Diaphragm compressor

The compression of gas occurs by means of a flexible membrane, instead of an intake element.

In the late 19th century William Burton started a workshop building pumps and air compressors at Nogent-sur-Oise, 60km north of Paris, France.

Henri Corblin, generally recognised as the inventor of the metallic diaphragm compressor, was based nearby in Paris itself and in 1923 he received a US patent for his invention and design work.

The photograph included in this section depicts a three-stage diaphragm compressor used to compress hydrogen gas to 6,000 psi (41 MPa) for use in a prototype hydrogen and compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station built in downtown Phoenix, Arizona by the Arizona Public Service company (an electric utilities company).

[1] The prototype alternative fueling station was built in compliance with all of the prevailing safety, environmental and building codes in Phoenix to demonstrate that such fueling stations could be built in urban areas.