ARIEL KBB and KBV COMPRESSORS

Frame KBB/4 KBB/6 KBV/4 KBV/6

Number of throws 4 6 4 6
Rated power, BHP 6667 10000 6667 10000
Rated power, kW 4972 7457 4972 7457
Stroke, inches 7.25 7.25 8.5 8.5
Stroke, mm 184 184 216 216
RPM, maximum 900 900 750 750
Piston speed, ft/min 1088 1088 1063 1063
Piston speed, m/s 5.53 5.53 5.40 5.40
Total rod load, lbs 190000 190000 190000 190000
Total rod load, N 845162 845162 845162 845162
Tension, lbs 95000 95000 95000 95000
Tension, N 422581 422581 422581 422581
Compression, lbs 100000 100000 100000 100000
Compression, N 444822 444822 444822 444822
Average weight with cylinders, lbs 80000 110000 80000 110000
Average weight with cylinders, kg 36287 49896 36287 49896
Maximum length, inches 144 188 144 188
Maximum length, mm 3658 4775 3658 4775
Nominal width, inches 228 228 228 228
Nominal width, mm 5791 5791 5791 5791
Crankshaft centerline, from bottom, inches 27 27 27 27
Crankshaft centerline, from bottom, mm 686 686 686 686
FEATURES
Serviceability - Entire unit is designed for ease of repair. All components
are readily accessible.
Standardization - Many components are interchangeable throughout
the various lines.
Full Pressure Lubrication - A frame-driven lube oil pump provides
pressurized, cooled oil through a full flow oil filter to all moving
parts in the frame. A divider block distribution system supplies
metered oil to cylinder bores and rod packing. Stainless steel tubing
is used throughout the cylinder lubrication system.
Unloading Devices - Pneumatic fixed volume clearance pockets
and pneumatic suction valve unloaders are available on a limited
optional basis.
Heavy Duty Crankshaft - Forged steel precision machined with integral
counterweights.
Rugged Crankcase - Heavily ribbed (with spacer bars for stiffening),
high-strength cast iron base with removable, lightweight aluminum
top covers and removable end covers for ease of access.
Precision Bearing Shells - Precision-machined, tri-metal main and
connecting rod bearings.
Rugged Crossheads and Guides - Cast iron crosshead guides, external
ribbing and removable side covers. One piece, long life crossheads with
direct full pressure lubrication at top and bottom for minimum wear.
Hardened and ground steel crosshead pins.
Rigid Connecting Rods - Forged steel four bolt, heavy duty H section.
Quiet Auxiliary Drive - Fully enclosed and continuously lubricated chain
drive adjusted by positive positioning eccentric vernier.
Oil and Dust Seal - Foolproof, non-contacting crankshaft oil seal plus
reliable non-wearing dust seal.
Proven Cylinder Design - Non-cooled compressor cylinders with
ample nozzles and large gas passages. Cylinder bodies are ion-nitride
hardened and drilled for indicator ports.
High Strength Bolting - Grade 8 bolts or B-7 studs on all pressurized
components. All bolting designed for accessibility.
Efficient Valving - Ariel uses plate-type valves designed for modern
speeds utilizing non-metallic sealing elements as standard. Selected to
adhere to established, low valve velocity standards.
Durable Pistons - Wear-resistant ductile or gray iron with wear bands.
Stout Piston Rods - Short, stiff, precision-ground alloy steel piston rods
with locking crosshead nut. Rolled threads are 1/4 under rod diameter
for easy installation through packing.
The KBB and KBV are large, separable, reciprocating compressors, designed for high BHP and rod load
applications. Based on the proven Ariel design in use throughout the world, they pair well with modern gas
engines, turbines and electric drivers.
KBB/6 frame
Forged steel KBB & KBV connecting rod
Ductile iron crossheads, babbitted shoe
surface, full-floating crosshead pin with
through-bolt and end caps
Full array of crossheads and nuts for
precise balancing of opposing pistons
Forged steel crankshafts
BORE BORE MAWP MAWP

Class
inches mm psi bar Material
5-3/4B:V-VS 5.250, 5.500, 5.750 133, 140, 146 6000 414 Forged Steel
5-3/4B:V-TR-VS 5.250, 5.500, 5.750 133, 140, 146 6700 462 Forged Steel
6-3/4B:V-VS 6.250, 6.500, 6.750 159, 165, 171 4780 330 Forged Steel
6-3/4B:V-TR-VS 6.250, 6.500, 6.750 159, 165, 171 6700 462 Forged Steel
7-3/4B:V-VS 7.250, 7.500, 7.750 184, 191, 197 3755 259 Forged Steel
9B:V 8.375, 8.625, 9.000 213, 219, 229 2515 173 Ductile Iron
9B:V-VS 8.375, 8.625, 9.000 213, 219, 229 3000 207 Forged Steel
10-1/2B:V 9.750, 10.125, 10.500 248, 257, 267 2095 144 Ductile Iron
12-1/4B:V 11.375, 11.750, 12.250 289, 298, 311 1900 131 Ductile Iron
14-1/8B:V 13.250, 13.625, 14.125 337, 346, 359 1065 73 Ductile Iron
16-3/8B:V 15.375, 15.750, 16.375 391, 400, 416 830 57 Ductile Iron
18-7/8B:V 17.750, 18.125, 18.875 451, 460, 479 620 43 Ductile Iron
21-3/4B:V 20.500, 20.875, 21.750 521, 530, 552 460 32 Ductile Iron
24-1/2B:V 23.625, 24.500 600, 622 365 25 Ductile Iron
27-5/8B:V 26.625, 27.625 676, 702 285 20 Ductile Iron
31-1/8B:V 30.000, 31.125 762, 791 220 15 Ductile Iron
12BL:VL 11.250, 11.625, 12.000 286, 295, 305 1600 110 Ductile Iron
13-1/2BL:VL 12.750, 13.125, 13.500 324, 333, 343 1375 95 Ductile Iron
15-1/4BL:VL 14.375, 14.750, 15.250 365, 375, 387 1375 95 Ductile Iron
17BL:VL 16.125, 16.500, 17.000 410, 419, 432 1150 79 Ductile Iron
19BL:VL 18.000, 18.375, 19.000 457, 467, 483 1030 71 Ductile Iron
12BM:VM 11.250, 11.625, 12.000 286, 295, 305 1600 110 Ductile Iron
13-1/2BM:VM 12.750, 13.125, 13.500 324, 333, 343 1375 95 Ductile Iron
15-1/4BM:VM 14.375, 14.750, 15.250 365, 375, 387 1375 95 Ductile Iron
17BM:VM 16.125, 16.500, 17.000 410, 419, 432 1150 79 Ductile Iron
19BM:VM 18.000, 18.375, 19.000 457, 467, 483 1030 71 Ductile Iron
More than 35 years ago, Ariel introduced an innova-
tive cylinder design that eliminated water cooling
from the cylinder jacket. This proven design yields
significant advantages over water-cooled cylinders:
higher efficiency
larger gas passages
reduced pressure-drop losses
lower maintenance (no scaling or corrosion)
Ariel is the only manufacturer to use an ion-nitride
furnace to increase surface hardness of all cylin-
ders. This extra step reduces cylinder bore wear
to an absolute minimum. To ensure complete
reliability in the field, Ariel pressure-tests each
cylinder to 150% of maximum allowable working
pressure (MAWP) during manufacture.
CYLINDERS A CompLETE LIST oF CYLINDERS IS AvAILAbLE IN ThE Ariel Compressor performAnCe progrAm
All cylinders are double-acting. TR=Tailrod VS=Forged Steel
S
t
a
n
d
a
r
d

C
y
l
i
n
d
e
r
s
P
i
p
e
l
i
n
e
Cutaway view of the Ariel KBB/6 showing the rugged running
gear and Ariels higher-efficiency, non-cooled cylinders.
Ariels success is based on strong relationships built
on mutual respect and trust. Employees, vendors,
distributors, and end users are all part of the Ariel
Network.
Ariel Compressors are marketed and packaged through
a long-established network of elite compression
system engineering companies. Ariels Authorized
Distributors integrate the compressor with a structural
skid, a prime mover, piping, pulsation control, cooling
systems, process valving, and control systems.
All Ariel distributors adhere to Ariels strict packaging
standards.
Ariels large network offers the most complete
service and parts coverage available in the world.
We are committed to supporting our compressors for
life. If there is a problem with an Ariel compressor,
well help you solve itnow.
The Ariel Network is composed of more than 1000
Ariel-trained field servicemen and technicians,
worldwide.
Ariels policy has always been to routinely ship stan-
dard parts within 24 hours of receiving an order.
Ariel gas compressors are backed by more than 100
parts and service outlets close to every major natu-
ral gas field.
Ariels Service and Technical Schools are held fre-
quently, free of charge, for engineers and field
servicemen. These courses are taught by Ariel
engineers and technicians directly involved in the
subject material.
The availability of Ariel manufactured parts at
competitive prices will ensure your Ariel compres-
sors maximum reliability and productivity.
Ariels goal is to offer the best customer care and
service. Our warranty and our treatment of warranty
issues clearly show our commitment to this goal.
CUSTomER SERvICE
ThE ARIEL NETWoRK
Ariel KBV/6 driven by a 7600 hp gas engine in a gas pipe-
line application near Dallas, Texas, USA
ARIEL CORPORATION
WORLD HEADQUARTERS
35 Blackjack Road
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 USA
Telephone: 740-397-0311
Fax: 740-397-3856
24-HOUR SUPPORT
North America: 888-397-7766
Worldwide: +1 740 397 3602
REGIONAL SALES and SUPPORT
Denver, Colorado, Fort Worth, Texas
Houston, Texas Sydney, Australia
Calgary, AB, Canada The Netherlands
Moscow, Russia Singapore
Bangkok, Thailand
www.arielcorp.com
World Standard Gas Compressors 2/10