The Ariel KBC / KBD / KBF

 
 
 
 

Large Line

 

KBC / KBD / KBF

The KBC/KBD/KBF – Ariel's large frame, medium-speed reciprocating compressors are designed to pair with electric motors and natural gas engines. These compressors are engineered for applications requiring large horsepower drivers for high-capacity compression projects.

The KBC:D:F is capable of 2,400, 4,800, or 7,200 horsepower (depending on the number of throws) for natural gas gathering, processing, transport (pipeline) & storage, process & industrial gasses, carbon capture, and other compressor applications. The robust design provides high horsepower density and minimizes vibration in a compact footprint. Improvement to operations and ease of maintenance benefit KBC:D:F compressor owner/operators.

Specifications sheet for Ariel KBC:D:F compressor frames
Spec Sheet
  KBC KBD KBF

Rated Power (BHP)

2,400

2,400

2,400

Stroke (in)

7.0

6.0

5.0

Max RPM

1,000

1,200

1,400

Piston Speed (FPM)

1,167

1,200

1,167

Rod Diameter (in)

2.5

2.5

2.5

Total Rod Load (lbs)

132,000

132,000

132,000

Tension (lbs)

66,000

66,000

66,000

Compression (lbs)

69,000

69,000

69,000

Average Weight (lbs)

16,300

16,300

16,300

Max Length (in)

64

64

64

Nominal Width (in)

185

185

185

Crankshaft Centerline (in)

21

21

21

  KBC KBD KBF

Rated Power (BHP)

4,800

4,800

4,800

Stroke (in)

7.0

6.0

5.0

Max RPM

1,000

1,200

1,400

Piston Speed (FPM)

1,167

1,200

1,167

Rod Diameter (in)

2.5

2.5

2.5

Total Rod Load (lbs)

132,000

132,000

132,000

Tension (lbs)

66,000

66,000

66,000

Compression (lbs)

69,000

69,000

69,000

Average Weight (lbs)

33,600

33,600

33,600

Max Length (in)

115

115

115

Nominal Width (in)

185

185

185

Crankshaft Centerline (in)

21

21

21

  KBC KBD KBF

Rated Power (BHP)

7,200

7,200

7,200

Stroke (in)

7.0

6.0

5.0

Max RPM

1,000

1,200

1,400

Piston Speed (FPM)

1,167

1,200

1,167

Rod Diameter (in)

2.5

2.5

2.5

Total Rod Load (lbs)

132,000

132,000

132,000

Tension (lbs)

66,000

66,000

66,000

Compression (lbs)

69,000

69,000

69,000

Average Weight (lbs)

50,050

50,050

50,050

Max Length (in)

158

158

158

Nominal Width (in)

185

185

185

Crankshaft Centerline (in)

21

21

21

 
 

Product Features

 

Efficient Valves 

 

Plate-type valves are designed for modern speeds, utilizing non-metallic sealing elements as standard. Valves are selected to comply with established low-valve velocity standards.

Heavy-Duty Crankshafts

 

The KBC/KBD/KBF compressors feature forged steel, precision-machined crankshafts with integral counter-weights manufactured specifically by Ariel Corporation.

Redesigned Guide Supports

 

The KBC/KBD/KBF feature robust “KB Style” angled guides, with through-bolting, redesigned for increased strength and rigidity.

 
 

Materials 

  • Gray Iron Crankcase: Forged steel crankshaft, gray iron crosshead guide, bronze thrust bearing, tri-metal main bearing 

  • Ductile Iron Crosshead: Alloy steel crosshead pin 
  • Forged Steel Connecting Rod: Bronze crosshead pin bushing, tri-metal connecting rod bearing, grade 8 stress bolts
 
 

Innovative Cylinders

 

Ariel produces versatile cylinders that can be utilized over wide pressure ranges without compromise by using valves that effectively balance reliability and performance. For each compressor frame size, Ariel's lineup of cylinders can fully utilize that frame's horsepower and rod load capabilities. Cylinders can be combined in hundreds of different configurations to deliver the precise volume and pressure of gas required. 

Ariel 7 Performance Software is used by Ariel engineers and industry experts to model and design compressor configurations for their specific application. All of our cylinder designs, past and present, can be accessed to duplicate your existing compressor operations or design a new build.

 
 

Additional Resources

 

Applications

Compressors

Ariel compressors operate for challenging applications, in demanding locations around the world.

Warranty

Documents
Our quality products come with an industry-leading warranty and an additional extended warranty.

App Manual

Tech Resource
Our Application Manual is the definitive glossary to Ariel's technical terms, components, and definitions.

Support

Support

Our service and support teams are at the ready with 24/7, real-time support for your compression project.