Inside the friction-free cylinders

Labyrinth sealing in the Laby-GI compressor is created by multiple tiny throttling points along the piston and piston rod gland. At each point – because of the flow restriction – pressure energy is transformed into kinetic energy. The process continues at each throttling point/volume chamber combination along the piston and rod gland until the required pressure drop is attained. The small amount of gas passing the sealing system is recovered internally.

Competing reciprocating compressor designs feature piston rings that rub against adjacent surfaces and generate friction losses and heat. With no contact seals in the Laby compressor, there is no friction in compression areas and no hot spots, underwriting high durability and reliability. (Higher availability than any other reciprocating compressor on the market is claimed.)

Such a labyrinth sealing system is particularly valued in applications where: cylinder lubricants are not allowed; abrasive products from sealing rings are unacceptable; friction-induced hot spots cause problems (fires with oxygen, decomposition of carbon monoxide and melting or polymerisation of hydrocarbons and other gases); process gases carry over polymer products, catalysts or other small or hard particles; cryogenic temperatures go down to -160ºC for boil-off gas; and bone-dry gases are compressed. MP