Choosing the right compressor type for natural gas applications is essential to ensure safety, gas purity, and reliable system performance. Natural gas is a complex mixture that includes methane, ethane, propane, and sometimes corrosive elements like H₂S or CO₂. Therefore, the wrong compressor selection can lead to frequent maintenance, contamination, or pressure loss.

In this article, we’ll compare the most common compressore a gas technologies, evaluate their pros and cons, and share how KEEPWIN supports clients in the oil & gas sector with tailored solutions.

⚙️ Common Compressor Types for Natural Gas

Here are the top three tipi di compressori used in natural gas systems:

🔩 1. Reciprocating Compressors: Field-Proven and High Pressure

A compressore alternativo uses a piston to compress gas in stages. It’s often the go-to choice for natural gas wellhead, booster, o pipeline injection applications where pressure may exceed 30 or even 200 bar.

✅ KEEPWIN’s VF-type high-pressure piston compressors are widely used in Turkey and Iran for associated gas recovery, delivering 1250 Nm³/h at 40 MPa discharge pressure.

Key Benefits:

• Modular design with up to 5 stages

• Easy to maintain in remote conditions

• Handles wet and dirty gas streams

• Capable of intermittent or continuous duty

⚙️ 2. Screw Compressors: Low to Medium Pressure, High Duty Cycle

Screw compressors are ideal for mid-pressure gas transfer and continuous operation. Though commonly used for air and inert gases, they’re gaining popularity in natural gas compression when equipped with gas-sealed, explosion-proof configurations.

💡 KEEPWIN offers oil-injected and oil-free screw models from 15–355kW with gas-adapted rotors and low sound enclosures.

Use Cases:

• Fuel gas supply for turbines

• Gas to CNG station intake

• Small field reinjection systems

Limitations:

• Not suitable for very high pressures (>25 bar)

• Requires gas purification to avoid rotor fouling

🧪 3. Diaphragm Compressors: Clean Gas Compression

If your application involves high-purity natural gas or trace component capture (helium, hydrogen, or H₂S separation), a diaphragm gas compressor may be best.

Diaphragm units use a flexible membrane to compress the gas, ensuring zero oil contact e leak-free compression—ideal for lab, refinery, or flare gas recovery.

But The flow rate of diaphragm compressor limit the application for oil and field compressors

🧠 How to Choose the Best Compressor for Your Natural Gas Project

Consider these factors when selecting a compressor type for natural gas applications:

🛠 Real Example: Associated Gas Recovery in Turkey

A client operating in southeastern Turkey needed to compress associated gas from 0.5 MPa to 40 MPa for CNG storage. The gas mixture included CH₄, C₂H₆, CO₂, and trace H₂S.

📌 KEEPWIN provided the 2VF-3.6/5-400 five-stage compressore a gas alternativo, customized with:

• Explosion-proof IP54 motor (280kW)

• Air cooling (no water system required)

• Oil-injection lubrication for crank + cylinder

• PLC touchscreen control + soft start

After commissioning, the customer reduced flaring by 90% and gained a new gas revenue stream.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to natural gas compression. The best compressor type for natural gas applications depends on your pressure range, gas composition, duty cycle, and space/environmental constraints.

With a broad portfolio of compressore senza olio, piston, diaphragm, and screw technologies, Keepwin Technology Hebei Co., Ltd. helps global clients build safe, efficient, and custom-fit systems.

📩 Let us help you choose the right natural gas compressor.
📧 Contact: keepwin@keep-win.com
🌐 Visita: www.keep-win.com