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Gas Compression Power Calculator

Work out gas compression power instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Gas Compression Power Calculator

Reciprocating compressor power follows the adiabatic head relation, roughly 22 brake horsepower per MMscf/day per stage at a ratio of 2 to 3. Splitting the overall ratio evenly between stages minimises total power and keeps discharge temperature within material limits, which is why staging with interstage cooling is standard.

Formulas

Compression power

BHP per stage = 22 x q (MMscfd) x k/(k-1) x (r^((k-1)/k) - 1)

Staging

Ratio per stage = (overall ratio)^(1/stages)

Worked example

With the default values below, Gas Compression Power Calculator returns Compression Power Required of 546.4. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Gas Flow Rateminimum 0 MMscf/day
10 MMscf/day
Suction Pressureminimum 0.01 psia
100 psia
Discharge Pressureminimum 0.01 psia
900 psia
Compression Stagesaccepts 1–6
2

Results

Compression Power Required
546.4
Ratio Per Stage
3.0000
Overall Compression Ratio
9.000
Estimated Discharge Temperature
252.1

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Compression power
  3. 3Staging
  4. 4Compression Power Required= 546.4
  5. 5Ratio Per Stage= 3.0000
  6. 6Overall Compression Ratio= 9.000
  7. 7Estimated Discharge Temperature= 252.1

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Compressor selection, relief protection and gas handling must follow the applicable machinery and pressure system standards, with vendor performance data used for final design.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Compressor selection, relief protection and gas handling must follow the applicable machinery and pressure system standards, with vendor performance data used for final design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why limit the ratio per stage?

Discharge temperature rises with ratio and must stay below about 300 F for lubricant and valve life. Ratios above 3-4 per stage also cut volumetric efficiency sharply.

How many stages are needed?

Enough to keep each stage ratio between 2 and 4. A 9:1 overall ratio is normally two stages; 30:1 needs three.

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