Operation of a Reciprocating Compressor
A reciprocating compressor consists of a crankshaft (driven by either a gas engine, electric motor, or turbine) attached to a connecting rod, which transfers the rotary motion of the crankshaft to  a crosshead. The crosshead travels back in forth in a crosshead guide. The crosshead converts the rotating motion to a reciprocating motion. The piton rod is attached to  the crosshead and the piston (which is contained in a cylinder) is attached to the piston rod. The piston acting within the cylinder then compresses the gas contained within that cylinder. Gas enters the cylinder through a suction valve at suction pressure and is compressed to reach desired discharge pressure. When the gas reaches desired pressure, it is then discharged through a discharge valve. Desired discharge pressure can be reached through utilization of either a single or double acting cylinder. In a double acting cylinder, compression takes place at both the head end and crank end of the cylinder. The cylinder can be designed to accommodate any pressure or capacity, thus making the reciprocating compressor the most popular in the gas industry.

Typical Applications
Reciprocating compressors are ideal where higher discharge pressures are required or where there is a great pressure difference. When it comes to corrosive applications such as landfill gas, the reciprocating compressor will provide the most flexibility, including multiple staging and ability to add or remove staging should conditions warrant. 

Features