In a two-stage system, how do the sizes of compressors typically compare?

In a two-stage compression system, the sizing of compressors is generally determined by the pressure ratios they need to achieve. The low stage compressor is responsible for drawing in the gas and initially compressing it to a medium pressure before it is passed to the high stage compressor, which further compresses the gas to the desired high pressure for delivery or subsequent processes.

As a result, low stage compressors tend to be larger. Their function is to handle a greater volume of gas at a lower pressure, requiring them to have a larger displacement compared to the high stage compressor. The high stage compressor, while critical, typically operates on a smaller volume as it compresses gas that has already been pre-compressed by the low stage. This fundamental design aspect in two-stage systems leads to the scenario where low stage compressors are indeed larger than their high stage counterparts.

In summary, this configuration is efficient for managing different stages of gas compression, making the distinction in sizes a necessary aspect of system design.