What is a reciprocating compressor?

A reciprocating compressor is a type of positive displacement compressor that uses pistons driven by a crankshaft to deliver gases at high pressure.

What is the difference between centrifugal and reciprocating compressors?

Centrifugal compressors use a rotating impeller to add velocity to the gas and then convert this velocity into pressure (dynamic compression). In contrast, reciprocating compressors use pistons to compress the gas in a cylinder (positive compression).

How does a reciprocating compressor operate?

A reciprocating compressor operates by using a piston within a cylinder to compress the gas. The piston moves back and forth, driven by crankshaft, drawing in gas during the intake cycle then compressing the gas when piston changes direction.

What opens and closes the valves in a reciprocating compressor?

The valves in a reciprocating compressor operate automatically in response to pressure differences and are designed to open and close at precise times during the piston's movement.

What maintenance and modernization services does Siemens Energy provide for reciprocating compressors?

We have an extensive catalogue of upgrades available for even the oldest compressors, to enhance performance, improve reliability, improve serviceability and reduce emissions.

Reciprocating Compressors

High performance, high efficiency, high reliability, and low maintenance reciprocating compressors for process industry and decarbonization

As a leading supplier of reciprocating compressors, Siemens Energy offers an extensive Dresser‑Rand portfolio covering slow‑speed process reciprocating compressors and medium‑ to high‑speed separable units. This breadth enables Siemens Energy to provide solutions for applications across both the process industries and the growing decarbonisation sector.

View the webinar: From data to decisions: Compressor selection simplified

Dresser-Rand reciprocating compressors are used in a wide range of applications, helping customers across the globe through their energy transition, increasing efficiency and lowering emissions step by step. Applications include:

Upstream: LNG (boil-off gas), reinjection, CO2 / EOR, gathering, export / sales gas, fuel gas
Midstream: Gas pipeline transmission, gas storage / withdrawal, gas processing
Downstream: Hydrocracking, hydrotreating, reforming, hydrogen plants, off gas receovery, fertilizer syngas, polyethylene, biodiesel
Decarbonization: Green H2 production, H2 pipeline, H2 storage, H2 liquefaction, green ammonia, green methanol, CO2 capture / pipeline / storage

Dresser-Rand process reciprocating compressors are available with up to 10 crank throws, as single-throw or balanced-opposed configurations. Each unit is custom‑engineered: every cylinder and valve is designed specifically for the application, and all supporting components are selected to match the customer’s operating requirements.

Factory experts verify all critical clearances and dimensions, carrying out detailed inspections and tests to avoid installation issues. The result is a reciprocating compressor that meets or exceeds customer specifications while delivering high efficiency and dependable reliability.

Siemens Energy offers one of the most versatile compressor lineup on the market and a reputation for serving standard applications and the most demanding jobs (high pressure, CO₂, sour and acid gases, and floating applications). This class of reciprocating compressors is designed to meet ISO 13631 with options to meet ISO 13707, or API 618 specifications. This offering includes three different models with horsepower (HP) ranges up to 7,800 HP (5,816 kW), allowable rod loads up to 75,000 PSI (333kn), rated maximum speeds up to 1,500 RPM, and pressures up to 10,000 PSIG. Click on the model types below to learn more.

Reciprocating compressor valves and capacity control

Siemens Energy has installed more than 2.5 million horsepower of reciprocating compression in hydrogen‑rich services, supported by over 2,500 operating units worldwide.

With extensive experience and a strong reference base, Siemens Energy’s process and high‑speed reciprocating compressors can be tailored to meet specific project requirements.

These compressors are used primarily for H₂ product, tail gas, feed gas and H₂ make up applications, as well as H₂ pipelines and storage.

Reduce CAPEX and experience high reliability and dependable service from The Siemens Energy hydrogen compressor portfolio.

Markets:

Process industries
Refining
H₂fuel gas boosting (H₂ rich fuel with reduced CO₂ emissions from our gas turbines)
H₂ pipelines
H₂ boosting after electrolysis system
H₂ storage

Siemens Energy’s Plug and Play reciprocating compressor package offers efficient and flexible solutions for hydrogen applications. The modular design reduces erection, installation, and commissioning times by up to 50% compared to standard compressor systems, helping accelerate project delivery. With 17 fully engineered modules, each weighing less than 25 tons and featuring a 20% smaller footprint, transport and site integration are straightforward and cost‑effective. The solution is customizable to meet specific operational needs, and advanced safety features, including completed HAZOP analysis and detailed P&ID documentation, can provide reliable and secure performance from day one.

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We have a long history of operation with all gases such as H2, CO2, Ammonia, Syn Gas etc, resulting in a field proven design. Our product line includes high speed reciprocating compressors, process reciprocating compressors, lubricated cylinders and non-lubricated cylinders, from the smallest to largest HP. In addition, we are supplying single shaft compressors for bundled solutions with reciprocating compressors, which is unique to Siemens Energy.

Reciprocating compressors

View the webinar: From data to decisions: Compressor selection simplified