series
Four-row four-stage construction. The highest gas capacity in the high-pressure family — industrial-scale pipeline and gas processing compression at 3.00 or 4.00 MPa discharge.
Quick Reference
Series Comparison Overview
Use this table to identify the series most likely to match your pressure class and capacity level, then consult the individual series page for verified model specifications.
| Series | Pressure Class | Verified Capacity | Verified Discharge Pressure | Mechanical Configuration | Best Starting Point For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOW PRESSURE GROUP — 0.1 TO 1.0 MPA | |||||
| D Series | LOW | 60–325 m³/min | 0.10–0.60 MPa | 2-row · 1-stage & 2-stage | High-volume low-pressure process; large-flow gas handling |
| H Series | LOW | 380–600 m³/min | 0.10–0.25 MPa | 4-row · 1-stage | Maximum flow at very low discharge pressure; central process facilities |
| L Series | LOW | 20–60 m³/min | 0.20–0.80 MPa | 2-row · 1-stage & 2-stage · 380 V | Smaller-volume boosting; 380 V site supply; fuel gas service |
| 4M Series | LOW | 180–240 m³/min | 0.65 MPa | 4-row · 2-stage | High-volume moderate low-pressure; four-row construction requirement |
| Z Series | LOW | 6 m³/min | 0.80 MPa | 2-row · 2-stage · 380 V · 45 kW | Small-volume low-pressure; minimal power draw; standard site supply |
| HIGH PRESSURE GROUP — 1.2 TO 9.0 MPA (SERIES RANGES VARY) | |||||
| L Series HP | HIGH | 6–25 m³/min | 1.80–3.60 MPa | 2-row · 2-stage & 3-stage · 380 V available | Lower-capacity high-pressure; multi-stage; 380 V compatible |
| Z Series HP | HIGH | 2–5.5 m³/min | 2.40–6.00 MPa | 2-row & 3-row · 3-stage · 380 V · modular | Small-volume highest-pressure duty; modular installation |
| D Series HP | HIGH | 25–70 m³/min | 2.50–4.00 MPa | 2-row · 3-stage & 4-stage | Medium-capacity gas processing; pipeline service; broadest model choice |
| 4M Series HP | HIGH | 85–150 m³/min | 3.00–4.00 MPa | 4-row · 4-stage | Highest-capacity high-pressure; industrial pipeline; midstream processing |
Engineering Guide
How to Select a Natural Gas Compressor
Selection starts with the operating point, not the model number. The four input groups below determine which series, stage configuration, and cylinder arrangement are appropriate for your duty.
Gas Composition
The molecular makeup of the gas directly affects compressor sizing, material selection, and stage configuration.
- Higher CO₂ affects molecular weight and compression behavior
- H₂S concentration determines metallurgy and sealing requirements
- Wet gas requires upstream separation protection
- Inert gases influence compression power demand
Suction Conditions
Suction pressure defines the actual compression ratio and directly influences stage number, temperature, and power requirement.
- Low suction pressure increases compression ratio
- Higher suction pressure may reduce required stages
- Suction temperature affects gas density
- Pressure variation should be considered during operation
Required Discharge Conditions
Discharge pressure and gas flow determine compressor capacity, cylinder sizing, and stage arrangement.
- Pressure determines compressor series and stage count
- Flow rate defines cylinder displacement
- Reference conditions must be clearly specified
- Temperature limits affect cooling and valve design
Site & Installation Conditions
Environmental conditions influence motor selection, cooling design, and package compliance.
- Altitude affects cooling and motor performance
- Ambient temperature impacts cooler sizing
- Electrical supply determines motor configuration
- Hazardous areas affect panel design
Application Areas
Natural Gas Compression Applications
The suitability of any series for a given application depends on the specific suction pressure, discharge pressure, gas composition, and required flow rate of the actual project. The applications below represent technically reasonable fits across the product range.
Reciprocating Compression for
Natural Gas Process Service
Reciprocating piston compressors are the dominant technology for natural gas compression duties that require a defined, controllable pressure ratio — particularly where high discharge pressures, variable inlet conditions, or multi-stage operation are involved.
Unlike centrifugal compressors, which are highly sensitive to changes in inlet gas density, temperature, and molecular weight, reciprocating compressors maintain a displacement-based action that delivers more consistent performance across a range of suction conditions. This characteristic makes reciprocating compression practical for gas gathering and wellhead applications where suction pressure may vary over the project life.
Defined positive displacement per stroke — performance less sensitive to gas molecular weight variation than dynamic compression
Multi-stage arrangement allows high overall compression ratios without exceeding per-stage discharge temperature limits
Stage configuration can be matched to specific suction and discharge pressure combinations, including variable-inlet applications
Applicable across a wide capacity range — from small single-unit 2 m³/min machines to 600 m³/min four-row units
Discharge pressure flexibility — same frame type may serve a range of pressure levels through different cylinder configurations
For gas streams with variable or declining suction pressure, the fixed- displacement architecture can be more tolerant of changing inlet conditions than centrifugal alternatives
Pressure Class Comparison
Low Pressure vs. High Pressure Natural Gas Compressors
Driver and Electrical Supply
Most series require high-voltage electrical supply (6 kV or 10 kV) at larger motor sizes. Some models support 380 V. Driver type — electric motor, gas engine, or other — and available site supply must be confirmed early. Altitude and ambient temperature affect motor derating.
Interstage Cooling
Multi-stage high-pressure machines require cooling between stages. The design basis — air-cooled or water-cooled — depends on site cooling-medium availability and ambient temperature. Interstage temperature targets affect second- and third-stage cylinder performance.
Suction Separation
Upstream gas-liquid separation equipment is essential before the compressor suction nozzle. Liquid entering reciprocating cylinders causes immediate and severe mechanical damage. Scrubber and knockout drum sizing should match the compressor's rated flow and expected liquid loading of the inlet gas stream.
Skid Layout and Foundation
Large compressor packages — particularly the D, H, and 4M Series at multi-tonne weights — require engineered structural foundations. Package dimensions (base machine plus all ancillaries) exceed the compressor frame dimensions listed in the specification tables. Maintenance access clearances should be established during early layout planning.
Instrumentation and Control
Pressure, temperature, vibration, and safety instrumentation are standard in skid-mounted compressor packages. Control panel scope, PLC or relay-based logic, and remote monitoring integration should be specified during the project engineering phase, not after order placement.
Hazardous-Area Requirements
Natural gas is a flammable gas. The hazardous-area classification of the installation site determines the motor enclosure type, panel rating, and instrumentation specification. Site area classification must be provided to the engineering team before equipment is specified. Do not assume standard industrial motors are suitable for classified areas.
Engineering Scope
Compressor Package Engineering Considerations
A reciprocating natural gas compressor is typically delivered as a skid-mounted package. The compressor unit is one part of the system — the package scope and site integration requirements influence the overall project significantly.
Low Pressure
High Pressure
Engineering Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of natural gas compressor do I need?
The answer starts with suction pressure, required discharge pressure, required gas flow rate, and gas composition — not with the model catalogue. From these four inputs, the engineering team evaluates the compression ratio, determines the appropriate stage count, and identifies which series and configuration can meet the operating point. Selecting a compressor before providing these parameters produces an unreliable result.
What is the difference between low-pressure and high-pressure natural gas compressors?
The low-pressure product family covers discharge pressures of 0.1–1.0 MPa at capacities up to 600 m³/min. Single-stage and two-stage configurations are used depending on the pressure ratio of the specific duty. The high-pressure family covers 1.2–9.0 MPa at up to 200 m³/min, using two-, three-, or four-stage compression to distribute the higher overall pressure ratio across multiple cylinders with interstage cooling. Series-specific pressure ceilings vary within each family — not every series covers the full category range.
When is multi-stage compression required?
The overall compression ratio — absolute discharge pressure divided by absolute suction pressure — determines whether single-stage compression is feasible. At low overall ratios, single-stage compression keeps discharge temperatures within acceptable limits. As the ratio increases, the discharge temperature of a single stage would exceed safe limits for cylinder valves, piston rings, and gas integrity, and the compression is distributed across two, three, or four stages. Interstage cooling between stages reduces the temperature entering each subsequent cylinder. Gas composition also affects the specific heat ratio of the gas, which influences the temperature rise per stage at a given compression ratio.
Why is suction pressure an important input?
Suction pressure directly determines the actual compression ratio the machine must achieve. A compressor drawing gas from 0.2 MPa absolute and compressing it to 1.0 MPa absolute faces a ratio of 5:1. The same machine drawing gas from 0.1 MPa absolute faces a ratio of 10:1. These two conditions require fundamentally different stage configurations and cylinder sizing. Discharge pressure alone is insufficient to size a reciprocating compressor.
How is natural gas compressor capacity specified correctly?
Capacity for a reciprocating compressor is typically expressed as volumetric flow rate at stated reference conditions. The source data for this product line uses m³/min. North American engineering practice commonly uses SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute, referenced to 60°F / 14.696 psia) or MMSCFD (million standard cubic feet per day). These figures are not directly interchangeable without knowing the reference conditions of the original flow data. Providing the required flow rate alongside a clear statement of the reference conditions — actual, standard, or normal, and the reference temperature and pressure — allows the engineering team to perform accurate sizing.
Why does gas composition affect compressor selection?
Gas composition affects compressor selection in several ways. The molecular weight of the gas determines its density at suction conditions, which affects the mass delivered per unit of volumetric displacement. The specific heat ratio of the gas determines the temperature rise per stage at a given compression ratio — heavier gases or gases with higher CO₂ content may behave differently from lean methane streams. H₂S concentration determines whether standard cylinder metallurgy is appropriate or whether upgraded materials are required. Heavy hydrocarbon content raises the risk of condensation in interstage coolers or at the suction. Each of these factors requires disclosure at the inquiry stage.
Can the compressor be delivered as a complete skid-mounted package?
Reciprocating natural gas compressor projects are typically scoped as complete skid-mounted packages — integrating the compressor unit, driver, suction separators, interstage coolers, pulsation dampeners, process piping, instrumentation, and control panel on a common structural frame. The package scope for any specific project should be agreed with the engineering team at the inquiry stage. What is included as standard and what must be supplied by the buyer’s project depends on the project specification.
Accurate natural gas compressor selection depends on the process operating point, not just the discharge pressure. Providing the parameters below allows the engineering team to identify the appropriate series, stage count, cylinder configuration, and driver specification — and to prepare a meaningful technical response rather than a generic product list.
Gas composition — component breakdown including methane, CO₂, H₂S, inerts
Suction pressure and suction temperature at the compressor inlet
Required discharge pressure
Required gas flow rate and flow-reference basis (actual, standard, or normal conditions)
Site ambient temperature range (minimum and maximum)
Installation altitude
Continuous or intermittent duty cycle
Available electrical supply — voltage and frequency
Driver preference — electric motor, gas engine, or other
Cooling-medium availability — air-cooled or water-cooled
Hazardous-area classification of the installation site
Skid, package, and enclosure requirements
Project location and destination country