Introduction and Company Overview

Howden BC Compressors, part of the Howden Group, specializes in designing and manufacturing heavy-duty reciprocating compressor packages under the Burton Corblin® brand. With over 120 years of experience, the company delivers custom-engineered compressor solutions focused on safety, reliability, and performance for critical industrial applications worldwide.

Historical Background

The Burton Corblin® brand emerged from the 1971 merger of Burton (established over 120 years ago) and Corblin, the inventor of the metal diaphragm compressor. This merger combined piston and diaphragm compressor technologies into advanced hybrid machinery. In 1995, the company joined the Howden Group, a global leader in air and gas handling.

Product Portfolio and Applications

Burton Corblin® compressors are custom-designed for continuous heavy-duty operation across multiple sectors:

• Energy: Power generation (fossil fuel, nuclear), gas feeds, waste gas recovery, hydrogen storage.
• Aerospace and Defence: High-pressure helium testing, rocket booster trials, naval vessels.
• Industries & High Tech: Continuous manufacturing lines requiring high pressure or purity gases.
• Chemical and Petrochemical: Handling corrosive, flammable, toxic, bio-hazardous gases at extreme conditions.
• Oil and Gas: Reliable operation in harsh, offshore, and remote environments.
• Industrial Gases: Hermetic isolation for ultra-high purity, rare, and electronic gases.

Technical Specifications and Standards

• Maximum pressures: up to 3,000 bar (43,500 psi) for diaphragm compressors; up to 250 bar (3,600 psi) for piston compressors.
• Power ratings: up to 2,500 kW (3,400 hp) for piston compressors; 400 kW (540 hp) for diaphragm compressors.
• Inlet volumes: up to 20,000 m³/h (11,750 cfm) for piston compressors; 200 m³/h (117 cfm) for diaphragm compressors.
• Compliance with API 618 and other relevant industry standards.

Burton Corblin® Piston Compressors

• Over 2,500 packages installed globally, reflecting extensive expertise.
• Non-lubricated cylinders designed for high reliability and specification.
• Custom designs tailored to specific installation needs.
• Fully integrated packages including control systems, gas treatment, and regulation equipment.
• Heavy-duty engineering with conservative operating speeds to reduce fatigue and advanced cooling methods.
• Capability to combine piston technology with diaphragm heads for pressures up to 410 bar.

Burton Corblin® Diaphragm Compressors

• Designed for hermetic sealing and zero contamination applications.
• Compression ratios up to 15:1 in a single stage.
• Operating pressures up to 3,000 bar.
• Unique three-layer metal diaphragm assembly with patented Head Integrity Detection System (HIDS) for continuous diaphragm integrity monitoring.
• Ideal for handling high purity, toxic, flammable, corrosive, explosive, or radioactive gases.

Head Integrity Detection System (HIDS)

HIDS is a critical safety feature that continuously monitors the diaphragm assembly for leaks or contamination. It uses a middle diaphragm layer with detection channels that trigger immediate shutdown upon breach, protecting the environment and ensuring user safety.

Design and Testing

Each compressor package is custom engineered based on detailed technical analysis of operational and environmental requirements. Comprehensive mechanical and performance testing is conducted before delivery, including noise, vibration, pulsation, temperature, mechanical load, pressure, and speed evaluations.

Aftermarket Support and Services

• Maintenance contracts with regular expert inspections to maximize uptime and efficiency.
• OEM spare parts and subassembly repairs adhering to original specifications for compatibility and performance.
• Upgrades and modernization of control and monitoring systems.
• Global troubleshooting and technical support leveraging Howden’s worldwide expertise.

Summary

Howden BC Compressors’ Burton Corblin® range offers highly reliable, custom-engineered reciprocating compressor solutions for demanding industrial applications. Their combination of piston and diaphragm technologies, advanced safety systems like HIDS, and comprehensive global support make them a trusted choice across energy, aerospace, chemical, oil and gas, and industrial gas sectors.

Additional Company Information

Howden Group Ltd operates globally with engineering, manufacturing, and sales offices worldwide, enabling effective local market support. The Howden and flying H logo are registered trademarks of Howden Group Limited, while Burton Corblin is a registered trademark of Howden BC Compressors. Further details are available at www.howden.com.