Centrifugal compressor

Explore our high-efficient, most reliable, and yet cost-effective centrifugal compressors

Explore our high-efficient, most reliable, and yet cost-effective centrifugal compressors, a preferred choice for businesses all across the globe. Powered by integral gear or single shaft technology, Atlas Copco’s centrifugal compressor solutions can handle pressures up to 205 bar and volume flows up to 560,000 m3/h. Browse through our centrifugal compressor solutions, which can be customised for your needs, or contact us for more information!

What is a centrifugal compressor?

A centrifugal compressor is a type of dynamic compressor, or turbo compressor, built using a radial design. Unlike displacement compressors that work at a constant flow, dynamic compressors work at constant pressure, and the performance is impacted by external circumstances such as variations in inlet temperatures.

How does a centrifugal compressor work?

In a centrifugal compressor, a rotating impeller with radial blades draws air towards the impeller's core, where centrifugal force pushes it toward the centre. In this radial motion of air, pressure is raised and kinetic energy is generated. The kinetic energy is also turned into pressure by going via a diffuser and a volute before the air reaches the impeller. It is important to note that each step contributes to the total pressure increase of the compressor unit. Depending on the application's needs, a sequence of steps may be set up to achieve a higher pressure. In the oil & gas and processing sectors, multi-stage applications are common. Low-pressure, single-stage applications may also be utilised in wastewater treatment facilities to achieve the correct pressure ratio. The impellers of centrifugal air compressors are driven by ultra-high-speed electric motors in current systems. This results in a compact compressor without a gearbox and associated oil-lubrication system, thus making it oil-free and appropriate for applications that require 100 percent oil-free air.

Configurations & types of centrifugal compressor

We have various types of centrifugal compressor solutions, which are either standardised or custom-engineered, based on your requirements, which include:

Besides these types of centrifugal compressors, we also offer 3 main configurations within the centrifugal compressors category:

Multistage centrifugal compressor: An axial multistage compressor runs at a relatively low speed, mostly directly driven by an induction motor. Multiple impellers are lined up axially after each other to gradually build up the pressure.

Geared turbo compressors: These compressors are powered by an induction motor that rotates at a low speed. A gearbox transmission causes the radial impeller(s) to spin at a high speed. These high speeds need the employment of special bearings, most notably hydrodynamic bearings. Single or several impellers may be placed depending on the needed pressure and flow.

High-Speed turbo compressors: These radial turbos have no gears and the engine drives the impeller directly in this compressor. This implies that the motor must operate at high speeds, necessitating the use of Permanent Magnet motor technology. Magnetic bearings are employed to prevent any contact or wear at these high speeds to be dependable.

Why choose our centrifugal compressors?

At Atlas Copco, we have designed and commissioned thousands of centrifugal compressors worldwide.

Integrally geared compressor

Integral gear technology, the industry's most efficient and compact gear design, provides multiple-speed capabilities, allowing each compression stage to operate at the optimal speed, resulting in the highest centrifugal compressor efficiency achievable.

State-of-the-art gearbox design

Our centrifugal GT-Series compressors can handle many operations in a single cycle by leveraging multi-stage compression with up to eight stages on a single gearbox.

Full API compliance

The GT Series is built to the exact specifications of the American Petroleum Institute (API), namely API 617, Chapter 3 (gas), and API 614 (oil systems).

Applications of centrifugal compressors

Companies all over the world that demand a large amount of compressed air rely on our tried-and-true centrifugal technology. Each machine is powered by an impeller that has been custom-designed for its unique needs and requirements. Each pressure variety has its own impeller that has been tuned. As these impellers are made to endure, the centrifugal compressor is highly dependable. Due to this, centrifugal compressors are active in various industries, including:

Browse through the entire list of industries for which our air compressors are beneficial.

Atlas Copco - the biggest air compressor manufacturer in India

Atlas Copco has strong ties with clients all around the world, helping them achieve long-term productivity independent of process, application, or market. Integral Gear Technology - the technology that powers our centrifugal compressors – is what enables us to accomplish this where we’re the biggest centrifugal compressor manufacturer in India.

Also, by utilising the power of digitalization, linked systems, and automation, we can provide you with industry-standard small air compressors that are customised to meet your specific requirements and help you maximise your performance. For more insights into our compressed air technologies and details about the centrifugal compressor price of a specific model, contact us today!

Besides our centrifugal flow compressor solutions, we offer a range of air compressors using oil-free screw technology as well as used air compressors. Browse through our products and learn how to find the right compressor for your industry.

Oil-free air compressors

Rotary screw air compressors

Centrifugal compressor technology explained