Centac®

Centrifugal Oil Free Air Compressors

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A worldwide enterprise
To maximize customer connectivity around the globe Ingersoll Rand Air Solutions maintains manufacturing facilities,
warehouses, offices and repair centers across the globe. And with 450 locations in 42 countries, Ingersoll Rand can provide
a level of local service and support unmatched in the industry.

Air Solutions manufacturing plants

Industry Leadership
Ingersoll Rand is the
worldwide leader in
centrifugal technology. Since
1911, they have been
designing and manufacturing
centrifugal compressors to
meet industry requirements.
These design capabilities led
to the creation of the
CENTAC product line in
1968. Over 20000 CENTAC
compressors have been
installed since that time.

CENTAC manufacturing plant in Vignate (Milan) ITALY

ISO 9001 Quality System Certification

The assurance of a recognized standard of quality in designing,
manufacturing, selling and servicing our CENTAC products.

Total Quality Management is the only way Ingersoll Rand can meet its
customers' requirements. We do this through the resources of our
people, the products and the range of services we provide.

The quality of the Ingersoll Rand products and services is the result of
the synergy between advanced technology and the desire to meet
customers' satisfaction.

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The Widest Market Coverage
Automotive
• More automobiles around the world are being produced with
CENTAC.
• Applications include assembly plants and component parts plants.
• Reliable oil free air ensures optimum painting conditions.

Textiles/Fibres
• CENTAC is the leader for the new technology mills.
• Applications include airjet weaving, spinning, texturizing and
utility air.
• 100% oil free air ensures continuous and faster production.
• CENTAC constant pressure is critical for optimum quality
products.

Power Generation
• Ingersoll Rand has been in this business for more than 25 years
with CENTAC.
• CENTAC provides reliable air for various applications including
sootblowing, general services, ash conveying, flue gas,
desulfurization and wastewater treatment.
• Advanced Control Systems are provided for precise control and
rapid response to handle a large range of varying
demand cycles.

Chemicals/Refinery
• A package designed to meet the performance and reliability
expectation of API Std. 672.
• High quality materials are selected to cope with the most severe
operating environments.
• Custom design available for various applications.

Air Separation
• CENTAC are used as feed and recycle compressors in air and nitrogen production.
• CENTAC's efficiency, wide turndown and reliability are the key to successful operations.
• Customized packages available.

Other Industries Served

• Glass • PET bottle blowing • Cement conveying
• Iron & steel • Pulp & Paper • Oil extraction
• Electronics • Metal mining • Brewings
• Food & beverage • Coal mining • Plastics
• Pharmaceutical

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Simplicity by Design

The diagram below demonstrates how a CENTAC compressor works. Air enters the compressor through the
The depicted sequence repeats in each succeeding stage until the
compressor achieves desired operating pressure.
1 machine-mounted inlet control valve and
flows to the first stage where the impeller
imparts velocity energy to the air.

The air proceeds through the diffuser

2 section which converts the velocity
energy to pressure energy.

The built-in intercooler removes the heat

3 of compression, which improves efficiency.

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Simple Air End Design
• Diffuser
• Seal Cartridge
• Carbon Ring Seals
• Plain Bearing
• Built-in Coolers
• Thrust Bearing
• Vibration Probe

Moisture carryover is eliminated when the

5 air is forced to change direction 180° to
enter the next stage.

Air passes through a stainless steel moisture

4 separator in a low velocity zone to remove condensate.

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High Quality Rotor Assembly
• Short single-impeller / single-pinion rotors minimize overhung
weight. The rotor assembly provides excellent stability. Normal
operating clearances between the impeller and diffuser are not
affected by air or water temperature changes.

• The thrust collar allows effective dissipation of aerodynamic thrust

loads generated during operation. This prevents these loads from
being transmitted to the main gear train and maximizes gear life.

• The backward-leaning, steep-curve, impeller geometry

(pioneered by Ingersoll Rand) provides excellent control
capability over the widest operating range.

• The exclusive polygon fit assures positive locking

between both the impeller and the thrust collar to
the pinion and permits easy assembly and
disassembly. The polygon fit also
increases contact area and eliminates
stress-producing keys or shrink fits.

• CENTAC impellers are manufactured

from high grade investment cast stainless
steel for high strength, maximum corrosion and erosion resistance.

• Full-floating, long life, efficient non-contact carbon ring seals

insure oil free air and minimize air leakage under all
operating conditions.

• The exclusive CENTAC vertically-split design allows for

single-piece bearings and seals. Field replacement of these
components is quick and simple with only one running
clearance to set per stage. These clearances are set external to
the casing in a matter of minutes.

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Superior Rotor Mechanics
The CENTAC rotor assembly optimizes efficiency, ensures reliability and simplifies
maintenance

• Stable pinions permit the use of simple, but proven hydrodynamic sleeve
bearings. Yearly inspections are not required. Other bearing designs can be
utilized for special applications.

• All bearings use a conventional low-pressure lube-oil system to achieve

effective rotor dampening and oil-film stability. Oil pressure is supplied by
a shaft-driven main oil pump with a backup electric-driven pre-lube and
post-lube pump.

• Thrust loads are predictable, unidirectional and low; minimizing power

consumption. Aerodynamic thrust is absorbed at each pinion by an
hydrodynamic thrust bearing.

• Standard radial and thrust bearings have no moving parts. This simplicity provides the ability to effectively monitor the
bearing condition through shaft vibration; thus eliminating the time and the expense for periodic inspection.

High Efficiency Heat Exchangers

The air-in-tube/water-in-shell CENTAC air cooler provides several important benefits:

• The water-side to air-side surface is twice that of fin tube coolers. This allows for
more efficient cooling, lower approach temperatures and less performance
deterioration from fouling. This results in lower water flow requirements and less
cooler maintenance.

• The water-side to air-side surface is twice that of fin tube coolers.

• Internal air coolers eliminate high temperature piping entering and exiting the compressor.
With the CENTAC design, there is no exposed piping. Costly expansion joints in the piping are eliminated.
The water-over-the-tube configuration also dampens the air noise.

• The CENTAC air cooler can be back-flushed while operating or

chemically cleaned in place. Both options minimize downtime
required to clean coolers.

• For adverse environments, special coolers are available, CENTAC’s

standard air coolers can be provided with a phenolic resin coating. In
addition, external air coolers, with a variety of materials of construction,
can be provided to meet your specific needs.

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A Package Designed ...

Simplicity By Design
The CENTAC packaging concept has many
advantages, but the primary advantage is its
simplicity. The CENTAC compressor package
will minimize field installation by providing
many of its major components already
mounted and piped. In addition, the compact
design of the CENTAC compressor will save
you time and money.

Superior Lube Oil System.

• Low pressure system 1.7 bar
• Designed for leak free operation
• Shaft-driven main oil pump

Built-in Air Coolers

• No external piping means easy installation
• Eliminate need for expansion joints
• No exposed hot air piping
• Reduced noise level due to internal piping
• Reduced package size
• Low pressure drop

Simplified Bearing Design

• Hydrodynamic (oil-film) radial bearings
• Full load hydrodynamic thrust bearings
• Full load hydrodynamic reverse thrust
bearings
• Radial and thrust bearings pre-assemble
into a single cartridge

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... for Your Installation and Application

Custom Designed Package

Package can be designed to your needs as far as:
• Control system
• Lube oil system
• Cooling system
• Air system
• Main driver

Vertically-Split Casing
• Complete and easy access to all components
• Fewer clearances to set (one clearance to be
set during rotor installation)
• Rotor clearances set external to machine (no
need to open casing)
• No yearly inspection required

Non-Contact Air/Oil Seals

• Full-floating carbon-ring seals
• Oil free air under all operating conditions
• Low seal losses; minimal air leakage

Simple Rotor Mechanics

• Single-impeller/single-pinion design
• Optimum efficiency
• Minimum bearing loads
• Low vibration
• Individual vibration probe per stage

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A Control System Programmed
with You in Mind
The CENTAC microcontroller is installed on Easy to Use
thousands of installations around the world. The • Simple twelve button keypad
CENTAC microcontroller is a state-of-the-art control • Operating parameters, alert settings and shutdown settings
system that gives you total control. The heart of the are presented on the graphical LCD display
system is an advanced process computer which is • Set points are changed with the touch of a button
totally self-regulated, providing complete integration
of the compressor, motor, starter and auxiliary Self Diagnostic
equipment. • Event log details the last sixteen events that have occurred
• Includes logic to determine a microcontroller malfunction

Control Flexibility
• Standard modulate (constant pressure control)
• Standard energy optimization (auto dual control)
• Modulate control fine tunes compressor output when
sequencing multiple compressor installations

Dependable
• 4-20 mA signal eliminates outside electrical interference
• Microcontroller’s fail-safe feature stores all operating
Centac Microcontroller parameters at time of shutdown during a power failure
• System will automatically adjust to a start condition once
power is restored after a power failure
CMC
Enhanced Communications
• Allows for integration into a plantwide control system
• Allows for integration into a plantwide control system
Universal Communication Module • Energy management to save money
• Communicates operational functions to various remote
terminal systems, personal computers or Distribution Control
System (DCS).

DCS ASC/ASM The optional Universal Communications Module provides an

MODEM industrial interface to Distributed Control Systems (DCS) utilising
MODBUS protocol.

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Reduce Your Cost of Compressed Air
CMC Control System Air System Controller - ASC
The CMC offers two control systems as standard to suit individual Air System Manager - ASM
plant requirements. ASC/ASM are the most advanced & proven
centrifugal compressor management systems.
Full Modulation Control where Constant Pressure is needed over They combine efficient load sharing with remote
the complete capacity range. control & monitoring capabilities.

Surge Line

B A
Discharge Pressure

Bypass Valve Inlet Valve

Throttle Range Throttle Range

0% Capacity 100% CENTAC

Constant pressure mode

Auto Dual Efficiency Control which combines Upper Range

CENTAC

Modulation with On-Line/Off-Line for most efficient running.

Surge Line

B A
Discharge Pressure

CENTAC

C An Air System Controller or an Air System

Manager can save you thousands of Euros on
Unload Range Throttle Range
your multiple unit installations by monitoring
0% Capacity 100% and controlling your compressed air system
and reducing the running time.
Auto dual efficency mode

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When You Need It Most,
The Support Is There:
CENTAC Worldwide Aftermarket Services
Our commitment to you becomes even stronger when the compressor is
shipped to your plant. As a worldwide organization our mission is to
reduce the life cycle cost of your compressors. We will do this by
providing you with the most competitive and responsive service and
support, product and aerodynamic enhancements, and engineering
capabilities designed to reduce the costs associated with compressing air.

Customer Support
Responding to your needs
• 24 hour worldwide coverage
• Immediate shipment
• Latest design technology
• Customer compressor history
• True lngersoll Rand parts designed for your
machine and backed by the Ingersoll Rand warranty
Ingersoll Rand’s service organisation is ready
to serve you anytime, everywhere.

Local Service
Serving you quickly and efficiently
• Unsurpassed service organization in the world
• With over 150 offices worldwide
• Certified factory-trained service people
• 24 hour coverage for parts

With 24 hour worldwide coverage and

immediate shipment, true Ingersoll Rand parts
can meet your requirements.

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Reduce Compressors Life Cycle Cost
M€ Potential Operating Cost
Saving
15
Preventive
Basis: 0.06 €/kWh Aerodynamic Maintenance
Enhancements
20 Year Life Cycle Reliability
Enhancements
20 Hours/Day Operation 10 Controls
Controls

Diagnostics

Capital Energy Lost

Production
140 m3/min Compressors

Engineering Services
Designed to reduce the life cycle costs
of your compressors
• Centrifugal Diagnostic Services®
• CENTAC software packages such as Service View,
ASC/ASM and much more
• Lubricants
• Controls

CENTAC Enhancements
Continuing to improve your processes to save you
money through the latest technology in controls,
Centrifugal Diagnostic Services® helps monitor aerodynamics and mechanical reliability
vibration on Centac compressors to increase • Reduced energy costs
reliability and prevent unnecessary • Reduced capital costs
maintenance and lost production. • Reduced maintenance
• Increased reliability
• Improved process integration

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A Broad Range of Compressors ...
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19 5 - stage
18
Pressure bar (a)

17
16
15
14
13
12
4 - stage
11
10
9
8
3 - stage
7
6
5
4
2 - stage
3
2
1 - stage
1
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000

Flow m3/min

Centac compressors are available as complete

packages with flanged or foot mounted
motors for maximum flexibility to meet widest
customer requirements.

CENTAC engineered process packages are also

available to meet the stringent
requirements of API Std. 672.

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 ...for a Broad Range of Solutions
Ingersoll Rand Air Solutions today represent more than the worldwide benchmark for centrifugal compressors. Centac
encompasses a full range of solutions including: air and cooling water treatment systems, remote monitoring and energy
management systems, air distribution systems, turnkey installations, Auditing services and AirCare programs.
By offering single-source system capability from implementation to operation, Ingersoll Rand provides customers with
reliable, energy efficent and cost saving air system solutions, allowing customers to focus on their operation and never have
to worry about the quality of their compressed air

Heat-of-Compression Dryers
The Hoc dryer is the most energy efficient adsorbtion dryer available. It recovers the heat that is a natural by-product of
the compression process and utilizes in the air drying process to provide moisture-free air while consuming virtually no
energy. Ingersoll Rand heat-of-compression dryers, both H-Series and HC-Series, are the world’s simplest and most reliable
regenerative dryers. The H-Series dryer provides instruments air quality with a very low initial cost.
The HC-Series is a more sophisticated dryer, which includes a stripping and cooling cycle, delivering -40°C or lower
constant dew point without any temperature or dew point spike.

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Ingersoll Rand Industrial Technologies provides products, services and solutions to enhance the efficiency and productivity
of our commercial, industrial and process customers. Our innovative products include air compressors, air systems
components, tools, pumps, material and fluid handling systems and microturbines.
www.air.ingersollrand.com

Ingersoll Rand air compressors are not designed, intended or approved for breathing applications. Ingersoll Rand does not
approve specialized equipment for breathing air applications and assumes no responsibility or liability for compressors used
for breathing air service.
Nothing contained in this brochure is intended to extend any warranty or representation, expressed or implied, regarding the
products described herein. Any such warranties or other terms and conditions of sale shall be in accordance with Ingersoll
Rand's standard terms and conditions of sale for such products which are available upon request.
Product improvement is a continuing goal at Ingersoll Rand. Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice
or obligation.

Ingersoll Rand Industrial Technologies

Air Solutions
Strada Provinciale Cassanese, 108
I-20060 Vignate, Milano (Italy)

© 09/2006 Ingersoll-Rand Company CPN 99931966

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