NEA|HOFER TKH - Dry-Running, Hydraulically Driven Piston Kompressor: Neuman & Esser

Hydraulically driven, dry-running NEA|HOFER TKH piston compressors have a particularly simple design. They compress lubricant-free, non-corrosive gases such as hydrogen, helium, argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and ethylene. The maximum discharge pressure is 4,200 bar. NEA|HOFER TKH are characterized by their ease of maintenance: Depending on the compressor size, a piston seal can be replaced in 10 to 30 minutes.

If the compressor is used in an ex-zone, the hydraulic unit is usually installed outside the zone. The pressure oil connection is made through a gas-tight wall.

We can also provide explosion-proof hydraulic units on special request. The NEA|HOFER TKH is characterized by its small space requirement. As the stages can be easily arranged above one another, it is ideal for installation in containers.

Features at a Glance

discharge pressure up to 4,200 bar
dry-running piston for lubricant-free compression
easy and quick to maintain
easy flow control by changing the number of strokes from 5 to 100
constant monitoring of leakage rates
stage pressure ratio up to 5
variable number of stages
mass compensation for foundation-free installation
wear resistant and smooth operation due to low piston speeds
water cooling provides the best cooling effect and low sound pressure level
manufactured in compliance with 2006/42/EC EC-Machinery Directive.
Applied standards: DIN EN 1012 part 1, DIN EN 12100 part 1, DIN EN 60204 part 1 et al.
explosion proof according to the European Directive 2014/34/EU, if necessary

Principle of Operation

The special construction and design of the piston packing allows it to operate completely without the lubrication of these sealing elements at higher discharge pressures, although under normal circumstances lubrication is absolutely required. The gas piston gets the required sealing and sliding properties through the design of the packing structure with the materials specially developed for this purpose. The gas space and the gas to be compressed are kept free from undesirable lubricants.

NEA|HOFER TKH are preferably designed in a two-stage, respectively one-stage double-acting design. The unit is driven by oil-hydraulics. The hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the first and second stage. A hydraulic pump with control devices pressurizes the hydraulic cylinder alternately with hydraulic oil. Contact-free limit switches activate the stroke reversion.

Mixing of the two media is excluded due to the separation of the hydraulic and the gas chamber and by use of double seals. The force required for gas compression is generated by the oil pressure and the corresponding ratio of piston diameters.

The capacity is regulated by the piston speed (number of strokes) through the adjustment of the pump’s flow rate. The frequency of strokes, and thus the suction capacity of the compressor can be continuously regulated between 0% and 100% via a standard analogue signal. Upon request, instruments for the detection of gas and oil leaks can be integrated. This allows the permanent monitoring of the condition of the oil and gas side seals.

The gas, which is compressed in the different stages, is cooled by the respective downstream inter-stage and after coolers. Here, the temperature difference is approx. 10 K in relation to the cooling water inlet temperature. Usually, the hydraulic unit is also connected to this cooling circuit.

Examples NEA|HOFER TKH