Choosing the Right Compressor: Comparing Blackmer's LB, HD, and NG Series
Presented by Industrial Air Services – Proudly serving Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga with expert sales and support for Blackmer gas compression systems. Call (615) 641-3100 for help selecting the right model for your application.
When it comes to gas compression, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Choosing the wrong compressor can lead to excessive energy use, poor gas recovery, and even costly downtime. That’s why Blackmer offers a full range of reciprocating compressors—each engineered for a specific type of gas and operating environment.
In this blog, we’ll compare three of Blackmer’s most widely used reciprocating gas compressor series: LB, HD, and NG. Whether you're moving LPG, handling industrial gases, or compressing natural gas at the wellhead, this guide will help you identify the best-fit compressor for your needs.
Why Choosing the Right Compressor Matters
Selecting the right gas compressor isn’t just about capacity—it’s about:
Handling the right type of gas without damage
Achieving your required vacuum or discharge pressure
Ensuring system longevity under real-world conditions
Meeting environmental and safety regulations
Keeping long-term operational costs down
At Industrial Air Services, we help facilities across Tennessee make informed decisions using application data, system audits, and on-site evaluations. Let’s explore how the LB, HD, and NG series compare.
Blackmer LB Series – For Liquefied Gas Transfer (LPG, NH₃, Butane)
The LB Series is purpose-built for handling liquefied gases like:
Propane
Butane
Anhydrous ammonia (NH₃)
LPG blends
These gases are stored as liquids under pressure and vaporize easily, making gas-tight compression essential.
Key Features of the LB Series:
Available in single- or two-cylinder models
Ductile iron construction for strength and chemical resistance
Self-adjusting piston rod seals for reduced leakage
High-efficiency valves for faster transfer rates
Compact footprint for installation flexibility
Common Applications:
Bulk plant and terminal unloading
Railcar and truck loading
Vapor recovery (VRU systems)
Cylinder filling stations
Best For:
Operators handling liquid-vapor transfer in the propane and ammonia markets.
Need help sizing an LB compressor for your facility? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100.
Blackmer HD Series – For Industrial Gas Compression
The HD Series is designed for heavier or specialty gases like:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Nitrogen
Refrigerants (R134a, R404A)
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
Compressed air
This series is rugged and adaptable, offering configurations for oil-free or oil-lubricated operation.
Key Features of the HD Series:
Single-stage and two-stage models available
Air-cooled or water-cooled options
Oversized crankshaft and bearings for longer life
Heavy-duty oil system with pump and filters
Optional distance piece for gas containment
Common Applications:
Process gas transfer
Gas bottling and cylinder filling
Refrigerant recovery and reprocessing
Industrial cleaning systems
Best For:
Facilities handling inert or non-corrosive gases under variable pressures and duty cycles.
Interested in the HD Series for CO₂ or refrigerant handling? Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100.
Blackmer NG Series – For Natural Gas and Oilfield Operations
The NG Series is Blackmer’s answer to the challenges of natural gas compression, especially in upstream and midstream oil & gas.
Gas Types Handled:
Natural gas (methane)
Sour gas (H₂S-contaminated)
Biogas and landfill gas
Key Features of the NG Series:
Oil-free, distance-piece-separated design
Dual-seal rod sealing system
Corrosion-resistant materials for sour gas compatibility
Optional enclosed crankcase for hazardous areas
Configurable for horizontal or vertical mounting
Common Applications:
Wellhead compression
Vapor recovery from tanks and separators
Gas gathering and reinjection
Remote location compression stations
Best For:
Oilfield operators, biogas developers, and midstream gas processing systems.
Let Industrial Air Services help you design a VRU with the NG Series. Call (615) 641-3100.
Side-by-Side Comparison: LB vs. HD vs. NG
When comparing Blackmer's LB, HD, and NG Series compressors, it’s clear that each is optimized for different gases and operating conditions.
The LB Series is ideal for liquefied gases such as LPG, anhydrous ammonia, and butane. It’s oil-lubricated, air-cooled, and typically used in transfer or vapor recovery applications at industrial terminals or distribution facilities. These compressors feature a self-adjusting piston rod seal system and are best suited for standard-duty environments where basic customization is sufficient.
In contrast, the HD Series is engineered for industrial gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and various refrigerants. This line offers both oil-lubricated and oil-free configurations, with the flexibility of air- or water-cooled options. It is frequently used in process gas handling, bottling systems, and plant operations. The HD compressors provide a wide range of sealing options and are highly customizable to suit specific process requirements.
Finally, the NG Series is tailored for natural gas, biogas, and sour gas applications. These compressors are oil-free by design and use a dual-seal system with a full compartment distance piece to manage aggressive gas compositions safely. They are air-cooled and built for remote, hazardous environments such as wellhead recovery or gas gathering systems. The NG Series offers high customization levels and meets the rigorous demands of upstream oil and gas operations.
Real-World Example: Making the Switch from HD to NG
An East Tennessee energy operator was using HD compressors for natural gas recovery. While reliable, the HD series wasn’t ideal for the sour gas and moisture present in their application, they transitioned to NG Series compressors.
Results:
Reduced internal corrosion
Increased uptime from 88% to 97%
Lower service costs due to oil-free operation
Better emissions control compliance
Get Help Selecting the Right Compressor
With three high-performance lines tailored to specific gas types, Blackmer’s reciprocating compressors cover a wide spectrum of industrial and energy applications. But choosing the right series—LB, HD, or NG—depends on your specific gas, pressure, and environment.
That’s where Industrial Air Services comes in. We help:
Evaluate your application
Perform vacuum/gas flow analysis
Recommend the right compressor model and configuration
Provide full installation, maintenance, and support
Contact Industrial Air Services
📞 Call (615) 641-3100 to request a quote, schedule a system evaluation, or speak with a Blackmer compressor specialist.
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