Downstream and Refinery

Refineries use and produce a myriad of gases at varying temperatures and pressures in various crude oil distillation (separation), conversion, and treating processes. Ariel reciprocating compressors, both lubricated and non-lubricated, are used throughout the refinery. Refineries are currently using Ariel compressors in applications as diverse as fuel gas, feed gas, isomerization, hydrosulphurization (hydrogen make up and recycle) and hydrocracking.

Hydrogen is one of the primary gases used throughout the downstream energy network. The Hydrogen Economy has been discussed for years and is now rapidly expanding on a global scale.

Currently, the primary means of hydrogen production is the steam methane reforming of natural gas. Other means of hydrogen production are coal gasification, electrolysis, and renewable liquid reforming. Ariel provides compression throughout the hydrogen value chain, production to storage and transportation – and even vehicle fueling, as each become more common.

Ariel's hydrogen compressor experience spans decades, and dozens of hydrogen compressors currently operate worldwide, with half in non-lube service. Conservative application of products, unmatched technical support, spare parts availability, and our global support network combine to ensure your Ariel compressor will meet or exceed expectations.

Ariel Compressors are used in a number of other critical services, including:

Hydrogen Makeup and Recycle
Feed Gas
Hydrogen Production

SynGas (HYCO)
Hydrotreating
Hydrocracking

Chemical processing
Isomerization
Offgas

Hydrogen Storage
Fuel Gas
RFG

A rendering of a KBU with cut outs revealing the inside of the frame and inside the cylinder

Process, Refining & Chemical Compressors

Ariel's wide range of short-stroke, medium-speed reciprocating compressors utilize unlined and non-cooled compressor cylinder technology, representing the latest technology of reciprocating compressors and are the 21st-century reciprocating compressors for downstream applications.

API 618 Compressor Features

Designed in accordance with API 618 standards for critical process applications, Ariel’s process reciprocating compressors utilize field-proven, pre-designed components to provide the highest reliability and availability. This allows them to meet or exceed API 618 requirements for three years of uninterrupted service. Ariel’s approach to design and manufacturing takes advantage of standardized core components – allowing for full configuration on unique project requirements.

API 618 Type C long two compartment distance pieces
Precision tri-metal half shell bearings for crankshaft main and crankpin bearings
Heavy-duty, forged steel crankshaft, precision machined with integral counterweights
Horizontal balanced opposed throws
One-piece ductile iron crossheads with direct full pressure lubrication at top and bottom for minimum wear
Forged steel connecting rods.

A graph highlighting the process speed graph, with synchronous speeds on the X axis and the piston speed on the Y axis

Ariel’s moderate-speed process compressors operate in comparable piston speed ranges to long-stroke, slow-speed compressors. Ariel’s extensive product line supports a wide range of process applications.

Models

Ariel's comprehensive line of moderate speed, reciprocating process compressors combine more than 40 years of research and development with the use of advanced design tools, field-proven installations and on-site experience. Ariel’s wide range of process compressors are designed to achieve or exceed three years of uninterrupted service, while meeting the most demanding industry requirements.

Frame	Stroke	Piston Speed	RPM
JGA	3	450	900
JGJ	3.5	525	900
JGT	4.5	540	720
JGF	5.0	600	720
KBT	5.0	600	720
JGK	5.5	660	720
JGD	5.5	660	720
KBU	5.75	690	720
KBK	6.0	720	720
KBB	7.25	725	600

300+

Compressor packaged for process service

15 + Years Producing durable process compressors

1,200

Cylinder to Frame Combinations

31 compressor models suited for process service

A rendering of a compressor cylinder, cut out to reveal the piston

Process Cylinder Design Features

Wearbands to meet 5 psi bearing pressure for both lubricated and non-lubricated services
Indicator connections
Purged packing cases
Water cooled packing cases
Application-specific valve design
Application-specific non-metallic wear materials
O-ring sealed valve covers
Capacity and Load Control devices available
Hardened 4100 series alloy steel piston rods
17-4 PH stainless steel and tungsten carbide coated piston rods available as options
Cylinder bores hardened to greater than 50 Rockwell C
Lubricated and non-lubricated applications