LW-20/8 Nitrogen Compressor – Mid-Capacity Oil-Free N2 Booster for Continuous Industrial Operations

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LW-20/8 Nitrogen Compressor – Mid-Capacity Oil-Free N2 Booster for Continuous Industrial Operations

Delivering 20 m³/min at 0.80 MPa discharge pressure, the LW-20/8 is a two-stage, two-row oil-free piston nitrogen compressor engineered for medium-scale cryogenic air separation, VPSA nitrogen booster stations, and industrial pipeline distribution. Zero lubricant contamination, 24/7 continuous-duty rated, and built for demanding industrial environments.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor mid-capacity oil-free industrial unit

Огляд продукту

The LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor occupies a strategic position in our oil-free piston compressor lineup, bridging the gap between compact entry-level units and large-scale industrial boosters. With a rated capacity of 20 m³/min and a discharge pressure of 0,80 МПа, this model serves as the backbone of medium-scale nitrogen distribution systems across cryogenic air separation, petrochemical inerting, and food processing industries.

What sets the LW-20/8 apart from conventional alternatives is its повністю безмасляний шлях стиснення. The piston rings and rider bands are precision-machined from self-lubricating PTFE composite materials that operate without hydrocarbon lubricants, ensuring the nitrogen stream remains completely free of oil contamination. This native oil-free characteristic is essential for applications demanding ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification, including food-grade nitrogen blanketing, pharmaceutical process inerting, and electronics manufacturing atmosphere control.

The compressor employs a двоступеневий, дворядний (二列二级) architecture that thermodynamically optimizes the pressure ratio across two cylinders. Each stage is independently cooled via a dedicated intercooler, maintaining discharge temperatures within safe operating limits even during sustained 24/7 operation. The robust cast-iron frame and dynamically balanced forged steel crankshaft are engineered for a minimum service life of 15 years under standard maintenance protocols.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor two stage piston cross section view

Technical Specifications – LW-20/8

Параметр Значення Одиниця
Модель LW-20/8
Візерунок Двоступенева, Дворядна (二列二级)
Місткість 20 м³/хв
Тиск нагнітання 0.80 МПа
Розмір компресора (Д × Ш × В) 2732 × 1550 × 2432 мм
Вага 3.00 т
Потужність 132 кВт
Напруга 380 В
Газове середовище Азот (N₂)
Змащення Без олії

* Усі характеристики розраховані за стандартних еталонних умов (ISO 1217, Додаток C). Фактична продуктивність може відрізнятися залежно від висоти над рівнем моря, температури навколишнього середовища та умов на вході.

Основні характеристики та інженерні переваги

1. Oil-Free PTFE Composite Sealing System

The LW-20/8 utilizes an advanced самозмащувальне поршневе кільце та вузол бандажа manufactured from high-density PTFE composites reinforced with glass fiber and bronze particulates. This material system achieves a coefficient of friction below 0.08 without any external hydrocarbon lubrication, completely eliminating the risk of oil vapor carryover into the nitrogen product stream. For regulated industries, this delivers ISO 8573-1 Class 0 compliance natively—without the capital expense, maintenance burden, or energy penalty of downstream oil-removal filtration systems.

2. Two-Stage Thermodynamic Optimization

The two-stage compression arrangement splits the overall pressure ratio between a low-pressure cylinder and a high-pressure cylinder, reducing the mean effective temperature per stage and improving volumetric efficiency. An integrated shell-and-tube intercooler removes the heat of compression between stages, maintaining discharge temperatures below 155°C even at maximum continuous load. This thermal management strategy extends valve plate service life by approximately 35% compared to single-stage designs operating at equivalent pressure ratios, while also preventing thermal degradation of the PTFE sealing elements.

3. Heavy-Duty Frame with Inherent Force Balance

The compressor block is cast from GG25 gray cast iron (equivalent to ASTM A48 Class 30B) with integral cooling water passages. The two-row opposed-cylinder configuration provides natural first-order force cancellation, reducing unbalanced inertia forces transmitted to the foundation by over 80% versus single-row designs. This mechanical advantage permits installation on a lighter concrete inertia block (minimum 5 tonnes versus 8+ tonnes for single-row equivalents), reducing civil engineering costs and simplifying retrofit installations in existing compressor houses or machinery rooms.

4. Standard 380V Industrial Motor Drive

The LW-20/8 is driven by a 132 kW, 380V, 50Hz three-phase induction motor conforming to IEC 60034-1 IE3 efficiency class. The standard low-voltage configuration integrates directly into existing 380V industrial distribution panels without requiring medium-voltage switchgear, step-down transformers, or specialized electrical infrastructure. This simplifies both capital expenditure and commissioning timelines, making the LW-20/8 an attractive upgrade path for facilities transitioning from bottled nitrogen or membrane generators to on-site compressed nitrogen supply.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor general assembly heavy duty frame

Сценарії застосування

Medium-Scale Cryogenic Air Separation Plants

In cryogenic ASU facilities producing 500–1,500 Nm³/h of gaseous nitrogen, the LW-20/8 serves as the primary nitrogen booster between the cold box and the distribution header. Its 20 m³/min capacity matches the output of medium-scale ASUs, while the 0.80 MPa discharge pressure is optimized for pipeline distribution to downstream consumers such as chemical reactors, steel mill ladle inerting systems, and LNG facility purge gas networks. The oil-free design is particularly critical in ASU backup scenarios where nitrogen purity cannot be compromised during primary system maintenance or cold box upsets.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor cryogenic air separation plant application

VPSA Nitrogen Booster Stations

Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) nitrogen generators produce gaseous nitrogen at near-atmospheric pressure (0.05–0.10 MPa). The LW-20/8 nitrogen booster compresses this low-pressure product to 0.80 MPa for distribution to point-of-use applications. The oil-free compression path is essential in VPSA service because any hydrocarbon contamination would poison the carbon molecular sieve adsorbent, permanently degrading the generator’s separation efficiency and necessitating costly adsorbent replacement. The 20 m³/min capacity supports medium-scale VPSA installations serving multiple industrial consumers through a centralized nitrogen header.

Petrochemical Tank Farm Blanketing & Inerting

Refinery tank farms and petrochemical storage facilities require substantial volumes of nitrogen for tank blanketing, inerting, and gas padding to prevent explosive vapor formation and maintain product quality. The LW-20/8’s continuous-duty rating and 0.80 MPa discharge pressure make it capable of serving multiple storage tanks simultaneously through a centralized nitrogen distribution header. The pressure head is sufficient to overcome tank pressure relief valve settings and maintain positive pressure during product withdrawal cycles, even in facilities with elevated tank geometries or long distribution pipelines.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor petrochemical tank farm blanketing application

Food Processing & Modified Atmosphere Packaging

Large-scale food processing facilities utilize nitrogen for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), controlled atmosphere storage, and nitrogen sparging to extend product shelf life and maintain freshness. The LW-20/8’s 20 m³/min capacity can simultaneously supply multiple high-speed packaging lines, nitrogen-flush tunnels, and storage vaults. The oil-free certification ensures compliance with FDA 21 CFR 173.310 and EU Regulation 231/2012 for food-contact nitrogen, eliminating the risk of off-flavors, rancidity, or product discoloration that can occur with lubricated compressor alternatives.

Матеріал та конструкція

Every component of the LW-20/8 is selected for nitrogen service compatibility, corrosion resistance, and long-term mechanical durability:

Компонент Матеріал Специфікація
Блок циліндрів Сірий чавун GG25 / HT250, integral cooling water jackets
Колінчастий вал Кована легована сталь 42CrMo4, Q&T, збалансований за стандартом ISO 1940 G2.5
Поршневі кільця Композит PTFE-скло-бронза Self-lubricating, wear rate <0.05 mm/1000h
Групи вершників Композитний ПТФЕ Piston guidance, prevent cylinder wall contact
Клапанні пластини Нержавіюча сталь SS316, concentric ring spring-loaded design
Connecting Rods Forged Steel with Babbitt Bearings Precision-machined, oil-lubricated big end
Інтеркулер Оболонка з вуглецевої сталі / труби SS304 ASME VIII Div.1, 1.5× hydrostatic test
Додатковий охолоджувач Оболонка з вуглецевої сталі / труби SS304 Finned tube design, 32°C cooling water rated

Усі компоненти, що несуть тиск, розроблені та виготовлені відповідно до ASME BPVC Розділ VIII Розділ 1 or Chinese GB 150 standards. Weld joints undergo 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 time of 30 minutes.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor factory precision machining quality control

Інструкції з встановлення та обслуговування

Foundation & Mounting Requirements

The LW-20/8 has a dry weight of 3.00 tonnes and a center of gravity approximately 820 mm above the baseplate. Thanks to the two-row opposed-cylinder design, unbalanced forces are minimal, permitting installation on a reinforced concrete inertia block of 5–6 tonnes. The block should be mounted on elastomeric vibration isolators (natural frequency 6–8 Hz) to prevent vibration transmission to adjacent structures. 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 1.8 m overhead for crane access during major overhauls.

Cooling Water System Specifications

Cooling water flow requirement is approximately 22 m³/h at an inlet temperature not exceeding 32°C. The water distribution circuit supplies the cylinder jackets, intercooler, and aftercooler in parallel. Water quality specifications: pH 6.5–8.5, total dissolved solids < 500 mg/L, chloride content < 50 mg/L (to prevent SS304 tube corrosion), and suspended solids < 30 mg/L. For sites with marginal water quality, a closed-loop cooling tower with side-stream filtration and chemical treatment is strongly recommended to prevent scale formation and tube fouling.

Графік профілактичного обслуговування

Інтервал Елемент послуги Необхідна дія
Щоденно Операційна інспекція Check vibration levels, abnormal noise, cooling water flow, discharge temperature
250 годин Огляд клапанної пластини Remove and inspect suction/discharge valves for carbon deposits or cracking
1000 годин Piston Ring Measurement Measure ring groove clearance; replace rings if clearance exceeds 0.25 mm
4000 годин Проміжний капітальний ремонт Replace all piston rings, rider bands, and valve plate assemblies
8000 годин Капітальний ремонт Inspect crankshaft journals, measure bearing clearances, replace main bearings if >0.08 mm

The oil-free design of the LW-20/8 significantly reduces maintenance complexity compared to lubricated alternatives. There are no oil changes to schedule, no oil samples to analyze, no filter elements to replace, and no oil separator cartridges to monitor. The only recurring wear items are the Поршневі кільця та бандажі з PTFE, which typically achieve 4,000–6,000 hours of service life under clean nitrogen conditions.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor assembly line workshop manufacturing

Сертифікати відповідності та безпеки

The LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor is designed, manufactured, and tested to meet the following international standards and regulatory frameworks:

Директива про обладнання під тиском
ASME BPVC, розділ VIII, розділ 1, GB 150-2011, PED 2014/68/EU, модуль A
Безпека електрообладнання та машин
IEC 60034-1 (IE3 efficiency), IEC 60204-1, ISO 12100 (Machinery Safety)
Якість повітря без нафти
ISO 8573-1 Клас 0 (вміст олії), незалежно протестовано TÜV Rheinland
Якість та екологія
ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management)
⚠️ Critical Safety Advisory

Nitrogen is classified as a simple asphyxiant gas. All LW-20/8 installations must incorporate continuous oxygen deficiency monitoring in the compressor room and adjacent areas. Ventilation systems must be designed 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 entry procedures must include portable oxygen monitors and buddy-system protocols.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor ISO certification and compliance documentation

Аналіз продуктивності та ефективності

The LW-20/8 achieves a specific power consumption of approximately 6.60 kW per m³/min of nitrogen delivered at 0.80 MPa discharge pressure. This efficiency metric positions the unit competitively within the 15–30 m³/min oil-free piston compressor segment. For comparison, typical oil-lubricated screw compressors operating at equivalent pressure ratios consume 7.0–7.8 kW/m³/min, while older single-stage piston designs may exceed 8.5 kW/m³/min.

Over a standard 8,000-hour annual operating schedule, the LW-20/8’s efficiency advantage yields approximately 64,000–160,000 kWh of annual energy savings compared to less efficient alternatives. At an average industrial electricity tariff of $0.08/kWh, this translates to $5,120–$12,800 in direct operating cost reduction per year. When combined with the elimination of oil-related consumables (lubricating oil, filter elements, separator cartridges, waste oil disposal), the total cost of ownership for nitrogen compression is reduced by an estimated 20–30% over a 10-year operational life.

The absence of oil in the compression path also eliminates the energy penalty associated with downstream oil-removal equipment. A typical oil-lubricated compressor of this size requires coalescing filters, activated carbon adsorbers, and oil monitoring instrumentation that collectively consume 3–5% of the compressor’s power output. The LW-20/8’s oil-free design removes this parasitic load entirely, improving overall system efficiency.

Можливості налаштування та OEM

We offer comprehensive customization options to adapt the LW-20/8 to specific site conditions, integration requirements, and end-user specifications:

  • Skid-Mounted Turnkey Packages: The compressor, motor, intercooler, aftercooler, instrumentation, and control panel are pre-assembled on a structural steel skid with integrated lifting lugs and anchor bolt templates. This approach reduces field installation time by approximately 60% and minimizes commissioning risks.
  • Конфігурації для небезпечних зон: ATEX Zone 2 and IECEx compliant motor and electrical enclosures are available for installations in petrochemical facilities where explosive atmospheres may occasionally be present. Gas detection and automatic ventilation interlocks can be integrated into the control system.
  • Розширений контроль процесів: 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. Automatic load/unload control and variable speed drive (VFD) compatibility optimize part-load efficiency.
  • Захист навколишнього середовища: C5-M marine-grade coating systems for coastal or offshore installations; tropicalized electrical components for ambient temperatures up to 55°C; and IP54-rated acoustic enclosures that reduce noise emission from 85 dB(A) to 72 dB(A) at 1 meter.
  • OEM та приватна торгова марка: Custom paint colors, branded nameplates, and documentation packages are available for system integrators and gas equipment distributors. Technical manuals, spare parts lists, and maintenance procedures can be supplied in local languages.

Користувацькі конфігурації доступні з Мінімальна кількість замовлення 1 одиниця. Engineering review and proposal generation typically require 5–7 business days. Prototype delivery schedules range from 12–14 weeks; repeat orders are delivered in 8–10 weeks from order confirmation.

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor custom skid mounted package installation

Case Study: Food Packaging Nitrogen Supply Upgrade

Клієнт: A major snack food manufacturer in Thailand

Виклик: The manufacturer was relying on liquid nitrogen vaporization for their modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) lines. Rising liquid nitrogen prices, delivery scheduling conflicts, and vaporizer maintenance issues were causing production delays. Additionally, the existing lubricated nitrogen booster (competitor brand) was introducing trace oil contamination that caused off-flavors in sensitive product lines, resulting in customer complaints and product recalls.

Рішення: We supplied an LW-20/8 oil-free nitrogen compressor paired with a medium-scale VPSA nitrogen generator (99.9% purity, 25 m³/min) on a common skid. The LW-20/8 boosts the VPSA product from 0.08 MPa to 0.80 MPa for distribution to six high-speed packaging lines. The skid was designed to fit within the existing utility room, eliminating the need for building expansion.

Quantified Results After 24 Months:

  • Nitrogen supply cost: Reduced by 48% versus liquid nitrogen purchase and delivery
  • Oil contamination in nitrogen: Eliminated completely (ISO 8573-1 Class 0 achieved)
  • Product recall incidents: Zero since commissioning (previously 2–3 per year)
  • Maintenance expenditure: Decreased by 35% завдяки відсутності необхідності заміни оливи, заміни фільтрів та капітального ремонту сепаратора
  • Production downtime: Reduced by 60% (no more liquid nitrogen delivery scheduling conflicts)
  • Payback period: 2.1 years based on gas cost savings and avoided recall costs

“The LW-20/8 compressor has completely transformed our nitrogen supply. We no longer worry about liquid nitrogen deliveries, our product quality issues have disappeared, and our maintenance team spends far less time on compressor upkeep. The investment paid for itself in just over two years.” — Plant Engineering Manager

LW-20/8 nitrogen compressor food packaging installation case study

Поширені запитання та посібник з вибору

What is the expected service life of the LW-20/8 under normal operating conditions?

The LW-20/8 is engineered for a мінімальний розрахунковий термін служби 15 років (approximately 120,000 operating hours) in clean nitrogen service. The cast-iron frame and forged steel crankshaft are rated for the full design life with only periodic bearing inspections. The PTFE piston rings and rider bands are the primary wear components, with a typical replacement interval of 4,000–6,000 hours depending on discharge temperature, inlet filtration quality, and load factor. Valve plate assemblies generally achieve 2,500–4,000 hours before requiring refurbishment.

Can the LW-20/8 handle the pulsating inlet pressure from a VPSA nitrogen generator?

Yes. The LW-20/8 can accommodate коливання вхідного тиску від 0,03 МПа до 0,12 МПа without performance degradation. For VPSA applications where inlet pressure fluctuates with the adsorption/desorption cycle, we strongly recommend installing a minimum 1.5 m³ surge vessel upstream of the compressor suction. This vessel dampens pressure pulsations, protects the compressor valves from hydraulic shock, and provides a short-duration buffer during VPSA cycle transitions. For installations with severe pulsation, an optional pulsation dampener can be fitted to the suction manifold.

Is the LW-20/8 suitable for outdoor installation without a dedicated compressor house?

The standard LW-20/8 is designed for встановлення всередині приміщень in a ventilated machinery room. For outdoor installation, we offer an optional Захист від атмосферних впливів IP54 with integrated space heating (for cold climates down to -20°C), solar radiation shields (for tropical climates up to 55°C ambient), and forced ventilation with filtration. The acoustic enclosure option is strongly recommended for outdoor installations to maintain noise compliance with local regulations (typically 75 dB(A) at property boundary).

How does the LW-20/8 compare to oil-lubricated screw compressors for nitrogen service?

While oil-lubricated screw compressors offer higher capacity density (smaller footprint per m³/min), they introduce a fundamental oil contamination risk that is unacceptable for food-grade, pharmaceutical, and electronics-grade nitrogen applications. The LW-20/8 achieves ISO 8573-1 Class 0 certification natively, without requiring downstream coalescing filters, activated carbon adsorbers, or oil monitoring instrumentation. Additionally, piston compressors demonstrate superior efficiency at the pressure ratios typical of nitrogen boosting (4:1 to 8:1), and they handle variable inlet pressures more gracefully than screw compressors, which are optimized for near-constant suction conditions. For a comprehensive TCO comparison, refer to our Аналіз рентабельності інвестицій у азотний компресор.

Under what circumstances should I avoid selecting the LW-20/8?

The LW-20/8 is NOT the optimal choice for: (1) Тиск нагнітання вище 1,00 МПа—consider our DW series (up to 2.00 MPa) or ZW multi-stage series (up to 9.00 MPa); (2) Capacity requirements below 10 m³/min—smaller units in the ZW series offer superior part-load efficiency and lower capital cost; (3) Applications requiring continuous flow modulation below 35% of rated capacity—piston compressors experience reduced efficiency at deep turndown; a VFD-equipped screw compressor or a dual-compressor lead/lag arrangement may be more economical for highly variable demand profiles.

Супутні продукти та рішення

Азотні компресори великої ємності серії LW

High-flow oil-free piston compressors (30–130 m³/min) for large-scale cryogenic ASU backup, VPSA boosting, and industrial pipeline distribution. Discharge pressures from 0.30 to 0.80 MPa.

Ознайомтеся з серією LW →

Азотні компресори високого тиску серії DW

Medium to high-pressure oil-free compressors (0.40–2.00 MPa) for nitrogen injection, pipeline boosting, and chemical synthesis applications. Capacities from 2 to 130 m³/min.

Ознайомтеся з серією DW →

ZW Series Compact Oil-Free Compressors

Compact oil-free compressors (2–10 m³/min) for small-scale VPSA boosting, laboratory nitrogen supply, and electronics manufacturing inerting. Discharge pressures up to 0.80 MPa.

Ознайомтеся з серією ZW →

Для повного огляду наших промисловий азотний компресор портфоліо, включаючи безмасляні кисневі компресори, водневі компресори, компресори вуглекислого газу та спеціально розроблені рішення для спеціальних газів, будь ласка, зв'яжіться з нашою командою інженерів-прикладників або перегляньте наш онлайн-каталог продукції.

Ready to Optimize Your Nitrogen Compression 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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