Reciprocating compressor KBD

for process gasnatural gascarbon dioxide

Overview
The KBC/KBD/KBF are Ariel large-frame, medium-speed reciprocating compressors designed to couple with electric motors or natural gas engines. They serve high-capacity compression projects such as natural gas gathering, processing, pipeline transport and storage, process and industrial gases, and carbon capture. Available in 2-, 4- and 6-throw configurations, nominal capabilities are 2,400; 4,800; and 7,200 BHP respectively. Robust design delivers high horsepower density with minimized vibration and a compact footprint, while improvements enhance operation and maintenance for owner/operators.

Product Features
Plate-type valves engineered for modern operating speeds use non-metallic sealing elements as standard. Valves are selected to meet established low-valve-velocity criteria.

Heavy-Duty Crankshafts
The compressors feature forged-steel, precision-machined crankshafts with integral counterweights manufactured by Ariel Corporation.

Redesigned Guide Supports
Robust "KB Style" angled guides with through-bolting have been redesigned to increase strength and rigidity.

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

Innovative Cylinders
Ariel provides versatile cylinder designs that operate reliably across wide pressure ranges by using valves that balance reliability and performance. Cylinder options for each frame fully utilize the frame's horsepower and rod-load capabilities and can be combined in hundreds of configurations to deliver required volumes and pressures. Ariel 7 Performance Software supports engineers in modeling and designing compressor configurations and duplicating existing operations or specifying new builds.

Technical Tables
2 Throw (KBC / KBD / KBF)
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

4 Throw (KBC / KBD / KBF)
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

6 Throw (KBC / KBD / KBF)
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

Characteristics / Technical Specifications

• Series: KBC / KBD / KBF
• Horsepower capability (by throws): ~2,400 BHP (2-throw), ~4,800 BHP (4-throw), ~7,200 BHP (6-throw)
• Available strokes: 7.0 in (KBC), 6.0 in (KBD), 5.0 in (KBF)
• Max RPM (by frame): 1,000 / 1,200 / 1,400
• Piston Speed: up to ~1,200 FPM (frame-dependent)
• Rod diameter: 2.5 in; total rod load: 132,000 lbs; tension: 66,000 lbs; compression: 69,000 lbs
• Average unit weight (approx): 16,300 lbs (2-throw), 33,600 lbs (4-throw), 50,050 lbs (6-throw)
• Max lengths and nominal width: see throw-specific tables (Max Length 64–158 in; Nominal Width 185 in)
• Crankshaft centerline: 21 in
• Materials: gray iron crankcase; ductile iron crosshead; forged steel connecting rods; bronze thrust and rod bearings; tri-metal bearing designs; grade 8 stress bolts