What is booster compressor air and Why Do We Use Them?

In various industrial operations such as sand blasting and pressure testing, the utilization of compressed air is paramount. Typically, this pressurized air is derived from standard air compressors, which include rotary-vane, rotary-screw, and reciprocating piston types. Nonetheless, when it comes to high-demand applications, these conventional systems often fall short in delivering adequate air pressure for specific tasks.

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As a result, industrial facilities frequently resort to boosting the air pressure sourced from their primary systems. Certain processes necessitate an air supply that is either lubricated or oil-free, and delivered at significantly high pressures.

Booster compressors are convenient and efficient solutions for generating high-pressure compressed air. But what exactly are booster compressors?

This discussion will delve into the definition of booster compressors, their operational principles, and how they are applied in various industries.

Defining a Booster Compressor

A booster compressor system is engineered to elevate or amplify the air pressure from an existing compression setup by channeling it through additional stages of compression. These compressors can escalate air pressures from typical levels ranging between 80 and 150 psig to significantly higher levels.

Employing a compressed air booster is a prudent financial choice for obtaining the elevated process gas pressures essential in industrial environments.

Principle of Operation for Air Pressure Boosters

A booster air compressor, also known as a pressure amplifier, functions based on the fundamental principle that within a closed (non-vacuum) environment, pressure increases as volume diminishes. A quintessential air booster setup includes a receiver tank, piping, and a discharge tank.

The receiver tank is fitted with an inlet to receive compressed air from the primary source and directs it through multiple compression stages to elevate the pressure further. Additionally, it acts as a limited storage unit when the system is not actively supplying compressed air.

Following the compression process, the high-pressure air is routed through piping into the discharge tank, which contains an outlet directing the gas to the designated location.

Applications of Air Pressure Boosters

Booster compressors find utility across a range of industrial applications, including:

Manufacturing PET Bottles

The automated production of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles demands a continual supply of high-pressure gas, a requirement beyond the capabilities of traditional compression systems. Booster compressors facilitate the delivery of high-pressure air to blow molding operations that shape PET bottles by using compressed air to mold molten thermoplastic into forms.

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Pressure Testing in Industries

Ensuring the integrity of pipelines, vessels, and related systems is critical, and pressure testing provides the verification needed for reliability prior to and post-installation. Such testing is crucial during maintenance operations to confirm functionality and condition of essential equipment.

The procedure for compressed air or nitrogen leak testing (known as pneumatic testing) involves filling a container with compressed air to a designated pressure range, followed by releasing any excess gas via pressure relief valves strategically placed within the test system. This task is ideally suited for a pneumatic booster pump or pneumatic air pressure booster.

Oil and Gas Sector Operations

In the oil and gas industry, the use of compressed fluids such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen is vital for various operational processes. During secondary recovery phases and enhanced oil recovery (EOR), pressurized gases are employed to augment the pressure within formations, stimulating well output in declining production scenarios.

Techniques such as gas lifting and nitrogen injection come into play here. Additionally, high-pressure air or nitrogen is essential for purging hydrocarbon pipelines of contaminants and hazardous substances. This nitrogen purging facilitates effective drying during pipeline commissioning or decommissioning.

Booster systems play a pivotal role in amplifying the gas pressures from onsite nitrogen generators or air compressors, enabling effective implementation of these procedures. For temporary needs, consider the nitrogen generator rentals and industrial air compressor rentals available from NiGen.

Choosing Between Boosters and Compressors

Both air booster systems and compressors serve the purpose of delivering pressurized air; however, compressors with booster systems can reach pressures up to ten times greater than conventional compressors alone. If your operations demand a wide pressure range, a pressure multiplier will be necessary.

Let NiGen Address Your Industrial Air Requirements!

As a leading entity in the design and manufacturing of on-site nitrogen generation systems and pipeline services tailored for the oil and gas sector, NiGen International provides containerized solutions tailored to complex operational needs.

To discover more about our product offerings or to request a quote, please reach out to us through our website today!