Burckhardt 2K 120-2A Cargo Compressor

Burckhardt Compression 2K 120-2A Laby® Cargo Compressor

The Burckhardt 2K 120-2A is a special oil less two-stage reciprocating compressor for the most demanding marine situations. This type is the industry standard for Boil-Off Gas (BOG) control on LNG carriers and LPG vessels and utilizes Burckhardt’s unique Laby® (Labyrinth) sealing technology. It eliminates the need for piston rings, ensuring ultra-reliable non-contact compression, preventing cargo contamination, and reducing mechanical wear on long-haul voyages.

The Burckhardt 2K 120-2A is special because it can be operated with suction temperatures down to $-160^\circ\text{C}$ without any pre-cooling or sophisticated lubricating systems in the gas path. The vertical two-crank design gives a compact footprint, important for tight engine room or deck house arrangements, while the oil-free architecture guarantees that the BOG returned to the cargo tanks or fuel gas system is clean.

Model Details:

Brand: Burckhardt Compression

Model: 2K 120-2A

Type: Reciprocating Labyrinth Seal Compressor (Laby®)

Configuration: 2-Stage, Vertical, Oil-Free

MPN: 2K120-2A-SERIES

Technical Data:

Industrial Applications

• LNG Carriers (LNGC) • Tank pressure management using Boil-Off Gas (BOG).
• LPG/LEG Transportation: Compression of Ethylene and other Liquefied Gases
• Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS): Increase of BOG for dual fuel marine engines.
• Floating Storage Regasification Units (FSRU): Continuous gas off-take.

Tips for Optimal Performance:

1. Monitor Purge Gas Pressure: Always ensure your nitrogen purge in the distance piece is at the correct overpressure. This is your primary defense against oil contamination of the cargo.
2. Cooling Water Chemistry: Marine growth in the intercoolers is the #1 cause of efficiency loss. Maintain your sacrificial anodes in the cooling water chest and keep temperatures within the ±5°C range of the datasheet.
3. Start-up Protocol: While the Laby® can handle cold gas, always perform a gradual cool down of the manifold to prevent thermal stress on the valves, which are the only wearing parts in the gas path.