Piston compressor KBF

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Overview
The Ariel KBC / KBD / KBF family are large-frame, medium-speed reciprocating compressors designed for electric-motor or natural-gas-engine drive. Engineered for high-capacity, high-horsepower compression tasks, these models deliver compact footprint, high horsepower density and minimized vibration for continuous industrial operation.

Capacity & Applications
Available in 2-, 4- and 6-throw configurations, the KBC/KBD/KBF range covers rated power levels of 2,400 BHP (2-throw), 4,800 BHP (4-throw) and 7,200 BHP (6-throw), depending on configuration. Typical applications include natural gas gathering, processing, pipeline transport and storage, process and industrial gases, carbon capture and other large-scale compression projects.

Product Features

• Efficient valves: Plate-type valves designed for modern operating speeds, supplied with non-metallic sealing elements as standard and selected to meet low-valve-velocity criteria.
• Heavy-duty crankshafts: Forged-steel, precision-machined crankshafts with integral counterweights, manufactured by Ariel for durability and balance.
• Redesigned guide supports: KB-style angled guides with through-bolting for increased strength and rigidity.
• Versatile cylinders: Cylinder designs suitable across wide pressure ranges, enabling multiple configuration combinations to achieve required volume and pressure.
• Ariel 7 Performance Software: Modeling and configuration tool for engineering accurate compressor builds and application-specific designs.

Materials

• Gray iron crankcase: Forged-steel crankshaft, gray-iron crosshead guide, bronze thrust bearing, tri-metal main bearing.
• Ductile iron crosshead: Alloy-steel crosshead pin.
• Forged-steel connecting rod: Bronze crosshead-pin bushing, tri-metal connecting rod bearing, grade 8 stress bolts.

Specifications — 2 Throw
KBC | KBD | KBF
Rated Power (BHP): 2,400 | 2,400 | 2,400
Stroke (in): 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0
Max RPM: 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,400
Piston Speed (FPM): 1,167 | 1,200 | 1,167
Rod Diameter (in): 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5
Total Rod Load (lbs): 132,000 | 132,000 | 132,000
Tension (lbs): 66,000 | 66,000 | 66,000
Compression (lbs): 69,000 | 69,000 | 69,000
Average Weight (lbs): 16,300 | 16,300 | 16,300
Max Length (in): 64 | 64 | 64
Nominal Width (in): 185 | 185 | 185
Crankshaft Centerline (in): 21 | 21 | 21

Specifications — 4 Throw
KBC | KBD | KBF
Rated Power (BHP): 4,800 | 4,800 | 4,800
Stroke (in): 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0
Max RPM: 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,400
Piston Speed (FPM): 1,167 | 1,200 | 1,167
Rod Diameter (in): 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5
Total Rod Load (lbs): 132,000 | 132,000 | 132,000
Tension (lbs): 66,000 | 66,000 | 66,000
Compression (lbs): 69,000 | 69,000 | 69,000
Average Weight (lbs): 33,600 | 33,600 | 33,600
Max Length (in): 115 | 115 | 115
Nominal Width (in): 185 | 185 | 185
Crankshaft Centerline (in): 21 | 21 | 21

Specifications — 6 Throw
KBC | KBD | KBF
Rated Power (BHP): 7,200 | 7,200 | 7,200
Stroke (in): 7.0 | 6.0 | 5.0
Max RPM: 1,000 | 1,200 | 1,400
Piston Speed (FPM): 1,167 | 1,200 | 1,167
Rod Diameter (in): 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5
Total Rod Load (lbs): 132,000 | 132,000 | 132,000
Tension (lbs): 66,000 | 66,000 | 66,000
Compression (lbs): 69,000 | 69,000 | 69,000
Average Weight (lbs): 50,050 | 50,050 | 50,050
Max Length (in): 158 | 158 | 158
Nominal Width (in): 185 | 185 | 185
Crankshaft Centerline (in): 21 | 21 | 21

Technical summary

• Series/models: KBC, KBD, KBF (2-, 4-, 6-throw configurations).
• Drive: electric motor or natural-gas engine.
• Stroke options: 7.0 in (KBC), 6.0 in (KBD), 5.0 in (KBF).
• Max RPM: 1,000 (KBC) / 1,200 (KBD) / 1,400 (KBF).
• Key dimensions and loads: rod diameter 2.5 in; total rod load 132,000 lbs; nominal width 185 in; crankshaft centerline 21 in.
• Design highlights: plate-type valves with non-metallic seals, forged-steel crankshafts, KB-style guide supports, versatile cylinders and Ariel 7 performance modeling.