Description
ZW-13/30 Nitrogen Compressor – Medium-Capacity Oil-Free N2 Booster for 3.00 MPa High-Pressure Process Applications
Engineered to deliver 13 m³/min at 3.00 MPa discharge pressure, the ZW-13/30 is a two-stage, three-row oil-free piston nitrogen compressor designed for demanding high-pressure nitrogen injection, gas cylinder filling stations, and critical petrochemical process applications. Zero oil contamination, robust three-row force balance, and optimized for continuous-duty operation at elevated pressure.
Product Overview
The ZW-13/30 nitrogen compressor represents a powerful mid-range solution within our oil-free piston compressor family, engineered for applications where both substantial flow capacity and high discharge pressure are simultaneously required. With a rated capacity of 13 m³/min and a discharge pressure of 3.00 MPa, this unit occupies a critical position in the high-pressure nitrogen compressor market, bridging the gap between small laboratory-scale units and massive industrial boosters.
What distinguishes the ZW-13/30 from conventional alternatives is its fully oil-free compression pathway utilizing self-lubricating PTFE composite piston rings and rider bands. This design philosophy eliminates any possibility of hydrocarbon contamination in the nitrogen product stream, achieving ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification natively. At 3.00 MPa discharge pressure, the risk of oil vapor carryover is substantially magnified compared to low-pressure applications, making the oil-free design not merely advantageous but absolutely mandatory for food-grade, pharmaceutical, and electronics-grade nitrogen service.
The compressor architecture employs a two-stage, three-row (二列三级) configuration that is essential for managing the extreme pressure ratio required to achieve 3.00 MPa from typical inlet conditions. The three-row opposed-cylinder arrangement provides superior force balance compared to two-row designs, reducing vibration transmission and permitting installation on lighter foundations. Each compression stage is equipped with an independent high-efficiency intercooler, ensuring gas temperatures remain within safe operating envelopes even during sustained maximum-load operation. The robust cast-iron frame and dynamically balanced forged steel crankshaft are rated for a minimum service life of 120,000 hours under standard maintenance protocols.
Technical Specifications – ZW-13/30
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| แบบอย่าง | ZW-13/30 | – |
| ลวดลาย | Two-stage, Three-row (二列三级) | – |
| ความจุ | 13 | ม³/นาที |
| แรงดันปล่อย | 3.00 | เมกะปาสคาล |
| Compressor Size (L × W × H) | 2764 × 2000 × 3277 | mm |
| น้ำหนัก | 6.00 | t |
| พลัง | 160 | กิโลวัตต์ |
| แรงดันไฟฟ้า | 380 | 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. Three-Row Opposed-Cylinder Force Balance
The ZW-13/30 employs a unique three-row opposed-cylinder arrangement (二列三级) that provides exceptional first-order and second-order force cancellation. By distributing the compression work across three cylinders arranged in an opposed configuration, the compressor achieves near-perfect inertial force balance, reducing vibration transmission to the foundation by over 90% compared to single-row designs. This mechanical advantage is particularly critical for high-pressure compressors where the peak gas forces on the pistons are substantially higher than in low-pressure applications. The three-row design permits installation on a lighter reinforced concrete inertia block (minimum 10 tonnes versus 15+ tonnes for equivalent single-row units), significantly reducing civil engineering costs and simplifying retrofit installations in existing process plants.
2. High-Pressure Oil-Free PTFE Composite Sealing
The ZW-13/30 utilizes a proprietary self-lubricating piston ring and rider band assembly manufactured from high-density 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 0.05 without any external hydrocarbon lubrication. At 3.00 MPa discharge pressure, the partial pressure of oil vapor would be approximately 10 times higher than at 0.30 MPa, making oil contamination far more concentrated and difficult to remove. The ZW-13/30’s native oil-free design achieves ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification without any downstream filtration, eliminating both the capital cost and the energy penalty of oil-removal equipment. The PTFE formulation is rated for continuous operation at temperatures up to 185°C, ensuring reliable sealing integrity under the extreme thermal stress of high-pressure compression.
3. Two-Stage Thermodynamic Optimization for Extreme Pressure Ratios
The two-stage compression architecture of the ZW-13/30 is thermodynamically essential for achieving the 3.00 MPa discharge pressure target from typical inlet pressures of 0.05–0.10 MPa. The overall pressure ratio of approximately 30:1 to 60:1 is divided between a low-pressure cylinder group and a high-pressure cylinder group, 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 160°C and preventing thermal degradation of the PTFE sealing elements. Without staged compression, the discharge temperature would exceed 250°C, far beyond the safe operating limit of any oil-free sealing material. The inter-stage cooling is therefore not merely an efficiency enhancement but a fundamental requirement for reliable high-pressure oil-free operation.
4. Standard 380V Industrial Motor Drive with High Efficiency
The ZW-13/30 is driven by a 160 kW, 380V, 50Hz three-phase induction motor conforming to IEC 60034-1 efficiency class IE3. The standard low-voltage configuration integrates directly into existing 380V industrial distribution panels without requiring medium-voltage switchgear or step-down transformers. This electrical simplicity reduces both capital expenditure and commissioning complexity, making the unit accessible to a wide range of industrial facilities. For sites with 6kV or 10kV bus systems, an optional motor with integrated step-down transformer can be supplied on a common skid, providing seamless integration into any electrical infrastructure.
Application Scenarios
High-Pressure Nitrogen Cylinder Filling Stations
The ZW-13/30 is ideally suited for industrial 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 3.00 MPa discharge pressure does not reach cylinder filling pressure directly, it serves as a highly efficient intermediate booster that dramatically reduces the compression ratio required of downstream high-pressure filling compressors. The 13 m³/min capacity can supply multiple filling manifolds simultaneously, making the ZW-13/30 suitable for commercial gas filling stations serving industrial, medical, and specialty gas markets. The oil-free design is mandatory for cylinder filling because any oil contamination would be trapped in the cylinders and delivered to end-users, potentially compromising their processes and creating liability exposure.
Petrochemical High-Pressure Process Nitrogen
In petrochemical and refinery operations, the ZW-13/30 high-pressure nitrogen compressor provides nitrogen for reactor catalyst preservation, emergency injection into high-pressure vessels, pipeline pressure testing, and hydrostatic testing of process equipment. The 3.00 MPa discharge pressure is sufficient to inject nitrogen into process vessels operating at pressures up to 2.5 MPa, maintaining positive inert gas blankets during startup, shutdown, and upset conditions. The continuous-duty rating ensures uninterrupted nitrogen availability during extended turnaround campaigns. The oil-free certification is mandatory for petrochemical applications where nitrogen contacts catalyst beds or enters process streams that must remain completely hydrocarbon-free.
Gas Liquefaction & Cryogenic Storage Booster
In nitrogen liquefaction plants and cryogenic storage facilities, the ZW-13/30 compresses nitrogen from the liquefier vaporizer or storage tank boil-off to the pressure required for distribution or further processing. The 3.00 MPa discharge pressure is sufficient for feeding high-pressure nitrogen into cryogenic storage systems, driving nitrogen through heat exchangers, and supplying high-pressure consumers in the process plant. The 13 m³/min capacity matches the output of small to medium-scale liquefaction plants, making the ZW-13/30 an ideal integrated booster for on-site nitrogen liquefaction systems. The oil-free design prevents contamination of the cryogenic equipment and ensures the purity of liquid nitrogen product.
Pharmaceutical & Food-Grade High-Pressure Nitrogen
Pharmaceutical manufacturing and large-scale food processing facilities require high-purity nitrogen at elevated pressure for sterile filtration, spray drying, aseptic filling, and high-pressure packaging applications. The ZW-13/30’s oil-free certification ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR 211.72 and EU GMP Annex 1. The 3.00 MPa discharge pressure provides adequate head to drive nitrogen through sterile filtration systems, spray dryers, and high-pressure packaging equipment. The 13 m³/min capacity can simultaneously supply multiple pharmaceutical process lines or food packaging stations within a single manufacturing facility, making the ZW-13/30 a versatile central nitrogen supply solution.
Material & Construction
The ZW-13/30 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, heavy reinforced wall + ribbing |
| Crankshaft | Forged Alloy Steel | 42CrMo4, Q&T, ISO 1940 G2.5 dynamically balanced |
| Piston Rings | PTFE-Glass-Bronze Composite | High-pressure rated, self-lubricating, 185°C max |
| Rider Bands | PTFE Composite | Piston guidance, anti-scuffing, wear rate <0.04 mm/1000h |
| Valve Plates | สแตนเลสสตีล | SS316, high-pressure concentric ring spring design |
| Connecting Rods | Forged Steel with Babbitt Bearings | Precision-machined, oil-lubricated big end |
| 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 900 flanges |
| Base Frame | Structural Steel | Welded fabrication, vibration-damped mounting |
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 900 flanged connections to ensure leak-tight integrity at 3.00 MPa operating pressure.
Installation & Maintenance Guidelines
Foundation & Structural Requirements
The ZW-13/30 has a dry weight of 6.00 tonnes and a center of gravity approximately 900 mm above the baseplate. Thanks to the three-row opposed-cylinder design, unbalanced forces are minimal despite the high-pressure operation, permitting installation on a reinforced concrete inertia block of 10–12 tonnes. The block should be mounted on elastomeric vibration isolators (natural frequency 6–8 Hz). Minimum clearance requirements: 1.5 m on the non-drive side for valve access, 1.2 m on the drive side for motor maintenance, and 2.0 m overhead for crane access during major overhauls. Special attention must be paid to the high-pressure discharge piping, which must be properly supported, anchored, and stress-relieved to prevent vibration-induced fatigue at 3.00 MPa.
Cooling Water System Design
Cooling water demand is approximately 28 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 extreme pressure ratio, the intercooler is absolutely critical for thermal management and must receive priority 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 and chemical treatment is strongly recommended for all installations to ensure consistent water quality.
Preventive Maintenance Schedule
| Interval | Service Item | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Daily | Operational Inspection | Check vibration, abnormal noise, cooling water flow, discharge pressure, temperature |
| 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 ZW-13/30 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 at 3.00 MPa, but the overall maintenance burden remains significantly lower than oil-lubricated systems.
Compliance & Safety Certifications
The ZW-13/30 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 3.00 MPa discharge pressure, the risk of rapid gas release and oxygen displacement is severely elevated. All ZW-13/30 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. All high-pressure connections must be verified with ultrasonic leak detection before commissioning. Ventilation systems must maintain ambient oxygen above 19.5% per OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146. Emergency shutdown interlocks should activate at 19.5% O₂ (alarm) and trigger automatic isolation at 18.0% O₂ (hard shutdown). Personnel must be trained in high-pressure gas safety protocols and must never attempt to disconnect pressurized lines.
Performance & Efficiency Analysis
The ZW-13/30 achieves a specific power consumption of approximately 12.31 kW per m³/min of nitrogen delivered at 3.00 MPa discharge pressure. This specific power figure reflects the thermodynamic reality of ultra-high-pressure compression, where the work required increases substantially with pressure ratio. Within the high-pressure oil-free piston compressor segment (discharge pressure >2.50 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 ultra-high-pressure applications typically consume 13.0–15.0 kW/m³/min, while diaphragm compressors may exceed 18 kW/m³/min.
Over a standard 8,000-hour annual operating schedule, the ZW-13/30’s efficiency advantage versus less efficient alternatives yields approximately 60,000–140,000 kWh of annual energy savings. At $0.08/kWh, this represents $4,800–$11,200 in direct electricity cost reduction per year. However, the primary economic driver for ZW-13/30 selection is typically the elimination of oil-related consumables and the avoidance of downstream oil-removal equipment that would be mandatory with lubricated alternatives. At 3.00 MPa, the partial pressure of oil vapor is approximately 15 times higher than at 0.30 MPa, making downstream oil-filtration systems exponentially more expensive and less effective. The total cost of ownership for ultra-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 critical at 3.00 MPa because oil contamination becomes highly concentrated and virtually impossible to remove to the levels required by food-grade, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor applications. The ZW-13/30’s native oil-free design eliminates this challenge entirely, providing guaranteed product purity without the complexity and cost of downstream purification trains.
Customization & OEM Capabilities
We offer comprehensive customization options to adapt the ZW-13/30 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. Factory pre-testing of all systems reduces commissioning time and risk.
- Hazardous Area Configurations: ATEX Zone 2 and IECEx compliant motor and electrical enclosures for petrochemical installations. Integrated gas detection and automatic ventilation interlocks 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, emergency isolation valves, and redundant pressure monitoring.
- Environmental Protection: C5-M marine-grade coating systems for coastal installations; tropicalized electrical components for ambient temperatures up to 55°C; and IP54-rated acoustic enclosures reducing noise emission from 85 dB(A) to 72 dB(A) at 1 meter.
- OEM & Private Label: Custom paint colors, branded nameplates, and localized documentation packages for gas equipment distributors and system integrators. Technical manuals and maintenance procedures available in multiple languages.
Custom configurations are available from MOQ 1 unit. Engineering review and proposal generation typically require 5–7 business days. Standard delivery time is 12–14 weeks; repeat orders are delivered in 8–10 weeks from order confirmation.
Case Study: Industrial Gas Filling Station Upgrade
Client: A major industrial gas supplier in Malaysia operating a nitrogen cylinder filling station serving manufacturing, medical, and food processing customers
Challenge: The client’s existing oil-lubricated high-pressure compressor (European brand, 14 years in service) was experiencing progressive oil carryover into the nitrogen product stream. Oil contamination levels reached 2.2 mg/m³, far exceeding the 0.1 mg/m³ specification required by pharmaceutical and food-grade customers. The oil was also degrading the activated carbon purification beds in the filling manifold, requiring replacement every 5 months instead of the designed 18-month interval. Customer complaints were increasing, and regulatory inspections were becoming more frequent and demanding.
Solution: We supplied a ZW-13/30 oil-free nitrogen compressor as the primary intermediate booster, configured on a custom skid with integrated intercooler, aftercooler, and a Siemens S7-1200 PLC control panel. The 3.00 MPa discharge pressure fed a downstream high-pressure filling compressor, reducing the overall compression ratio required of the filling stage. The oil-free design eliminated the need for activated carbon purification beds entirely. A 3 m³ surge vessel was installed upstream to buffer demand fluctuations from the filling manifold.
Quantified Results After 24 Months:
- Nitrogen oil content: Reduced from 2.2 mg/m³ to <0.01 mg/m³, achieving ISO 8573-1 Class 0
- Activated carbon bed replacement: Eliminated completely, saving $12,000/year in consumables
- Customer complaints: Zero since commissioning, with five new pharmaceutical contracts won
- Filling compressor maintenance: Reduced by 35% due to lower inlet pressure ratio
- Regulatory inspection results: Passed with zero findings in two consecutive audits
- Payback period: 2.3 years based on cost savings and new contract revenue
“The ZW-13/30 has transformed our filling station from a quality risk into a competitive advantage. We now guarantee ISO 8573-1 Class 0 nitrogen to every customer, and we’ve won contracts that we couldn’t even bid on before. The oil-free design has eliminated our biggest operational headache and our customers have noticed the difference immediately.” — Operations Director, Industrial Gas Supplier
FAQ & Selection Guide
Related Products & Solutions
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ZW Series Multi-Stage Oil-Free Compressors
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LW Series Large-Capacity Nitrogen Compressors
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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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