Rotary screw compressors for maritime use

Compressors have to meet very specific requirements when used for maritime applications and these needs go above and beyond those normally encountered in industrial environments. Kaeser therefore offers a comprehensive range of rotary screw compressors especially designed for maritime use and each model ensures maximum availability and efficiency at all times.

There is always a lot for compressors to do on board ship – be it producing service air or delivering compressed air for special applications such as nitrogen generation. The reliability of Kaeser’s marine compressors is therefore a key feature, particularly as any downtime can incur considerable costs. Every Kaeser model is certified in accordance with the requirements of all the marine classification societies (American Bureau of Shipping, Germanischer Lloyd, Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, etc.). Kaeser’s global service network further enhances compressed air availability, as technicians can attend any major port at any time of day or night, anywhere in the world. Air-cooled systems are available as required, although fresh water or sea water cooling is predominantly used.

Kaeser not only offers models equipped with sound damping enclosures, but also open versions (see image) which, in many cases, are narrower than their industrial counterparts. These units are therefore perfectly suited to the tighter spaces that are often encountered onboard ship. Moreover, the base frames on the open units are specially designed for bolting or welding to ships’ decks. All compressed air and water connections are located to allow the left and rear sides of the compressors to be placed directly against a wall.

Available in drive powers from 5.5 to 75 kW, service air compressors are air-cooled and cover an air delivery range from 54 to 720 m³/h at 8 bar. All air-cooled Kaeser rotary screw compressors can operate in ambient temperatures up to 45 °C without problem. For nitrogen production, some air-cooled models are available, but water-cooled compressors are generally used. Units are offered in drive powers ranging from 5.5. to 575 kW and free air deliveries from approximately 54 to 5100 m³/h at 8 bar. The 14 bar versions also designed for nitrogen production deliver 33 to 4970 m³ of compressed air per hour and come in drive powers from 5.5 to 700 kW.
The exceptionally high efficiency of these compressors is attributable to several key product features, which include: energy-saving Sigma Profile airend rotors, low speed operation, high efficiency 1:1 direct drive and premium performance EU-eff1 motors. 

The internal industrial- PC-based “Sigma Control” controller (which is also marine certified), precisely matches compressor performance to meet actual compressed air demand thereby ensuring optimum efficiency. This advanced controller also reliably monitors compressor operation and – due to minimised idling periods – reduces energy consumption still further. The Sigma Control’s talents don’t stop there however, as it allows access to Kaeser's Teleservice remote diagnostics facility and enables connectivity with master control systems and other data networks. Frequency control versions are also available for applications that are able to benefit from the advantages that speed control has to offer.

KAESER works photograph – free for publication