very low temperature compressor
very low temperature compressor
(OP)
I have searched the web to no avail to locate a small
(1 to 2 hp) compressor for compressing nitrogen at -150 C(-240F) with a compression ratio of about 4.
I would appreciate any information on compressor design limitations at very low temperatures.
Thanks for your help
(1 to 2 hp) compressor for compressing nitrogen at -150 C(-240F) with a compression ratio of about 4.
I would appreciate any information on compressor design limitations at very low temperatures.
Thanks for your help





RE: very low temperature compressor
"Compression ratio of about 4" isn't enough information to help. If you want to go from 0.2 bar(a)to 0.8 bar(a) you'll be looking at a different machine then if you want to go from 1 bar(a) to 4 bar(a) or 100 bar(a) to 400 bar(a), etc.
For any compression application you need to know: (1) what is your target suction and discharte pressure and temperature (the heat of compression for 4 ratios would raise the temperature to -92C, is that too warm?); (2) how tolerent are your downstream processes to oil contamination?; and (3) what is your desired compression volume (different required capacities point you toward different technologies)? Many manufacturers make cryo compressors in various technologies.
At -150C you are only 45C away from the boiling point, it might be less expensive for a small volume to "compress it" by cooling it to a liquid and pumping it.
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
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RE: very low temperature compressor
The system is for a liqN2 powered engine with vaporization of the liqN2 by a secondary gas(N2 or air).
The compressor is to pressurize the cooled secondary gas from 1 atm. to 4 atm., thus economizing the liqN2 and using minimal compression work.
Hope this makes sense
RE: very low temperature compressor
David
RE: very low temperature compressor
1. compression is from 1 atm. to 4 atm, Outlet of -92 C is acceptable.
2. oil should be tolerable downstream but probably not good to discharge to atmosphere.
3. not sure what you mean by compression volume. Volume flow is about 6 cfm at outlet conditions.
Thanks for your help,
Steve Kaufman