Membrankompressoren

Membrankompressoren, or membrane (diaphragm) compressors, are a type of positive-displacement gas compressor that use a flexible diaphragm to compress gas. The gas being compressed acts on the gas side of the diaphragm, while the drive side is isolated from the process, reducing contamination and enabling the handling of chemically aggressive or sensitive gases.

In operation, an actuator—mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic—deflects the diaphragm to change the volume of a gas chamber. One-way valves control the intake and discharge, so gas is drawn in on the outward stroke and expelled on the inward stroke. Some designs use two diaphragms or multi-chamber arrangements to provide smoother flow and higher reliability. The diaphragm materials vary, including elastomers (such as nitrile, silicone, or PTFE composites) and metal for highly corrosive or high-temperature applications.

Construction and design choices influence performance. The core component is the diaphragm, with the surrounding housing forming the gas chamber and integrated valves. Actuators may be crank-driven, cam-driven, or hydraulic/pneumatic. Membrane compressors are often compact and oil-free, making them suitable for clean or ultra-pure gas processes.

Applications include laboratory instrumentation, gas sampling and analysis, chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical or industrial gas supply where low to moderate pressures and low flow rates are sufficient. They are valued for high gas purity, chemical compatibility, and reduced risk of oil contamination.

Advantages include minimal gas–drive contamination, tolerance of corrosive or toxic gases, and clean operation. Limitations include limited maximum pressure and flow, diaphragm wear and potential rupture, and higher cost relative to some other compressor types. Regular maintenance focuses on diaphragm and valve integrity and material compatibility with the process gas.