Typically, in specifying a unit, the suction and discharge pressures, capacity (MMscfd), inlet temperature, and gas properties are given. The actual sizing of the cylinders is left to the manufacturer from his specific combinations of standard cylinders, pistons, and liners. However, once a proposal is received from a manufacturer, sometimes it is beneficial to check the cylinder sizing and make sure that indeed the compressor will perform. Sometimes it is necessary to size a new cylinder for an existing compressor or to verify that an existing compressor will perform in a different service.
The capacity of the cylinder is a function of piston displacement and volumetric efficiency. This is in turn a function of cylinder clearance, compression ratio, and gas properties.
