www.howden.

com

Diaphragm Compressors
Turnkey installations for clean and hermetically isolated gas compression
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Advanced technology 1
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and robust engineering

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that delivers high

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pressure, contamination-
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free gas compression. Diaphragm technology provides total gas

confinement with zero leakage and zero contamination.
Leak tightness to 1x10 -6 cm3/sec

Static O-rings maintain secure sealing between

the diaphragms and the head.

1. Crosshead-piston assembly 6. Oil limiter return circuit 11. Static contacts and o-ring seals
2. Oil injection circuit 7. Oil pressure limiter 12. Leak detection collection
3. Crankshaft 8. High grade material gas plate 13. Oil plate
4. Connecting rod 9. Gas valves
5. Oil compensating pump 10. Long life anti-friction diaphragm set

Pressure up to 3,000 bar 43, 500 psi

Flow up to 1,200 m3/hr 706 cfm The Howden reciprocating diaphragm compressor
Power up to 1,300 Kw 1,740 hp Hermetically sealed, continuous leak-free operation.
The diaphragm compressor was invented Diaphragm compressor technology brings several unique advantages
Speed from 200 – 750 rpm by Henri Corblin in 1916 to meet the need
Peripheral seals securely confine gas in the Compact, high-ratio vertical configuration
for a powerful compressor that completely
head, eliminating any environmental reduces floorspace costs.
separated the gas under compression from
or human risk from toxic, explosive or
the rest of the mechanism. Today, Howden Heavy duty frames are manufactured
radioactive gas leakage.
produces Burton Corblin® compressors for to API618 standards for high reliability
the worldwide market. The process gas is completely separate and availability.
For more than 160 years, Howden has built a worldwide from the piston cylinder, so rod packing
The compression chamber is formed by Our fail-safe Head Integrity Detection
reputation for innovative air and gas handling technology, two concave circular plates, fixed face to
or purge systems are not required.
System continually monitors diaphragm
and for engineering of the highest quality. From breakthrough face. A flexible diaphragm of three metal Leak tight construction to 1x10 -6 cm3/sec status, stopping the compressor and totally
inventions like the diaphragm compressor, the screw discs is placed between the two concave prevents gas losses and makes containing the process gas if integrity is
surfaces, and the assembly is tightly bolted contamination impossible. breached.
compressor or the rotary heat exchanger to our philosophy together to seal the outer edge, forming
Maintenance demands are minimal. We use high-quality materials appropriate
of continual product development, everything we do is two entirely separate chambers.
to the process gas, and can supply
based on considerable applications knowledge and a Head cooling water consumption is
As a piston forces oil in and out of one compressors suitable for any gas. NACE
extremely low.
real understanding of the needs of our customers. Today, chamber, the diaphragm oscillates to move certification can be supplied if required.
process gas into and out of the other Technical challenges are dealt with at the
our state-of-the-art diaphragm compressor range is an chamber. The gas plate contains a valve design stage using simulation software that
Low noise operation, typically below 85dBA,
removes any need for acoustic enclosures,
important part of Howden’s compressor product portfolio. system that controls flow and pressure, as models gas mixture behaviour.
reducing cost and saving space.
well as channels for circulating coolant water.
High compression ratios of up to 1:20
can be achieved.
More information available on request.

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 Custom designed
for ultra-safe Industrial Chemicals Power

continuous operation Diaphragm compressors are the

optimum choice for a variety of important
industrial applications requiring clean
Process gas handling in the chemical
industry demands the highest levels of purity.
Our experience across a wide variety of gas
Since the earliest days of nuclear power,
our diaphragm compressors have been
the preferred choice of designers and
gas at high pressures. They are ideal mixtures, including extremely corrosive constructors of nuclear power stations.
Manufactured to precisely match your operations and for either continuous running or tasks compositions, enables us to select the With applications in H2 storage, fuel
requiring intermittent operation, and can construction materials that will provide the enrichment and other processes, they
environmental conditions for constant peak performance. be supplied with flow, temperature and most durable and safe long-term service offer absolutely safe containment of
pressure regulation equipment connected for each individual application. radioactive gases and have been proven
to local control rooms. Each package is over several decades of effective, efficient
individually tailored to its specific duties and problem-free operation.
and site conditions, and offers long-term
Throughout the world, many hundreds of Burton Corblin® diaphragm compressor packages problem free service.
operate where complete gas isolation is essential. They are the first choice in production plants
and laboratories handling high purity, rare, toxic, flammable, corrosive, explosive or radioactive
gases. The compact high pressure units are perfect where space is limited. And, because each
one is custom designed to meet all area protection requirements, they offer the best security
levels available.

As air and gas handling specialists with vast knowledge of the applications we serve, we have a
considerable reputation for solving complex operational challenges. And, as a global organisation,
we understand the needs of local and national regulations.

Dealing with Howden has many benefits

We can provide expert advice on the best Our capabilities are demonstrated by the
technology for each situation, and tender for number and variety of Howden diaphragm
any or all of the units in projects requiring compressors in constant everyday use.
different types of compressor.
We can provide fast, expert advice and
We can supply fully assembled and tested support anywhere in the world.
skid mounted units for turnkey installation.
We are highly experienced in meeting the
Every proposal meets all applicable demanding standards and regulations of
regulatory frameworks. the oil & gas, power and industrial sectors.

Our extensive experience, covering various Our network of local service centres
sectors and applications, enables us to match ensures that reliability and availability
specific site and customer requirements. are never compromised.

Petrochemical Refining
The important differences in petrochemical Our diaphragm compressors are widely
applications, from gas composition to used in alkylation, catalytic reforming,
licensing constraints, make our ability to isomerisation and many other refinery
custom-design for specific needs and site processes. They offer absolute reliability
conditions enormously valuable. Whatever in roles such as ensuring the permanent
the specification, our compressors will feed of H2, HC gas recycling, and N2
deliver long-term, heavy duty use. Designed injection for reactors’ critical start and
to API618 standards, our reciprocating stop phases. Our packages are fully
compressor packages for dry gases are certified to the exacting criteria of STILL To view our Diaphragm compressor
FROM animation please visit:
the optimum choice for safe, hermetic API618 and approved for use in
ANIMATION www.howden.com/diaphragm
operation in hazardous areas. hazardous areas.

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 Complete turnkey 1. Compressor

service from design

2. Drain capacities

3. Control panel

to commissioning
4. Visual controls

5. Heat exchangers
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6. Process valves

Howden skid-mounted compressor packages 7. Instrument wire

connections to DCS
offer a fast, economic procurement process from
specification to safe operation.

Our turnkey service removes the obstacles Turnkey packages provide

and delays between identifying the need the best route to diaphragm
for a diaphragm compressor and having compressor procurement
the completed package fully operational
Every project begins with a meticulous
and integrated into your processes and
feasibility analysis, endorsed by reference
control mechanisms.
lists citing similar applications and
We use computer modelling techniques technologies, to optimise the design
to simulate the behaviour of the specific at the earliest stage.
gas under compression, taking account
The package is designed as an integrated
of the exact composition and temperatures
system that matches customer specifications
used in your processes. From the data
in every detail, and meets all local and
this produces, we define the compressor
international regulations and guidelines
specification and the package design.
including those of NACE, ATEX, EC Marking,
Our software can replicate all types of
ASME, API, GOST, KHK, SQI and KGGS.
gases, including the most complex mixtures,
and its accuracy has been proven over Every part of the package is selected or
years of successful manufacturing. adapted to deliver the specified performance. 4

The finished compressor is skid mounted The skid-mounted unit includes all necessary
with all of the ancillary equipment required, pipework, motor and instrumentation, ready 5
and fully tested in the factory before being for rapid connection on-site.
shipped to your site, installed, re-tested
Our experienced engineers ensure that
and commissioned.
every unit is safely and properly installed
and commissioned, and confirm that it
delivers the expected performance and
fully meets its specification.

We select either vertical, horizontal, L-type or hybrid compressor configuration to offer

the best match to site space and conditions with the greatest reliability and performance,
and the whole package is designed for simple integration into the production process.

Howden is a truly global company, with an importance of local circumstances, from drawings, so that compatibility and quality
established presence in 27 countries across environmental legislation to energy costs are guaranteed. We also offer a full upgrade
every continent. Our network of local support Every product we deliver is backed by an and enhancement programme that allows
services enables us to respond urgently to unequivocal lifetime commitment to spare customers to take advantage of new
customer queries and maintenance parts and product support. Replacement developments, or adapt existing equipment
requirements, and we understand the parts are made using the original production to changed conditions.
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www.howden.com

At the heart of your operations

Howden people live to improve our products and services and for over
160 years our world has revolved around our customers. This dedication
means our air and gas handling equipment adds maximum value to your
operations. We have innovation in our hearts and every day we focus on
providing you with the best solutions for your vital operations.

Howden BC Compressors
62 - 66 rue Roland Vachette
60180 Nogent-sur-Oise
France

Tel: +33 (0)3 44 74 41 00

Email: [email protected]
[email protected]

©Howden Group Limited. All rights reserved. 2015.

Howden and the flying H logo are registered trade marks belonging to Howden Group Limited.