PDC Diaphragm Compressors for Industrial Systems

We Perform Under Pressure

PDC diaphragm compressors are the preferred choice for high-purity and leak-tight gas compression applications. We design basic to fully instrumented leak-free, non-contaminating reciprocating diaphragm gas compressor systems in accordance with customer specifications.

API

618

3hp (2 kW) to 200hp (150 kW) Comparison Size
50 psi (3.4 barg) to 15000 psi (1,034 barg) Discharge Pressure Range
1 (Nm3/hr) to 2,000 (Nm3/hr) Depending on Inlet Pressure

PDC Machines has been manufacturing diaphragm compressors for industrial gas since 1977. We have developed an extensive line of PDC compressors and fully automated turnkey diaphragm process gas compressor systems with installations around the globe.

Diaphragm Compressors for Ultra High Purity Gas Applications

Our leak-free and oil-free, gas, non-lubricated reciprocating diaphragm compressors are found in virtually every industry worldwide. These include:

hydrogen refueling station icon

Alternative Energy/Hydrogen Refueling Stations

chemical and petrochemical industry icon

Chemical and Petrochemical (CPI)

oil and gas industry icon

Oil & Gas

specialty gas industry icon

Specialty Gas

power industry icon

Power Generation

Pharmaceutical applications icon

Pharmaceutical

semiconductor industry icon

Semiconductor

Food and Beverage Industry icon

Food & Beverage

research and development applications icon

Research & Development

general industry applications icon

General Industrial Requirements Worldwide

Diaphragm Compressor Machine Types

PDC-3

PDC argon compressor

Example: H2 gas, 30 bar in, 500 bar out

PDC-3 - 50 kg/day

3' L x 3' W (1 x 1 M)

Single, two stage, or duplex configurations

Download Brochure

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

Download Brochure

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

COMPRESSION SYSTEM

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

DIFFERENTIATORS

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

PDC-4-(100)

PDC 4-100 high pressure diaphragm compressor

Example: H2 gas, 30 bar in, 500 bar out

PDC-4(100) - 70 kg/day

6' L x 6' W (1.8 x 1.8 M)

Single, two stage, or duplex configurations

Download Brochure

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

Download Brochure

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

COMPRESSION SYSTEM

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

DIFFERENTIATORS

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

PDC-4-(150)

PDC 4-150 high pressure diaphragm compressor

Example: H2 gas, 30 bar in, 500 bar out

PDC-4(150) - 115 kg/day

6.5' L x 6.5' W (1.9 x 1.9 M)

Single, two stage, or duplex configurations

Download Brochure

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

Download Brochure

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

COMPRESSION SYSTEM

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

DIFFERENTIATORS

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

PDC-13

reciprocating diaphragm compressor PDC 13-1000

Example: H2 gas, 30 bar in, 500 bar out

PDC-13 - 1000 kg/day

15' L x 8' W (4.5 x 2.4 M)

Single, two stage, or duplex configurations

Download Brochure

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

Download Brochure

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Injection pump Piston Check valve Oil regulating valve Sight glass Crankshaft driven by electric motor

COMPRESSION SYSTEM

Gas head assembly Triple Diaphragm set Check valves

DIFFERENTIATORS

Static “O” ring seals in crankcases do not need to be purged or vented No clean-up package required Less maintenance required and quicker maintenance times Efficient compression generates energy savings Conserves energy Lower noise level Lower spare parts utilization and cost Reduced initial equipment cost

Why PDC Diaphragm Compressors

Performance Benefits

Non-contaminating Gas Compressor

The triple diaphragm set ensures that the process gas is completely isolated from the hydraulic oil. PDC compressors do not use dynamic seals, eliminating potential seal particulate contamination. Filters and oil removal systems are not necessary – hydraulic oil cannot migrate into the process gas.

Performance Benefits

High Compression Ratio

Our membrane metallic diaphragm compressors can achieve typical compression ratios up to 10:1 for certain models.

Performance Benefits

Variable Suction Pressure

PDC compressors are capable of sub-atmospheric as well as high suction pressures. Our compressors are used in applications requiring low or high compression ratios, and in applications requiring intermittent or continuous service duty.

Performance Benefits

Safety Interlocks

PDC compressors are completely instrumented for safe and automatic operation.

Maintenance and Reliability

Superior & Extended Diaphragm Compressor Life

All aspects of PDC’s diaphragm compressors enhance component life, improve operability, and reduce and simplify maintenance. Our diaphragm cavity contours, which control stress in the diaphragms, provide uniform stress distribution. PDC also uses special manufacturing processing on the diaphragm surfaces to enhance fatigue life. PDC customers experience continuous running times of 10,000 to 40,000 hours between routine maintenance, minimizing the need for spare parts replacement.

Maintenance and Reliability

Fast Acting Leak Detection System

To detect and indicate diaphragm and seal failure.

Maintenance and Reliability

Low Maintenance

PDC compressors typically only require routine oil changes.

Safety and Environmental

Safety Interlocks

PDC compressors are completely instrumented for safe and automatic operation.

Safety and Environmental

Safe Compression of Corrosive Gases

PDC Diaphragm Compressors use non-flammable hydraulic fluid and all process-wetted components, which are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials for processing corrosive or oxidizing gases. This ensures safe operation and prolongs the life of maintenance components.

Safety and Environmental

Environmentally Safe

Our diaphragm compressors use static seals. There is no migration of gas into the crankcase – as such, the crankcase does not require purging or venting. PDC compressors’ gas system integrity also prevents leakage of gas into the atmosphere.

Operation

Automatic Unloading System

PDC compressors are automatically reprimed at start-up. Manual start-up requires an experienced compressor technician to reprime the diaphragm compressor. Incorrect priming can cavitate the compressor and damage the heads, bolts, diaphragms, O-rings, process and hydraulic system. PDC Compressors avoid this potential issue with our cutting-edge repriming tech.

Operation

Quiet Operation

Below 85 dBA at 1 meter without sound-proofing enclosure.

Operation

Unique Oil Distribution System

PDC diaphragm compressors hydraulic systems are designed in such a way as to ensure uniform diaphragm deflection, prevent knocks, vibration, cavitation and yield smooth, and quiet compressor operation.

Operation

Low Energy Costs

PDC compressors use a heavy flywheel to provide energy. In addition, Duplex and two-stage diaphragm compressors can be horizontally opposed to further reduce horsepower requirements and energy usage, resulting in ease of use and cost savings for the end user.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Oil Regulating Valve

The oil regulating valve limits maximum hydraulic and gas pressure and ensures that the diaphragms completely “sweep” the upper and lower cavity contours to maximize displacement.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Injection Pump

PDC Compressors provide a plunger-type injection system on all motor-driven diaphragm units. The injectors are also crank driven and precisely meter hydraulic fluid flow during the operation of the compressor.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Cavity Design

The deflection and resultant stresses in PDC metal diaphragms are controlled by carefully designed cavity contours. We use state-of-the-art design and analysis tools as well as cutting-edge programs to model these.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Head

At PDC Machines, we machine-process heads from a variety of materials for process gas compatibility. Our gold-standard process heads are constructed from 300 series stainless steel.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Triple Diaphragm Construction

The diaphragm set consists of three plates. The upper or process side, the lower or hydraulic side and the middle diaphragm. The middle diaphragm is brass to preclude galling. The upper and lower are typically 301 series stainless steel for most applications. However, the upper diaphragm material can be supplied in alternate materials, such as Inconel 718, for process compatibility.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Contacting Seals

We offer an extensive variety of static elastomeric O-ring seals for process gas compatibility. Options include Buna-N, Viton, and Teflon-encapsulated Viton and Kalrez.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Leak Detection System

Included with every PDC diaphragm compressor is a leak detection system. This system detects diaphragm or seal failures. Our leak detection system monitors the gas and hydraulic sides of the compressor and will sound an alarm and/or shut down the compressor when it detects an anomaly or failure. Proper maintenance, operation, and clean/dry process gas prolongs component operating life.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Inlet and Outlet Check Valves

Compressor process check valve design depends on operating conditions and the process gas itself. PDC compressors typically utilize cartridge- or plate-style check valves. PDC designs valves and valve pockets for easy removal and maintenance.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Automatic Unloading System

PDC compressors are automatically reprimed at start-up and unloaded upon shutdown. This process is an important procedure that not only provides for maximum efficiency but also eliminates the need for an operator to start up or reprime the compressor.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Hydraulic Oil System

Our hydraulic systems are designed to ensure uniform diaphragm deflection, prevent knocks, vibration, and cavitation, and yield smooth, quiet compressor operation. We employ unique oil distribution techniques to eliminate pressure differentials and gradients. The system utilizes an automatic priming pump, positive displacement high-pressure injection pump, and oil relief valve with bypass valve for smooth, easy starting.

Quality

International Standards Compliance

PDC’s diaphragm compressors can be designed and certified to comply with Canadian, European, South Korean, Japanese, United States, Korean, Chinese, and other international codes and standards.

Quality

ISO 9001 Quality Management

PDC has an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.

Quality

Performance Tested

All diaphragm compressors are mechanically run and performance is tested for eight hours.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Cross Section of a Diaphram Compressor

img

All

Performance Benefits

Non-contaminating Gas Compressor

The triple diaphragm set ensures that the process gas is completely isolated from the hydraulic oil. PDC compressors do not use dynamic seals, eliminating potential seal particulate contamination. Filters and oil removal systems are not necessary – hydraulic oil cannot migrate into the process gas.

Performance Benefits

High Compression Ratio

Our membrane metallic diaphragm compressors can achieve typical compression ratios up to 10:1 for certain models.

Performance Benefits

Variable Suction Pressure

PDC compressors are capable of sub-atmospheric as well as high suction pressures. Our compressors are used in applications requiring low or high compression ratios, and in applications requiring intermittent or continuous service duty.

Performance Benefits

Safety Interlocks

PDC compressors are completely instrumented for safe and automatic operation.

Maintenance and Reliability

Superior & Extended Diaphragm Compressor Life

All aspects of PDC’s diaphragm compressors enhance component life, improve operability, and reduce and simplify maintenance. Our diaphragm cavity contours, which control stress in the diaphragms, provide uniform stress distribution. PDC also uses special manufacturing processing on the diaphragm surfaces to enhance fatigue life. PDC customers experience continuous running times of 10,000 to 40,000 hours between routine maintenance, minimizing the need for spare parts replacement.

Maintenance and Reliability

Fast Acting Leak Detection System

To detect and indicate diaphragm and seal failure.

Maintenance and Reliability

Low Maintenance

PDC compressors typically only require routine oil changes.

Safety and Environmental

Safety Interlocks

PDC compressors are completely instrumented for safe and automatic operation.

Safety and Environmental

Safe Compression of Corrosive Gases

PDC Diaphragm Compressors use non-flammable hydraulic fluid and all process-wetted components, which are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials for processing corrosive or oxidizing gases. This ensures safe operation and prolongs the life of maintenance components.

Safety and Environmental

Environmentally Safe

Our diaphragm compressors use static seals. There is no migration of gas into the crankcase – as such, the crankcase does not require purging or venting. PDC compressors’ gas system integrity also prevents leakage of gas into the atmosphere.

Operation

Automatic Unloading System

PDC compressors are automatically reprimed at start-up. Manual start-up requires an experienced compressor technician to reprime the diaphragm compressor. Incorrect priming can cavitate the compressor and damage the heads, bolts, diaphragms, O-rings, process and hydraulic system. PDC Compressors avoid this potential issue with our cutting-edge repriming tech.

Operation

Quiet Operation

Below 85 dBA at 1 meter without sound-proofing enclosure.

Operation

Unique Oil Distribution System

PDC diaphragm compressors hydraulic systems are designed in such a way as to ensure uniform diaphragm deflection, prevent knocks, vibration, cavitation and yield smooth, and quiet compressor operation.

Operation

Low Energy Costs

PDC compressors use a heavy flywheel to provide energy. In addition, Duplex and two-stage diaphragm compressors can be horizontally opposed to further reduce horsepower requirements and energy usage, resulting in ease of use and cost savings for the end user.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Oil Regulating Valve

The oil regulating valve limits maximum hydraulic and gas pressure and ensures that the diaphragms completely “sweep” the upper and lower cavity contours to maximize displacement.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Injection Pump

PDC Compressors provide a plunger-type injection system on all motor-driven diaphragm units. The injectors are also crank driven and precisely meter hydraulic fluid flow during the operation of the compressor.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Cavity Design

The deflection and resultant stresses in PDC metal diaphragms are controlled by carefully designed cavity contours. We use state-of-the-art design and analysis tools as well as cutting-edge programs to model these.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Head

At PDC Machines, we machine-process heads from a variety of materials for process gas compatibility. Our gold-standard process heads are constructed from 300 series stainless steel.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Triple Diaphragm Construction

The diaphragm set consists of three plates. The upper or process side, the lower or hydraulic side and the middle diaphragm. The middle diaphragm is brass to preclude galling. The upper and lower are typically 301 series stainless steel for most applications. However, the upper diaphragm material can be supplied in alternate materials, such as Inconel 718, for process compatibility.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Contacting Seals

We offer an extensive variety of static elastomeric O-ring seals for process gas compatibility. Options include Buna-N, Viton, and Teflon-encapsulated Viton and Kalrez.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Leak Detection System

Included with every PDC diaphragm compressor is a leak detection system. This system detects diaphragm or seal failures. Our leak detection system monitors the gas and hydraulic sides of the compressor and will sound an alarm and/or shut down the compressor when it detects an anomaly or failure. Proper maintenance, operation, and clean/dry process gas prolongs component operating life.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Inlet and Outlet Check Valves

Compressor process check valve design depends on operating conditions and the process gas itself. PDC compressors typically utilize cartridge- or plate-style check valves. PDC designs valves and valve pockets for easy removal and maintenance.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Automatic Unloading System

PDC compressors are automatically reprimed at start-up and unloaded upon shutdown. This process is an important procedure that not only provides for maximum efficiency but also eliminates the need for an operator to start up or reprime the compressor.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Hydraulic Oil System

Our hydraulic systems are designed to ensure uniform diaphragm deflection, prevent knocks, vibration, and cavitation, and yield smooth, quiet compressor operation. We employ unique oil distribution techniques to eliminate pressure differentials and gradients. The system utilizes an automatic priming pump, positive displacement high-pressure injection pump, and oil relief valve with bypass valve for smooth, easy starting.

Quality

International Standards Compliance

PDC’s diaphragm compressors can be designed and certified to comply with Canadian, European, South Korean, Japanese, United States, Korean, Chinese, and other international codes and standards.

Quality

ISO 9001 Quality Management

PDC has an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.

Quality

Performance Tested

All diaphragm compressors are mechanically run and performance is tested for eight hours.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Cross Section of a Diaphram Compressor

img

Safety and Environmental

Safety and Environmental

Safety Interlocks

PDC compressors are completely instrumented for safe and automatic operation.

Safety and Environmental

Safe Compression of Corrosive Gases

PDC Diaphragm Compressors use non-flammable hydraulic fluid and all process-wetted components, which are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials for processing corrosive or oxidizing gases. This ensures safe operation and prolongs the life of maintenance components.

Safety and Environmental

Environmentally Safe

Our diaphragm compressors use static seals. There is no migration of gas into the crankcase – as such, the crankcase does not require purging or venting. PDC compressors’ gas system integrity also prevents leakage of gas into the atmosphere.

Maintenance and Reliability

Maintenance and Reliability

Superior & Extended Diaphragm Compressor Life

All aspects of PDC’s diaphragm compressors enhance component life, improve operability, and reduce and simplify maintenance. Our diaphragm cavity contours, which control stress in the diaphragms, provide uniform stress distribution. PDC also uses special manufacturing processing on the diaphragm surfaces to enhance fatigue life. PDC customers experience continuous running times of 10,000 to 40,000 hours between routine maintenance, minimizing the need for spare parts replacement.

Maintenance and Reliability

Fast Acting Leak Detection System

To detect and indicate diaphragm and seal failure.

Maintenance and Reliability

Low Maintenance

PDC compressors typically only require routine oil changes.

Performance Benefits

Performance Benefits

Non-contaminating Gas Compressor

The triple diaphragm set ensures that the process gas is completely isolated from the hydraulic oil. PDC compressors do not use dynamic seals, eliminating potential seal particulate contamination. Filters and oil removal systems are not necessary – hydraulic oil cannot migrate into the process gas.

Performance Benefits

High Compression Ratio

Our membrane metallic diaphragm compressors can achieve typical compression ratios up to 10:1 for certain models.

Performance Benefits

Variable Suction Pressure

PDC compressors are capable of sub-atmospheric as well as high suction pressures. Our compressors are used in applications requiring low or high compression ratios, and in applications requiring intermittent or continuous service duty.

Performance Benefits

Safety Interlocks

PDC compressors are completely instrumented for safe and automatic operation.

Operation

Operation

Automatic Unloading System

PDC compressors are automatically reprimed at start-up. Manual start-up requires an experienced compressor technician to reprime the diaphragm compressor. Incorrect priming can cavitate the compressor and damage the heads, bolts, diaphragms, O-rings, process and hydraulic system. PDC Compressors avoid this potential issue with our cutting-edge repriming tech.

Operation

Quiet Operation

Below 85 dBA at 1 meter without sound-proofing enclosure.

Operation

Unique Oil Distribution System

PDC diaphragm compressors hydraulic systems are designed in such a way as to ensure uniform diaphragm deflection, prevent knocks, vibration, cavitation and yield smooth, and quiet compressor operation.

Operation

Low Energy Costs

PDC compressors use a heavy flywheel to provide energy. In addition, Duplex and two-stage diaphragm compressors can be horizontally opposed to further reduce horsepower requirements and energy usage, resulting in ease of use and cost savings for the end user.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Oil Regulating Valve

The oil regulating valve limits maximum hydraulic and gas pressure and ensures that the diaphragms completely “sweep” the upper and lower cavity contours to maximize displacement.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Injection Pump

PDC Compressors provide a plunger-type injection system on all motor-driven diaphragm units. The injectors are also crank driven and precisely meter hydraulic fluid flow during the operation of the compressor.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Cavity Design

The deflection and resultant stresses in PDC metal diaphragms are controlled by carefully designed cavity contours. We use state-of-the-art design and analysis tools as well as cutting-edge programs to model these.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Head

At PDC Machines, we machine-process heads from a variety of materials for process gas compatibility. Our gold-standard process heads are constructed from 300 series stainless steel.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Triple Diaphragm Construction

The diaphragm set consists of three plates. The upper or process side, the lower or hydraulic side and the middle diaphragm. The middle diaphragm is brass to preclude galling. The upper and lower are typically 301 series stainless steel for most applications. However, the upper diaphragm material can be supplied in alternate materials, such as Inconel 718, for process compatibility.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Contacting Seals

We offer an extensive variety of static elastomeric O-ring seals for process gas compatibility. Options include Buna-N, Viton, and Teflon-encapsulated Viton and Kalrez.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Leak Detection System

Included with every PDC diaphragm compressor is a leak detection system. This system detects diaphragm or seal failures. Our leak detection system monitors the gas and hydraulic sides of the compressor and will sound an alarm and/or shut down the compressor when it detects an anomaly or failure. Proper maintenance, operation, and clean/dry process gas prolongs component operating life.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Process Inlet and Outlet Check Valves

Compressor process check valve design depends on operating conditions and the process gas itself. PDC compressors typically utilize cartridge- or plate-style check valves. PDC designs valves and valve pockets for easy removal and maintenance.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Automatic Unloading System

PDC compressors are automatically reprimed at start-up and unloaded upon shutdown. This process is an important procedure that not only provides for maximum efficiency but also eliminates the need for an operator to start up or reprime the compressor.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Hydraulic Oil System

Our hydraulic systems are designed to ensure uniform diaphragm deflection, prevent knocks, vibration, and cavitation, and yield smooth, quiet compressor operation. We employ unique oil distribution techniques to eliminate pressure differentials and gradients. The system utilizes an automatic priming pump, positive displacement high-pressure injection pump, and oil relief valve with bypass valve for smooth, easy starting.

Diaphragm Compressors Explained

Cross Section of a Diaphram Compressor

img

Quality

Quality

International Standards Compliance

PDC’s diaphragm compressors can be designed and certified to comply with Canadian, European, South Korean, Japanese, United States, Korean, Chinese, and other international codes and standards.

Quality

ISO 9001 Quality Management

PDC has an ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system.

Quality

Performance Tested

All diaphragm compressors are mechanically run and performance is tested for eight hours.