Description
H Series Low Pressure Natural Gas Compression — Very High Gas Volume, Four-Row Construction
The H Series represents the high-flow end of the low-pressure natural gas compressor product line. Two verified models cover capacities of 380 and 600 m³/min at discharge pressures of 0.10 and 0.25 MPa respectively, in a four-row one-stage configuration. This is the largest single-unit gas throughput available within the low-pressure family and positions the H Series for process duties where very high gas volumes must be handled at minimal pressure differential.
At 600 m³/min, the HW-600/1 handles a gas volume that few reciprocating compressor configurations in this discharge-pressure range can match in a single unit. The four-row layout — four opposing cylinder banks rather than the two-row arrangement found in most of the adjacent D Series and L Series models — allows the machine to move this volume while maintaining the reciprocating cylinder geometry suited to low-pressure gas compression service.
Operating Range and Configuration
Discharge Pressure Range (verified models): 0.10 – 0.25 MPa
Capacity Range (verified models): 380 – 600 m³/min
Configuration: Four-row, one-stage
Driver Power Range: 1,100 – 1,300 kW
Electrical Supply: 6 kV or 10 kV
Flow capacity is expressed in m³/min as stated in the source data. The flow-reference condition — whether this represents actual volume flow, standard, or normal conditions — must be confirmed with the engineering team before applying these values to North American compressor sizing in SCFM or MMSCFD.
Available Models and Technical Specifications
| Model | Configuration | Capacity (m³/min) | Discharge Pressure (MPa) | Dimensions L×W×H (mm) | Weight (t) | Power (kW) | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HW-600/1 | 4-row, 1-stage | 600 | 0.10 | 6200×8500×2860 | 30.00 | 1100 | 6K or 10K |
| HW-380/2.5 | 4-row, 1-stage | 380 | 0.25 | 6250×7900×2735 | 28.00 | 1300 | 6K or 10K |
Two verified H Series models are listed above. Capacity is expressed in m³/min as stated in the source data; flow-reference basis must be confirmed. Pressure values as stated in source; gauge/absolute basis should be verified before engineering use.
Why Four-Row Construction at This Capacity Level
Achieving 380 to 600 m³/min in a reciprocating compressor at very low discharge pressure — 0.10 to 0.25 MPa — requires a large combined piston displacement. The four-row arrangement provides four cylinder banks that displace gas simultaneously, allowing the machine to move the required gas volume without the cylinder bore or stroke dimensions that would be necessary in a two-row configuration at the same capacity.
The physical result is a very wide machine: the HW-600/1 spans 8,500 mm in the width direction, reflecting the four-bank layout. At 30 tonnes, this is the heaviest unit in the low-pressure product family. Project engineers should assess structural floor loading, crane capacity, and transport logistics during project planning, as these machines require industrial-scale handling and foundation design.
Single-Stage Compression at Very Low Discharge Pressure
Both H Series models operate in a single-stage configuration. At discharge pressures of 0.10 and 0.25 MPa, the overall compression ratio from a typical atmospheric or near-atmospheric suction condition is low — generally in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 absolute, depending on suction pressure. At these ratios, a single compression stage can deliver the required pressure increase without generating discharge temperatures that would require interstage cooling or that would exceed safe limits for cylinder valve life and gas integrity.
If suction pressure at the H Series inlet is significantly below atmospheric — for example, in a gas recovery application where gas is being drawn from a vessel or pipeline operating at very low or sub-atmospheric pressure — the compression ratio will be higher than the discharge pressure alone implies. In those situations, the suction condition must be disclosed to confirm that single-stage compression remains appropriate for the actual ratio involved.
Natural Gas Process Applications
The flow capacity of the H Series is well beyond what would be required for a single wellhead or small gathering system. Applications at this scale typically involve central compression facilities that aggregate gas from multiple upstream sources, or gas processing plant inlet compression where large volumes of field gas must be brought to a uniform process pressure before treatment.
Pipeline pressure maintenance — boosting gas that has dropped in pressure over a long transmission segment — is another potential application, provided the required pressure differential is within the low-pressure range. Similarly, the H Series may suit gas reinjection preparation stages where gas must first be gathered and consolidated at low pressure before entering a high-pressure compression train. In all cases, the actual suction and discharge pressure conditions, gas composition, and required flow rate should be confirmed against the machine’s operating capability.
Electrical Supply and Installation Requirements
Both H Series models require a high-voltage electrical supply at 6 kV or 10 kV. At 1,100 kW and 1,300 kW respectively, these motor power requirements are in line with large industrial process machines. Routing high-voltage power to the installation site, sizing transformers, and coordinating with local electrical utilities or the facility power system are all part of project planning that should begin early.
The installation footprint is substantial. The HW-600/1 occupies approximately 6,200 × 8,500 mm in plan view before accounting for maintenance access clearances, suction and discharge pipework, motor control equipment, and any auxiliary systems included in the package. Compressor package dimensions — which include the full skid with all equipment — will exceed the bare-machine dimensions listed in the specification table.
Gas Composition Considerations
At very high gas volumes, even small concentrations of problematic components have a proportionally large effect on equipment life and corrosion behavior. H₂S and CO₂ concentrations must be disclosed at the inquiry stage. Liquid water content and the potential for condensation or liquid carryover in the suction piping require careful attention at this flow rate — liquid entering reciprocating compressor cylinders at 600 m³/min can cause sudden and severe mechanical damage. Adequate gas-liquid separation upstream of the compressor suction is essential in any high-flow application.
Information Required for Compressor Selection
- Gas composition (full component breakdown)
- Methane, CO₂, and H₂S content
- Liquid water content and dew point where known
- Suction pressure and suction temperature
- Required discharge pressure
- Required gas flow rate and flow-reference basis
- Site ambient temperature and altitude
- Continuous or intermittent duty
- Available electrical supply voltage and frequency
- Cooling method preference (air-cooled or water-cooled)
- Hazardous-area classification
- Skid and package requirements
- Transport and installation constraints
- Destination country and project location
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the H Series available in configurations other than those shown in the table?
The two models above represent the verified data available from the source documentation. If your required capacity or discharge pressure differs from the listed models, the engineering team should be consulted. Custom configurations within the product-line capability range may be available, but specific parameters must be reviewed before a configuration can be confirmed.
How does the HW-380/2.5 require more power than the HW-600/1 if it has lower capacity?
The HW-380/2.5 compresses gas to a higher discharge pressure (0.25 MPa vs. 0.10 MPa). Even though the gas volume is lower, the work of compression per unit volume is higher at the greater pressure ratio. The combined effect of capacity and required compression work determines motor power. At 1,300 kW versus 1,100 kW, the difference reflects the additional compression work at the higher discharge pressure.
Does a 600 m³/min compressor ship as a single assembled unit?
At 30 tonnes and 6,200 × 8,500 mm footprint, the HW-600/1 is typically handled as heavy industrial plant equipment. Shipping configuration — fully assembled, partially assembled, or knocked down for transport — and the associated rigging and installation plan depend on the destination, transport route, and site access. These logistics should be discussed with the engineering and project team at the quotation stage.
Request a Technical Proposal
For high-volume low-pressure natural gas compression, the engineering team needs gas composition, suction and discharge pressure, required flow rate with its reference basis, and site conditions including altitude, ambient temperature, and electrical supply details. Providing this information allows the team to assess whether an H Series unit covers the required duty and to prepare a technical proposal that includes package scope, dimensions, power requirements, and estimated delivery schedule.
Related Compressor Products
- D Series Low Pressure Natural Gas Compressor — two-row configuration, capacities from 60 to 325 m³/min
- 4M Series Low Pressure Natural Gas Compressor — four-row two-stage design at 180–240 m³/min, 0.65 MPa
- L Series Low Pressure Natural Gas Compressor — lower-capacity two-row units for smaller-volume service
- Natural Gas Compressor — full product line overview
