Reciprocating compressor symbol
A reciprocating compressor compresses gas with pistons in cylinders. It reaches high pressures on smaller flows.
What the reciprocating compressor symbol means
A reciprocating compressor compresses gas with pistons in cylinders. It reaches high pressures on smaller flows.
How it is drawn
A rectangle cylinder with a piston and rod, sometimes inside a circle, with suction and discharge on the cylinder.
The reciprocating compressor symbol in each standard
Drawn as on most US-style legend sheets.
Compressor, vacuum pump, reciprocating piston type. The compressor circle with the piston mark inside.
ISO SVG
German (DIN): Kolbenverdichter. See DIN P&ID symbols.
Where you see it on a P&ID
On instrument air, hydrogen, fuel gas boosting and high-pressure gas services.
Tag codes
The reciprocating compressor is commonly tagged:
- K
- C
Tag formats follow the project numbering procedure. For instruments, the letters follow ISA 5.1, explained on the instrument symbols page.
Related symbols
Frequently asked questions
What does the reciprocating compressor symbol look like on a P&ID?
A rectangle cylinder with a piston and rod, sometimes inside a circle, with suction and discharge on the cylinder.
What is a reciprocating compressor used for?
A reciprocating compressor compresses gas with pistons in cylinders. It reaches high pressures on smaller flows. You will find it on instrument air, hydrogen, fuel gas boosting and high-pressure gas services.
What tag does a reciprocating compressor have?
It is commonly tagged K, C. The exact tag format comes from the project numbering procedure and the legend sheets.
Is the reciprocating compressor symbol the same in ISA and ISO?
No. The compressor circle with the piston mark inside. The ISO 10628-2 registration number is X8097. Always check the legend sheets at the front of the P&ID set.
What is the reciprocating compressor called in German?
Kolbenverdichter. On a German R&I-Fließschema it is drawn to DIN EN ISO 10628-2.
- In production since 2014
- Thousands of daily users
- On MODEC FPSO projects since 2016