Diaphragm Compressors
Diaphragm Compressors
(OP)
Has anyone had experience with diaphragm compressors? I understand one can get large compression ratios because the diaphragm has a large surface area in relation to the gas flow rate. Is there a limit on the low end of suction pressure (can they go down to atmosphere)? Do they last?





RE: Diaphragm Compressors
There is no real limit to them regarding low pressure. I've seen them used in vacuum applications though that is not a typical application. There are a lot of different types also, including ones made with metal diaphragms and ones made with elastomer and thermoplastic diaphragms. They can last for thousands of hours or even tens of thousands of hours if the gas is absolutely clean. So they can last a long time compared to conventional reciprocating machines. The market niche for diaphragm machines is low flow, high compression ratios and very clean service or service where purity is a prime consideration.
RE: Diaphragm Compressors
I have the impression that the swept volume is not that large since one does not want to flex the diaphragm too much. You say that the speed is low, so I gather that a flow rate based on 15 psia suction is quite low compared to a rate based on 200 psia suction. I'm thinking that the ratio of pressures could give a rough flow reduction factor, e.g., 15/200=0.075. Ouch!!!!!
I see that many multistage machines are horizontal. Do you see much wear on the pistons/cylinders/rings as opposed to vertical orientation?
RE: Diaphragm Compressors