DESIGN OF A FOUR THROW RECIPROCATING COMPRESSOR FRAME FOR NATURAL GAS

A reciprocating compressor is a mechanical device that is used to increase the pressure of a gas by reducing its volume. Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a fuel, which can be used in place of gasoline, diesel fuel and propane/LPG. CNG combustion produces fewer undesirable gases than the aforementioned fuels. As the norms of environmental law are becoming strict and there is increase in number of vehicles which use natural gas as fuel, CNG demand has risen by more than 50% in recent years but supply is not sufficient. Hence there is need of increasing the capacity of CNG stations. Existing CNG stations use two throw reciprocating compressors. By using four throw compressors, capacity of these CNG stations will increase from 1200 SCMH (Standard Cubic Meter/Hr.) to 2400 SCMH. In this paper, Design of frame of a four throw reciprocating compressor for natural gas has been presented. Various loads like rod loads, inertia loads etc. are taken into account.