ARIEL KBZ and KBU COMPRESSORS

Frame KBZ/2 KBZ/4 KBZ/6 KBU/2 KBU/4 KBU/6

Number of throws 2 4 6 2 4 6
Rated Power, BHP 2600 5200 7800 2600 5200 7800
Rated Power, kW 1939 3878 5817 1939 3878 5817
Stroke, inches 6.75 6.75 6.75 5.75 5.75 5.75
Stroke, mm 171 171 171 146 146 146
RPM, maximum 1000 1000 1000 1200 1200 1200
Piston speed, FPM 1125 1125 1125 1150 1150 1150
Piston speed, m/s 5.71 5.71 5.71 5.84 5.84 5.84
Total rod load, lbs. 150000 150000 150000 150000 150000 150000
Total rod load, N 667233 667233 667233 667233 667233 667233
Tension, lbs. 75000 75000 75000 75000 75000 75000
Tension, N 333617 333617 333617 333617 333617 333617
Compression, lbs. 80000 80000 80000 80000 80000 80000
Compression, N 355857 355857 355857 355857 355857 355857
Average weight with cylinders, lbs. 23000 44500 68500 23000 44500 68500
Average weight with cylinders, kg. 10432 20185 31071 10432 20185 31071
Maximum length, inches 86 135 183 86 135 183
Maximum length, mm 2184 3429 4648 2184 3429 4648
Nominal width, inches 191 191 191 191 191 191
Nominal width, mm 4851 4851 4851 4851 4851 4851
Crankshaft CL (from bottom), inches 24 24 24 24 24 24
Crankshaft CL (from bottom), mm 609.6 609.6 609.6 609.6 609.6 609.6
FEATURES
The KBZ and KBU are large, medium speed, reciprocating, separable compressors. Since the family’s introduction
in 2002, they have proven to be one of the most cost effective methods of compression for pipeline transmis-
sion, gas gathering, gas storage, refrigeration, processing, and all other applications requiring large horsepower
drivers and compression capacity.

 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 KBZ/2 crankshaft
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 - Manual head-end variable volume clearance pockets,
pneumatic fixed volume clearance pockets and pneumatic suction valve
unloaders are available on most cylinders.
 Heavy Duty Crankshaft - Forged steel precision machined with integral
Forged steel KBZ connecting rod
counterweights.
 Rugged Crankcase - Heavily ribbed (with spacer bars for stiffening), high-
strength cast iron base with removable, lightweight aluminum top cover 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. Ductile iron crossheads, babbitted
shoe surface, full-floating crosshead
 Rigid Connecting Rods - Forged steel four bolt, heavy duty “H” section. pin with “through-bolt” and end caps
 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.
Full array of crossheads and nuts for
 High Strength Bolting - Grade 8 bolts or 17-4PH bolting on all pressurized precise balancing of opposing pistons
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 KBZ/4 crankshaft
locking crosshead nut. All piston rods are ion-nitrided for surface hardness
and longevity. Rolled threads are 1/4” under rod diameter for easy installation
through packing.
 CYLINDERS A complete list of cylinders is available in the Ariel Compressor Performance Program

BORE BORE MAWP MAWP

Class inches mm psi bar Material
4-5/8Z:U-VS 4.250, 4.375, 4.625 108, 111, 117 6000 414 Forged Alloy Steel
4-5/8Z:U-TR-VS 4.250, 4.625 108, 117 6700 462 Forged Alloy Steel
5-3/8Z:U-VS 5.000, 5.375 127, 137 6000 414 Forged Alloy Steel
6-1/4Z:U 5.875, 6.250 149, 159 2435 168 Ductile Iron
6-1/4Z:U-VS 5.875, 6.250 149, 159 4500 310 Forged Alloy Steel
7-1/4Z:U 6.750, 7.250 171, 184 2415 167 Ductile Iron
7-1/4Z:U-VS 6.750, 7.000, 7.250 171, 178, 184 3500 241 Forged Alloy Steel
8-3/8Z:U 7.875, 8.375 200, 213 2400 165 Ductile Iron
9-5/8Z:U 9.125, 9.625 232, 244 1900 131 Ductile Iron
11Z:U 10.500, 11.000 267, 279 1270 88 Ductile Iron
12-1/2Z:U 12.000, 12.500 305, 318 1700 117 Ductile Iron
Double-Acting

14-1/8Z:U 13.625, 14.125 346, 359 1270 88 Ductile Iron

15-7/8Z:U 15.375, 15.875 391, 403 845 58 Ductile Iron
17-7/8Z:U 17.375, 17.875 441, 454 635 44 Ductile Iron
20-1/8Z:U 19.625, 20.125 498, 511 345 24 Ductile Iron
22Z:U 22.000 559 285 20 Ductile Iron
24-1/8Z:U 24.125 613 275 19 Ductile Iron
26-1/2Z:U 26.500 673 230 16 Ductile Iron
9-1/4ZK:UK 8.75, 9.25 222, 235 2400 166 Ductile Iron
9-3/4ZM:UM:ZL:UL 8.75, 9.25, 9.75 222, 235, 248 1700 117 Ductile Iron
10-3/8ZM:UM:ZL:UL 9.875, 10.375 251, 264 1900 131 Ductile Iron
11ZM:UM:ZL:UL 10.250, 10.750, 11.000 260, 273, 279 1690 117 Ductile Iron
11-3/8ZM:UM:ZL:UL 10.875, 11.375 276, 289 1700 117 Ductile Iron
12-3/8ZM:UM:ZL:UL 11.250, 11.750, 12.375 286, 298, 314 1935 133 Ductile Iron
12-1/2ZM:UM:ZL:UL 12.000, 12.250, 12.500 305, 311, 318 1350 93 Ductile Iron
13-5/8ZM:UM:ZL:UL 13.125, 13.625 333, 346 1085 75 Ductile Iron
13ZN:UN 13.000 330 1350 93 Ductile Iron

More than 35 years ago, Ariel introduced an innovative 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 cylinders. 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 work-
ing pressure (MAWP) during manufacture.
Z cylinders
 THE ARIEL NETWORK
Ariel’s 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.
Ariel’s 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 Ariel’s strict

packaging standards.

 Ariel’s large network offers the most

complete service and parts coverage
available in the world. Model JGZ/4 in Snyder, Texas, being used for carbon dioxide injection.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
We are committed to supporting our compressors for life.
If there is a problem with an Ariel compressor, we’ll help ARIEL CORPORATION
you solve it—now. WORLD HEADQUARTERS
35 Blackjack Road
 The Ariel Network is composed of more than 1000 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 USA
Ariel-trained field servicemen and technicians, Telephone: 740-397-0311
worldwide. Fax: 740-397-3856
 Ariel’s policy has always been to routinely ship stan-
24-HOUR SUPPORT
dard parts within 24 hours of receiving an order.
North America: 888-397-7766
 Ariel gas compressors are backed by more than Worldwide: +1 740 397 3602
100 parts and service outlets close to every major
natural gas field. REGIONAL SALES and SUPPORT
Denver, Colorado, • Fort Worth, Texas
 Ariel’s Service and Technical Schools are held fre-
Houston, Texas • Sydney, Australia
quently, free of charge, for engineers and field
Calgary, AB, Canada • The Netherlands
servicemen. These courses are taught by Ariel
Moscow, Russia • Singapore
engineers and technicians directly involved in the
Bangkok, Thailand
subject material.
 The availability of Ariel manufactured parts at
competitive prices will ensure your Ariel compres-
sor’s maximum reliability and productivity.
 Ariel’s 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. www.arielcorp.com

10/10 World Standard Gas Compressors