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SAFE S.p.A. has launched a screw compressor developed for compressing biogas in the upgrading process to biomethane. The unit is designed to ensure continuous 24/7 operation, maximise energy efficiency and simplify plant integration. It is available in a containerised plug & play configuration to minimise installation and commissioning times.
The new SAFE compressor has been developed to operate under very low suction conditions (100–500mbar), maintaining stable performance with variable flow rates up to 2,500Sm³/h and discharge pressures up to 16barg.
The new screw-compressor range spans installed power up to 400kW, making it suitable for integration in both small- and large-scale plants. The water-cooling system (with SAFE-supplied air cooler — installable on the top of the container or at ground level alongside it) and the oil-flooded screw configuration, with triple gas filtration, ensure thermal stability, reliability and service quality. The sound level of the compression package in operation is limited to 60 dB(A) @1m.
The heart of the unit is the compressor body on a slide-out removable skid, a solution that enables immediate access and fast replacement during maintenance services. Machine control is oriented toward maximum efficiency: service regulation is based on maintaining suction pressure, with automatic motor speed adjustment, and a recirculation line to handle processes with variable flow rates and pressures — extending the operating envelope. Options include a heat recovery system, sub-cooling with chiller and outlet biogas temperature control. These extensions have been developed and made available to increase overall service efficiency and facilitate integration with plant interfaces.
