Multi Stage Piston Compressor
A multi stage piston compressor uses three or more cylinders in series with cooling between each, to reach pressures beyond what a two stage machine delivers efficiently. Vikay supplies multi stage compressors from India in the PFC 281, PFC 57T2 and PFC 65T2, roughly 3 to 15 HP.
Each stage of compression has a practical ratio limit, set by discharge temperature and by the valve and ring materials. Pushing one stage beyond it produces heat that degrades the oil, cracks valve plates and destroys rings. Adding a stage divides the same overall ratio into smaller steps, each intercooled, so temperature stays within limits at pressures a two stage machine cannot sustain.
The range covers the PFC 281 at roughly 3 HP, the PFC 57T2 at roughly 12.5 HP and the PFC 65T2 at roughly 15 HP, with equivalent VK designations.
Typical duties are PET bottle blowing, gas boosting, high-pressure testing and pressure-vessel filling, and any application where the required discharge pressure sits above the comfortable range of a two stage machine.
FAQS
When do I need a multi stage compressor rather than a two stage?
- When required discharge pressure sits above what a two stage machine delivers comfortably, typically in PET blowing, gas boosting and high-pressure testing.
Why does adding stages help?
- Each stage has a practical compression ratio limit set by discharge temperature. More stages divide the overall ratio into smaller intercooled steps, keeping temperature within the limits of the oil, valves and rings.
What sizes are available?
- PFC 281 at roughly 3 HP, PFC 57T2 at roughly 12.5 HP and PFC 65T2 at roughly 15 HP, with equivalent IR designations.
