high pressure oxygen compressor

Types of High Pressure Oxygen Compressors

Oxygen is one of the essential elements necessary for supporting life on earth. Some industries require high-pressure oxygen compressors to generate chemical bonds and oxidation reactions and supply oxygen in aquaculture or medical applications. Here are the main types:

• Reciprocating Oxygen Compressors:

  A high-pressure reciprocating oxygen compressor—also called a piston compressor—works similarly to a piston pump. This mechanical device varies the volume of its compression chamber to change gas pressure. The gas enters the chamber through the inlet valve and is trapped when the piston moves downward. The downward movement decreases the chamber's volume and raises the oxygen pressure. The outlet valve opens to let the high-pressure oxygen out as the piston moves upward again. A reciprocating oxygen compressor can have more than one piston to increase gas delivery.

• Dynamic Oxygen Compressors:

  A high-pressure dynamic oxygen compressor works by using rotating parts. One common type is the centrifugal compressor, which has a rotor with blades. The oxygen moves along the rotor's axis and is drawn in by the rotating blades. The volume occupied by the gas decreases as the blades move outward, and the pressure increases. Another dynamic compressor type is the axial compressor, which has multiple stages with rotor and stator pairs arranged along the rotor's axis like a screw thread. Dynamic compressors are smaller than reciprocating compressors but are mainly used for compressing large oxygen volumes.

• Multi-Stage High Pressure Compressors:

  A multi-stage high-pressure oxygen compressor increases the pressure of the oxygen in several steps or stages. Each stage has its own compressor, which raises the oxygen pressure further. By compressing the gas in several steps, using inter-stage cooling, and lowering the energy consumption, the compressor achieves very high gas pressures. Multi-stage high-pressure compressors can be either dynamic or reciprocating types.

• Portable Oxygen Compressors:

  A portable oxygen compressor has a small and lightweight design to allow easy movement and transportation from place to place. It is suitable for use in emergency situations or remote locations where a fixed installation is not feasible. The device may have a battery powered option for autonomous operation. Its rugged and durable construction can withstand difficult environmental conditions. Air Canada uses a portable oxygen compressor to fill up passenger oxygen tanks before diving.

Specification & Maintenance

Specifications of a high-pressure oxygen compressor may vary depending on the specific type of compressor and manufacturer. The table below indicates some general specifications of a typical high-pressure oxygen compressor.

• Compressor Stage: High-pressure oxygen compressors usually have multiple stages to progressively increase the pressure of oxygen in different phases.
• Cylinder Volume: The size of the cylinder determines the amount of oxygen that will be compressed in each stage.
• Max Pressure: They are designed to withstand very high pressures, sometimes up to 400-700 bar or more.
• Power: High-pressure oxygen compressors are usually driven by an electric motor, a turbine, or a reciprocating engine. The motor's power is indicated in kilowatt (kW) or horsepower (HP). A typical value may range from 20 kW to 300 kW, depending on the model and design.
• Cooling System: Depending on the design, high-pressure oxygen compressors may have different cooling systems, such as air cooling or water cooling.
• Weight: Depending on the model and design, the weight of high-pressure oxygen compressors may vary. A typical weight may be about 5000-15000 kg.

Maintenance of the high-pressure oxygen compressor is critical to ensuring its operational effectiveness and longevity. Some maintenance practices include checking the tightness periodically. Users may check the cylinder head bolts, piping, and fittings to ensure they are well-tightened to avoid gas leakage developing over time. Oxygen is highly flammable. Therefore, the surfaces of the oxygen compressors should always be clean and free from impurities like oils and grease.

Another maintenance practice is the regular lubrication of moving parts like bearings and piston pins. Lubricating these parts reduces friction, which in turn minimizes abrasions and wear. Businesses may establish a regular maintenance schedule. This helps them plan and avoid unplanned breakdowns. During maintenance, they should inspect and replace parts that have extensively worn out like the piston rings, sealing components, valves, and bearings.

Oxygen compressors can get heated up during operation. Businesses should use cooling systems to manage the temperatures and prevent overheating. They may opt for water, air, or oil-cooling methods, depending on the machine's design. The compressor's operating parameters like temperature, pressure, and flow rate should be monitored constantly to detect abnormalities and make adjustments promptly. Finally, servicing the machine by a technician is a good practice. The technician has specialized knowledge and can handle complex maintenance and repair tasks safely and effectively.

High pressure oxygen compressor scenarios

A high pressure oxygen compressor is a versatile and crucial piece of machinery used in many industries. Here are a few examples of its applications.

• Medical industry

  A high pressure oxygen compressor is widely used in the medical field to provide oxygen for patients. It is used to create oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen cylinder refill systems. In these applications, the machine achieves safe, reliable handling and storage of medical oxygen.

• Deep-sea diving and underwater exploration

  Oxygen high pressure compressors are widely applicable in deep-sea diving and underwater exploration. They are used in the creation of breathing apparatus and diving tanks. Such equipment provides divers with a reliable and steady supply of oxygen when they face high underwater pressure.

• Aerospace and aviation

  High pressure oxygen compressors are used in the aviation and aerospace industries for a couple of reasons. They generate onboard supplemental oxygen for passengers and crew. Also, they are used to refill high-pressure oxygen cylinders utilized in aircraft engines and oxygen systems.

• Firefighting

  High pressure oxygen compressors have widespread use in firefighting industries. The equipment is responsible for producing oxygen to be used in firefighters' breathing apparatus. These apparatus are used when fighting fires in areas with potential hazardous smoke or limited oxygen.

• Petrochemical industry

  The compressor is used in the refining and extraction of oil and gas. It provides oxygen to support combustion in high-efficiency burners and reactive chemical processes in petrochemical plants. This helps to improve energy use and output in oil and gas processing.

How to choose high pressure oxygen compressors

• Understand application requirements:

  Before starting the purchasing process, it is crucial for business buyers to have a solid understanding of the needs of their specific applications. Consider factors such as the intended use of the compressor, the type of machine that needs to be oxygenated, and the space constraints of the operating environment. A thorough understanding of the requirements will help business buyers choose a high-pressure oxygen compressor that is appropriate for their application.

• Check performance parameters:

  When choosing a high-pressure oxygen compressor, it is necessary to examine its performance parameters. Pay attention to parameters such as maximum pressure, flow rate, and efficiency. Select compressors with suitable pressure and flow rates based on specific application needs to ensure that the oxygen requirement for the application is met. Additionally, choose energy-efficient models to help reduce operating costs and environmental impact.

• Consider the type of compressor:

  High-pressure oxygen compressors come in different types, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Positive displacement compressors, such as diaphragm and piston compressors, are suitable for applications that require high compression ratios and high pressures. Dynamic compressors like centrifugal compressors work better for large flow applications. Analyze the needs of the application and the working environment, and choose the type of compressor that is the right one for the business's use case.

• Ensure safety and compliance:

  When choosing a high-pressure oxygen compressor, ensure that it complies with relevant safety standards and regulations. Check whether the compressor has the necessary certificates and safety approvals. Also, consider the safety features of the compressor, such as overload protection, cooling system, etc., to ensure safe and reliable operation during use.

• Evaluate the supplier:

  When selecting a high-pressure oxygen compressor, it is also important to choose a reliable supplier. Evaluate the supplier's product quality, technical support, and after-sales service. Read reviews and ratings from other customers to gain insight into the supplier's reputation. Establish a long-term partnership with a dependable supplier to ensure timely technical assistance and spare part services.

High pressure oxygen compressor Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between an air and oxygen compressor?

A1: Given that oxygen has various applications, transporting it is a different process. An oxygen compressor will handle pure oxygen, while an air compressor will handle atmospheric air. Oxygen is a reactive gas that requires special considerations for safe storage and transportation. An oxygen compressor will have non-ferrous materials to prevent ignition, while an air compressor will not.

Q2: What is the difference between a high and low-pressure compressor?

A2: A high-pressure compressor will produce more than 30 bar. It will be larger, have more robust components, and have more stages of compression than a low-pressure compressor. Low-pressure compressors are suitable for applications that require less than 30 bar.

Q3: Are all high-pressure compressors suitable for oxygen?

A3: No. Compressors that handle oxygen must have non-ferrous materials. They must also have an oil-free design.

Q4: What are the stages of a high-pressure oxygen compressor?

A4: Oxygen compressors can have two to four stages of compression. Multistage compressors allow for more efficient compression by cooling the gas between compression stages.

Q5: What is the cooling method in an oxygen compressor?

A5: Oxygen compressors can have air or water cooling. Water-cooled compressors are more efficient but require a water source. Air-cooled compressors are more place-able in remote locations.