We continue to talk about multistage compressors, following a first article in which we illustrated the main functions and applications in the production and treatment of technical gases, such as air and hydrogen. Another key point in this type of compressors concerns interstage cooling, a fundamental component in multistage compressors to keep the temperature under control and ensure optimal performances.

There are in particular different technological solutions for interstage cooling, each with specific characteristics and advantages.

The most traditional solutions use different types of heat exchangers:
1. Shell and tube heat exchangers:
◦ Robust and suitable for managing large volumes of gas.
◦ Limited in terms of compactness and thermal efficiency.
2. Plate heat exchangers:
◦ Compact and offering high efficiency.
◦ Less suitable for high pressure applications.

Then there are new advanced solutions, which use innovative types of PCHE exchangers:
• PCHE (Printed Circuit Heat Exchangers) or microstructured exchangers:
◦ Innovative solutions that integrate multiple thermal flows, ideal for gases such as hydrogen.

Comparing these different exchangers technologies, when designing an optimal interstage cooling system with multistage compressors, is essential to choose the most suitable solution for each industrial application.