What defines a two-stage compression system?

A two-stage compression system is defined by the use of at least two compressors that compress the gas in series. This means that the first compressor raises the pressure of the gas to a certain level, and then the gas is transferred to a second compressor that further increases the pressure to the desired level. This staged approach allows for more efficient compression, as each compressor can be optimized for its specific stage, reducing the overall energy consumption and improving performance.

In a two-stage system, the gas may also be cooled between the two stages to enhance efficiency and prevent overheating. This method allows for higher compression ratios to be achieved compared to a single-stage compression system, making two-stage systems particularly advantageous in applications requiring high pressures.