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 gas compressor 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 types of compressors used in natural gas systems:

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

A reciprocating compressor uses a piston to compress gas in stages. It’s often the go-to choice for natural gas wellhead, booster, or 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 and 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 reciprocating gas compressor, 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 oil-free compressor, 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
🌐 Visit: www.keep-win.com