rotary blower/rootes compressor for vapor recovery unit

[GraduatingDude]

Hi i'm looking for possible compressor types to use as a vapor recovery unit. The gas is a hydrocarbon mixture (average MW 52 kg/kgmol)and needs to be compressed from 1.15 bara to 2 bara. The volume flow is around 660 m^3/h.

The compressors that fall in these application ranges are, reciprocating, flooded and dry screw compressors, liquid ring compressors, rotating vane,eductors and a straight lobe or blower compressors.

Some engineer mentioned that straight lobe compressors cant be used for hydrocarbon gasses. I didn't got a chance to ask him wat he ment by that. So wat I want to ask here to you guys is:
Why are certain certain compressor types not suitible for compressing hydrocarbon gasses?

Thanks in advance.

 

[crjones]

A straight lobe blower is a less complex design, so it is easier to adjust materials of construction to match the gas. Also it is a low pressure, generally not over 2.2 bara, so you don't have to contend with built in compression ratios that may overheat a particular process.

 

[GraduatingDude]

Yes, but can they be applied for boosting low pressure hydrocarbon gasses? Why are some compressor designs not suitable for hydrocarbon compression?

 

[SJones]

Look at the first reply in this thread:

thread378-214812


Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.pdo.co.om/pdoweb/