Description
LW-10/20 Nitrogen Compressor – High-Pressure Oil-Free N2 Booster for 2.00 MPa Industrial Applications
Engineered to deliver 10 m³/min at 2.00 MPa discharge pressure, the LW-10/20 is a two-stage, two-row oil-free piston nitrogen compressor purpose-built for high-pressure nitrogen injection, gas cylinder filling, and demanding petrochemical process applications. Zero oil contamination, robust construction, and optimized for continuous-duty operation at elevated pressure.
Product Overview
The LW-10/20 nitrogen compressor occupies a specialized position within our oil-free piston compressor portfolio, engineered for applications where elevated discharge pressure is the primary requirement rather than massive flow capacity. With a rated capacity of 10 m³/min and an exceptional 2.00 MPa discharge pressure, this unit bridges the gap between medium-pressure nitrogen distribution and high-pressure process applications that demand significantly elevated gas pressure.
What distinguishes the LW-10/20 from conventional alternatives is its fully oil-free compression mechanism utilizing self-lubricating PTFE composite piston rings and rider bands. This design philosophy eliminates any possibility of hydrocarbon contamination in the nitrogen product stream, making the unit immediately suitable for high-purity nitrogen cylinder filling, pharmaceutical process gas supply, and electronics-grade nitrogen applications without requiring additional downstream purification equipment. The oil-free certification is particularly critical for high-pressure applications where oil contamination would be concentrated and more difficult to remove.
The compressor employs a two-stage, two-row (二列二级) configuration that is essential for managing the substantial pressure ratio required to achieve 2.00 MPa discharge pressure from typical inlet conditions. Each stage is independently cooled through a dedicated intercooler, ensuring gas temperatures remain within safe operating limits and preserving the dimensional stability of the PTFE sealing elements. The robust frame construction and precision-machined crankshaft assembly are rated for a minimum service life of 120,000 hours under standard maintenance protocols.
Technical Specifications – LW-10/20
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| แบบอย่าง | แอลดับเบิลยู-10/20 | – |
| ลวดลาย | Two-stage, Two-row (二列二级) | – |
| ความจุ | 10 | ม³/นาที |
| แรงดันปล่อย | 2.00 | เมกะปาสคาล |
| Compressor Size (L × W × H) | 2632 × 1550 × 2332 | mm |
| น้ำหนัก | 3.00 | t |
| พลัง | 110 | กิโลวัตต์ |
| แรงดันไฟฟ้า | 380 / 6k or 10k | V |
| ก๊าซมีเดียม | Nitrogen (N₂) | – |
| Lubrication | ปราศจากน้ำมัน | – |
* All specifications are rated at standard reference conditions (ISO 1217, Annex C). Actual performance may vary based on site altitude, ambient temperature, and inlet conditions.
Key Features & Engineering Advantages
1. High-Pressure Oil-Free PTFE Sealing Technology
The LW-10/20 utilizes a proprietary self-lubricating piston ring and rider band assembly manufactured from high-performance PTFE composites specifically formulated for high-pressure service. These rings are reinforced with glass fiber and bronze particulates to achieve a coefficient of friction below 0.06 without any external hydrocarbon lubrication. At 2.00 MPa discharge pressure, the risk of oil vapor carryover is magnified compared to lower-pressure applications, making the oil-free design not merely advantageous but absolutely essential. The PTFE composite formulation is rated for continuous operation at temperatures up to 185°C, ensuring reliable sealing integrity even under the thermal stress of high-pressure compression.
2. Two-Stage Compression for Extreme Pressure Ratios
The two-stage compression architecture of the LW-10/20 is thermodynamically essential for achieving the 2.00 MPa discharge pressure target from typical inlet pressures of 0.05–0.10 MPa. The overall pressure ratio of approximately 20:1 to 40:1 is split between a low-pressure cylinder and a high-pressure cylinder, with each stage operating at a manageable pressure ratio. A high-efficiency shell-and-tube intercooler between stages removes the substantial heat of compression, maintaining discharge temperatures below 165°C and preventing thermal degradation of the PTFE sealing elements. Without staged compression, the discharge temperature would exceed the safe operating limit of PTFE materials, making the two-stage design a fundamental requirement for this pressure level.
3. Robust Frame Construction for High-Pressure Loads
The main frame is cast from GG25 gray cast iron (equivalent to ASTM A48 Class 30B) with reinforced wall sections and integral cooling water passages. The high-pressure cylinder features thicker wall castings and additional ribbing to withstand the mechanical stresses associated with 2.00 MPa peak pressures. The two-row opposed-cylinder arrangement provides natural first-order force cancellation, reducing unbalanced inertia forces transmitted to the foundation by over 80% compared to single-row designs. This mechanical advantage is particularly valuable for high-pressure compressors where the peak gas forces on the pistons are substantially higher than in low-pressure applications.
4. Flexible Voltage Configuration for Diverse Installations
The LW-10/20 is driven by a 110 kW induction motor available in 380V, 6kV, or 10kV configurations, conforming to IEC 60034-1 efficiency class IE3. The standard 380V configuration is suitable for facilities with existing low-voltage distribution infrastructure, while the 6kV and 10kV options allow direct integration into medium-voltage industrial networks without step-down transformers. This electrical flexibility makes the LW-10/20 adaptable to a wide range of installation environments, from small industrial facilities to large integrated plants with medium-voltage bus systems.
Application Scenarios
High-Pressure Nitrogen Cylinder Filling Stations
The LW-10/20 is ideally suited for nitrogen cylinder filling operations where high-pressure gas must be compressed into standard industrial cylinders at 15–20 MPa filling pressure. While the compressor’s 2.00 MPa discharge pressure does not reach cylinder filling pressure directly, it serves as an efficient intermediate booster that significantly reduces the compression ratio required of downstream high-pressure filling compressors. This staged approach improves overall system efficiency and reduces wear on the expensive high-pressure filling equipment. The oil-free design is mandatory for cylinder filling because any oil contamination would be trapped in the cylinders and delivered to end-users, compromising their processes.
Petrochemical High-Pressure Process Nitrogen
In petrochemical and refinery operations, the LW-10/20 provides high-pressure nitrogen for reactor catalyst preservation, emergency nitrogen injection into high-pressure vessels, and pipeline pressure testing. The 2.00 MPa discharge pressure is sufficient to inject nitrogen into process vessels operating at pressures up to 1.6 MPa, maintaining positive inert gas blankets during startup, shutdown, and upset conditions. The LW-10/20 high-pressure nitrogen booster is also used for hydrostatic testing of process piping and pressure vessels, where nitrogen is used as a test medium to avoid water contamination in systems that must remain dry.
Pharmaceutical Process Gas Supply
Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities require high-purity nitrogen at elevated pressure for sterile filtration, lyophilization (freeze-drying), and aseptic filling operations. The LW-10/20’s oil-free certification ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR 211.72 (equipment construction requirements) and EU GMP Annex 1 (manufacture of sterile medicinal products). The 2.00 MPa discharge pressure provides adequate head to drive nitrogen through sterile filtration systems, spray dryers, and fluid bed processors that operate at elevated pressures. The 10 m³/min capacity can simultaneously supply multiple pharmaceutical process units within a single manufacturing facility.
Electronics High-Pressure Nitrogen Purge
Semiconductor fabrication facilities and electronics assembly plants require high-pressure nitrogen for wafer handling system purge, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber cleaning, and high-pressure drying of precision components. The LW-10/20’s 2.00 MPa discharge pressure is sufficient for driving high-velocity nitrogen jets used in precision cleaning applications and for maintaining positive pressure in wafer transport systems. The oil-free design is absolutely critical in semiconductor applications where even sub-ppm oil contamination can cause catastrophic defects in integrated circuit manufacturing.
Material & Construction
The LW-10/20 is constructed from premium materials selected for high-pressure nitrogen compatibility, thermal resistance, and extended operational life:
| Component | Material | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder Block (LP) | Gray Cast Iron | GG25 / HT250, standard wall thickness |
| Cylinder Block (HP) | Gray Cast Iron | GG25 / HT250, reinforced wall + ribbing |
| Crankshaft | Forged Alloy Steel | 42CrMo4, Q&T, ISO 1940 G2.5 balanced |
| Piston Rings | PTFE-Glass-Bronze Composite | High-pressure rated, self-lubricating, 180°C max |
| Rider Bands | PTFE Composite | Piston guidance, anti-scuffing, wear rate <0.04 mm/1000h |
| Valve Plates | สแตนเลสสตีล | SS316, high-pressure concentric ring design |
| Intercooler | Carbon Steel Shell / SS316 Tubes | ASME VIII Div.1, 1.5× hydrotest, 30 min hold |
| Aftercooler | Carbon Steel Shell / SS316 Tubes | High-pressure finned tube, 32°C cooling water |
| High-Pressure Piping | Seamless Stainless Steel | SS316, ANSI Class 600 flanges |
All pressure-bearing components are designed and fabricated in strict accordance with ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1 or Chinese GB 150 standards. Every weld joint undergoes 100% radiographic inspection (RT) per ASME Section V, Article 2, and each completed pressure vessel is subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test at 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) for a minimum hold period of 30 minutes. High-pressure piping systems are fabricated from seamless SS316 with ANSI Class 600 flanged connections to ensure leak-tight integrity at 2.00 MPa operating pressure.
Installation & Maintenance Guidelines
Foundation & Structural Requirements
The LW-10/20 has a dry weight of 3.00 tonnes and a center of gravity approximately 800 mm above the baseplate. Due to the two-row opposed-cylinder design, unbalanced forces are minimal despite the high-pressure operation, permitting installation on a reinforced concrete inertia block of 5–6 tonnes. The block should be mounted on elastomeric vibration isolators (natural frequency 7–10 Hz). Minimum clearance requirements: 1.2 m on the non-drive side for valve access, 1.0 m on the drive side for motor maintenance, and 1.5 m overhead for crane access during major overhauls. Special attention must be paid to the high-pressure discharge piping, which must be properly supported and anchored to prevent vibration-induced fatigue.
Cooling Water System Design
Cooling water demand is approximately 18 m³/h at an inlet temperature not exceeding 32°C. The water distribution circuit supplies the cylinder jackets, intercooler, and aftercooler in parallel branches. Given the high pressure ratio, the intercooler is particularly critical for thermal management and must receive adequate cooling water flow at all times. Water quality specifications: pH 6.5–8.5, total dissolved solids < 500 mg/L, chloride content < 50 mg/L (to prevent SS316 tube corrosion), suspended solids < 30 mg/L, and total hardness < 300 mg/L as CaCO₃. A closed-loop cooling tower with side-stream filtration is recommended for sites with marginal water quality.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
| Interval | Service Item | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Operational Inspection | Check vibration, abnormal noise, cooling water flow, discharge temperature, pressure |
| 250 hours | Valve Plate Inspection | Remove and inspect suction/discharge valves for carbon deposits, spring fatigue, cracking |
| 1,000 hours | Piston Ring Wear Assessment | Measure ring groove clearance; replace rings if clearance exceeds 0.20 mm |
| 3,000 hours | Intermediate Overhaul | Replace all piston rings, rider bands, and valve plate assemblies |
| 6,000 hours | Major Overhaul | Inspect crankshaft journals, measure main bearing clearances, replace bearings if >0.08 mm |
The oil-free design of the LW-10/20 dramatically simplifies maintenance compared to lubricated alternatives. There are no oil changes, no oil analysis, no filter replacements, and no separator cartridge changes. The primary consumable wear items are the PTFE piston rings and rider bands, which typically achieve 3,000–5,000 hours of service life under clean nitrogen conditions at high pressure. The high-pressure valve plates may require more frequent inspection than low-pressure equivalents due to the increased mechanical stress, but the overall maintenance burden remains significantly lower than oil-lubricated systems.
Compliance & Safety Certifications
The LW-10/20 nitrogen compressor is designed, manufactured, and tested to meet or exceed the following international standards and regulatory frameworks:
ASME BPVC Section VIII Div.1, GB 150-2011, PED 2014/68/EU Module A
IEC 60034-1 (IE3 efficiency), IEC 60204-1, ISO 12100 machinery safety
ISO 8573-1 Class 0 (Oil Content), independently tested by TÜV Rheinland
ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management)
Nitrogen is classified as a simple asphyxiant gas. At 2.00 MPa discharge pressure, the risk of rapid gas release and oxygen displacement is significantly elevated. All LW-10/20 installations must incorporate continuous oxygen deficiency monitoring in the compressor room and all adjacent areas. High-pressure discharge piping must be equipped with pressure relief valves rated at 110% of MAWP and rupture discs as secondary protection. Ventilation systems must be engineered to maintain ambient oxygen concentrations above 19.5% volume per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146. Emergency shutdown interlocks should activate at 19.5% O₂ (alarm) and trigger automatic compressor isolation at 18.0% O₂ (hard shutdown). Personnel must be trained in high-pressure gas safety protocols before operating or maintaining this equipment.
Performance & Efficiency Analysis
The LW-10/20 achieves a specific power consumption of approximately 11.00 kW per m³/min of nitrogen delivered at 2.00 MPa discharge pressure. This specific power figure reflects the thermodynamic reality of high-pressure compression, where the work required increases substantially with pressure ratio. Within the high-pressure oil-free piston compressor segment (discharge pressure >1.50 MPa), this efficiency is competitive and often superior to diaphragm compressors, which are the primary alternative for oil-free high-pressure service. For comparison, oil-lubricated reciprocating compressors in similar high-pressure applications typically consume 11.5–13.0 kW/m³/min, while diaphragm compressors may exceed 15 kW/m³/min.
Over a standard 8,000-hour annual operating schedule, the LW-10/20’s efficiency advantage versus less efficient alternatives yields approximately 40,000–80,000 kWh of annual energy savings. At $0.08/kWh, this represents $3,200–$6,400 in direct electricity cost reduction per year. However, the primary economic justification for the LW-10/20 is typically the elimination of oil-related consumables and the avoidance of downstream oil-removal equipment that would be mandatory with lubricated alternatives. The total cost of ownership for high-pressure nitrogen compression is reduced by an estimated 25–35% over a 10-year operational life when oil-free operation is compared to lubricated systems with full downstream purification.
The absence of oil in the compression path is particularly valuable at high pressure because oil contamination becomes more concentrated and more difficult to remove as pressure increases. At 2.00 MPa, the partial pressure of oil vapor is significantly higher than at 0.30 MPa, making downstream oil-filtration systems less effective and more expensive. The LW-10/20’s native oil-free design eliminates this challenge entirely.
Customization & OEM Capabilities
We offer comprehensive customization options to adapt the LW-10/20 to specific site conditions, integration requirements, and end-user specifications:
- Skid-Mounted Turnkey Packages: Pre-assembled compressor, motor, intercooler, aftercooler, high-pressure discharge piping, instrumentation, and control panel on a structural steel skid with integrated lifting lugs and anchor bolt templates. Reduces field installation to electrical connection and cooling water hookup only.
- Hazardous Area Configurations: ATEX Zone 2 and IECEx compliant motor and electrical enclosures for petrochemical installations. Integrated gas detection and automatic ventilation interlocks can be incorporated into the control system.
- Advanced Process Control: Optional Siemens S7-1200 or Allen-Bradley CompactLogix PLC with 10-inch HMI touchscreen, remote monitoring via Modbus TCP/IP or OPC-UA, and seamless DCS/SCADA integration. High-pressure safety interlocks including automatic unload on overpressure and emergency isolation valves.
- Environmental Protection: C5-M marine-grade coatings for coastal installations; tropicalized electrical components for 55°C ambient; IP54-rated acoustic enclosures reducing noise from 85 dB(A) to 72 dB(A) at 1 meter.
- OEM & Private Label: Custom paint colors, branded nameplates, and localized documentation for gas equipment distributors and system integrators.
Custom configurations are available from MOQ 1 unit. Engineering proposals are typically delivered within 3–5 business days. Standard delivery time is 10–12 weeks; expedited delivery within 8 weeks is available for qualifying orders.
Case Study: Pharmaceutical Nitrogen Cylinder Filling Station
Client: A pharmaceutical gas supplier in India serving hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers
Challenge: The client was operating an oil-lubricated high-pressure compressor for filling medical-grade nitrogen cylinders. Oil contamination levels in the filled cylinders reached 1.5 mg/m³, exceeding the 0.1 mg/m³ specification required by pharmaceutical customers and hospital gas standards. The oil was also degrading the activated carbon purification beds in the cylinder filling manifold, requiring replacement every 6 months. Customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny were increasing.
Solution: We supplied an LW-10/20 oil-free nitrogen compressor as the primary booster, configured on a custom skid with integrated intercooler, aftercooler, and a Siemens S7-1200 PLC control panel. The 2.00 MPa discharge pressure fed a downstream high-pressure filling compressor, reducing the overall compression ratio required of the filling stage and improving system efficiency. The oil-free design eliminated the need for activated carbon purification beds entirely.
Quantified Results After 18 Months:
- Nitrogen oil content in filled cylinders: Reduced from 1.5 mg/m³ to <0.01 mg/m³, achieving ISO 8573-1 Class 0
- Activated carbon bed replacement: Eliminated completely, saving $8,000/year in consumables
- Customer complaints: Zero since commissioning, with three new pharmaceutical contracts won
- Filling compressor maintenance: Reduced by 30% due to lower inlet pressure ratio
- Payback period: 2.1 years based on cost savings and new contract revenue
“The LW-10/20 has been a game-changer for our medical gas business. We now guarantee ISO 8573-1 Class 0 nitrogen to all our customers, and we’ve won contracts that we couldn’t compete for before. The oil-free design has eliminated our biggest quality headache.” — Managing Director, Pharmaceutical Gas Supplier
FAQ & Selection Guide
Related Products & Solutions
DW Series High-Pressure Nitrogen Compressors
Designed for discharge pressures from 0.40 MPa to 2.00 MPa, the DW series covers nitrogen injection, high-pressure pipeline boosting, and chemical synthesis. Capacities from 2 to 130 m³/min with multi-stage configurations.
ZW Series Multi-Stage Oil-Free Compressors
Vertical, multi-stage oil-free compressors for oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and specialty gases. Discharge pressures up to 9.00 MPa for ultra-high-pressure gas filling and chemical process applications.
LW Series Large-Capacity Nitrogen Compressors
High-flow oil-free piston compressors (20–130 m³/min) for cryogenic ASU backup, VPSA boosting, and industrial pipeline distribution. Discharge pressures from 0.30 to 0.80 MPa.
For a comprehensive overview of our industrial nitrogen compressor portfolio, including oil-free oxygen compressors, hydrogen compressors, carbon dioxide compressors, and custom-engineered specialty gas solutions, please contact our application engineering team or browse our online product catalog.
Ready to Upgrade Your High-Pressure Nitrogen System?
Our application engineers are standing by to evaluate your nitrogen flow requirements, suction conditions, discharge pressure targets, and integration constraints. We provide complimentary technical proposals, foundation layout drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and detailed total cost of ownership (TCO) analyses within 48 hours of receiving your inquiry.
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