A compressor is a volumetric machine that uses positive displacement to increase the pressure of gas by reducing its volume, and is similar to a pump in its mechanism. Liquid-Ring Compressors are specially suited for medium pressure applications and are used in many diverse industrial processes such as the compression of air or gasses, aerating tanks for fermenters, feeding air or gas to burners, and agitating tanks for liquids. Here are some of the industries these compressors are used in:
- Compressing CO2 for the Sugar industry
- Humidification Plants
- Compressing digestion gases for wastewater treatment plants
- Natural gas compression
- Oil refineries and petrochemical plants
- Clinics and hospitals
Advantages of using a Liquid-Ring Compressor vs. a Piston Driven Compressor
This machine requires extremely low to no maintenance because of it’s simple construction and low operating speeds based on the use of liquid instead of pistons. As a result, the wear on the metal is reduced to zero. The replacement of parts that suffer from wear and tear, such as the mechanical seal, are quick and easy to replace.
How it works
Liquid-Ring Compressors are formed by cylindrical stator, from which a rotor supported at the side covers rotates. The rotor shaft is eccentric with respect to the stator of the Liquid-Ring Compressor. Liquid is centrifuged and placed inside an elliptical chamber where an impeller rotates around a central distributor, called the “cone”.
Liquid-Ring Compressors are made up of a single or double stage compressor, electric motor, a vertical or horizontal gas liquid separator, heat exchanger valves, instrumentation and piping according to international standards. Water, oil or fuel can be used as an auxiliary service liquid in the unit.
The liquid, forced by the impeller vanes, starts to rotate and disposes to the sides of the chamber due to the centrifugal force. The gases are disposed in the centre of the liquid in two vanes. During a single rotation of 180 degrees, the gas simultaneously undergoes a decrease in volume and increases in pressure.