Expander Compressors For process refrigeration and power recovery

Atlas Copco Gas and Process expander compressors combine expander and compressor functionality into one efficient, robust, and reliable package. Customizable to meet your application’s exact specifications, they boost productivity over long service life and put you in full control of your process

Expander Compressor technical description

In compressor-loaded expanders, the expander is loaded by a single-stage centrifugal compressor through a common shaft. It’s a design that powers a wide range of applications. And because the turboexpander is skid-mounted with its auxiliary support system, it simplifies transport and reduces installation time and cost. Providing inlet pressures of up to 200 bar (a) and with a rated power of up to 23 MW, our single shaft turboexpanders handle all industrial gases and hydrocarbon gas mixtures, including condensing streams. Variable inlet guide vanes (IGV) ensure optimal flow rates even when your process conditions change well beyond the original design point.

ECOTS and ECOTS-M - Standardized expanders

In addition to our built to order expander compressors, Atlas Copco Gas and Process also offers a standardized Expander Compressor Off of The Shelf (ECOTS). These expanders offer the same reliability and efficiency of our custom-engineered units, but use readily available components such as housings, fittings and frame sizes. Available in oil bearing (ECOTS) and magnetic bearing (ECOTS-M) configurations, these units can shorten delivery times by up to 40% with no compromise in efficiency, thanks to custom-engineered aerodynamic components.

Versatile expander compressor solutions

In nearly one thousand units worldwide, our customers are experiencing a robust expander compressor solution operating even under the most challenging conditions. Our versatile expander compressors are at the heart of your processes, for example in hydrocarbon applications such as:

Recovery of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
Natural gas liquids (NGL)
Dew-point control (DPC)
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Nitrogen rejection

Chemical and petrochemical applications include:

Ethylene/olefin recovery
Ammonia purification
Carbon monoxide purification
Propane dehydrogenation
Hydrogen recovery

Benefits

Superior impeller efficiency

Utilizing the latest aerodynamic designs – including impellers created with computational-fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite-element analysis (FEA) – our turboexpanders provide high-efficiency refrigeration or power recovery in industrial processes

Flexibility to fit your process

From standardized expanders that expedite delivery times, to custom-engineered units for specific process needs, our team of engineers will work with you to identify the critical aspects of your project and suggest equipment choices that best meet your specifications.

Extensive magnetic bearing expertise

Available in custom-engineered and standardized designs, there are over 140 Atlas Copco expanders in operation reliably using active magnetic bearing technology. With over 8 million operating hours (and counting), these machines have validated the superior technology found in our expanders

Full process control variable inlet guide vanes (IGV)

Variable inlet guide vanes (IGV) ensure optimal flow rates, especially when changing on-site conditions call for immediate adjustments. They handle changes in flow levels as low as 10% of design point and up to 125% above

Constructed to withstand the elements

Turboexpanders are designed for the most demanding conditions, including offshore marine environments, harsh desert or cold weather locations, outdoor unprotected installations and unattended sites. In addition, our package designs are customized to fully meet all hazardous areas (Division 1/Zone 1, Division 2/Zone 2) and local codes (CSA, ATEX, etc.)