Maximator US Gas Boosters

Maximator US Gas Boosters are the gold standard of air driven compressors. Suitable for oil free compression of air, industrial gases like Argon, Helium, Hydrogen and Nitrogen. Air driven boosters are an efficient alternative instead of electrically driven compressors and can be used in explosion proof areas.

How they work 

The Maximator US boosters’ operating principle is similar to a pressure intensifier. A large air piston is charged with low pressure (air piston (3)) and works on a small area with high pressure (hp piston (2)). Continuous operation is achieved by a pilot operated 4/2 way valve (spool (4)). The spool leads the drive air alternately on the upper and bottom surface of the air piston.

The spool is piloted through two 2/2 way valves (pilot valves (7)) which are mechanically actuated through the air piston in its end positions. The pilot valves charge and discharge the spool chamber. The hp piston supported by the check valves (inlet check valve and outlet check valve (1)) delivers the flow.

The outlet pressure is directly related to the set air drive pressure. According to the formulas indicated in the table with technical features of the boosters, the static end pressure can be calculated. At this pressure a force balance between drive section and gas section is achieved. The booster stalls when this end pressure is reached, and does not consume any further air.

A pressure drop at the high pressure side or a pressure increase at the drive side starts the booster automatically until the force balance is achieved again. Additionally the MAXIMATOR boosters can be switched on and off automatically through MAXIMATOR air pilot switches, contact gauges or external control devices

Applications

With many pressure rations and options available we can match the optimum booster for different applications. Single Stage, Double Acting, Two Stage or a combination of models can be used to achieve different operating pressure and flow rates. Contact our team of engineers today to help with your application.

Frequently Asked Questions for Gas Boosters

How do I select the right gas booster for my application?
Determining the appropriate gas booster is dependent on several factors. The first thing that needs to be defined is what pressure and flow rate is required for your application. The next question to consider is what type of gas you will be using. Once these have been defined, a gas booster can be selected, ensuring it is capable of meeting the required flow and pressure and that the materials of construction are suitable for the process gas.

Our team of engineers is here to help!  With decades of experience in many different applications, we can streamline this process.  

How do I control the outlet pressure?
The outlet pressure is a function of the available drive air pressure and inlet gas pressure. By regulating the drive air pressure, the outlet pressure can be either increased or reduced. We can also equip the gas boosters with pressure switches to turn the booster either on or off based on specific pressure conditions on both the outlet and supply gas source.

What is the expected operating life of a gas booster?
The operating life of the booster is really dependent on how it is used. The key to longevity is to minimize the heat being generated on the high pressure seals. We recommend either running the booster at half of maximum speed or cycling the booster between on and off cycles. This allows the heat to dissipate and will greatly increase the life of the booster. Assuming the booster is sized appropriately and the drive air and supply gas are free of debris, you can expect it to operate for a million cycles before requiring maintenance.  

How do I know when maintenance is required?  
Maximator US recommends setting defined maintenance intervals based on usage. The air drive of the gas booster was lubricated at the factory with silicone free semi-synthetic grease. After 3 months of normal (50% duty) operation, the spool seals should be inspected for wear and relubricated. Based on this inspection, future maintenance intervals can be planned and further disassembly and lubrication of other moving seals may be necessary. All applications and operating conditions are different, and the degree of maintenance is directly related to the severity of the application and quality of drive air.