PET Bottle Production Compression Solutions

PET bottles are commonly produced through stretch blow molding. During this process, a heated PET preform is mechanically stretched and expanded inside a mold using high pressure Air until it reaches the required bottle shape.

Because the compressed air comes into direct contact with the inside of the bottle, air quality is an important process requirement. Oil-free compression, suitable air treatment and controlled operating conditions help reduce contamination risks and support consistent bottle quality.

The compressor system must provide the required pressure and capacity across the production line’s operating range. Bottle format, blow-molding machine configuration, production rate, available inlet conditions and demand fluctuations all influence compressor selection.

Compressed air generation is also a significant energy consumer within PET production. Efficient compressor control and optional Compressed Air Recovery (C.A.R.) can reduce the amount of newly compressed air required by the production process.

With more than 80 years of experience in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made oil-free compressor solutions for PET bottle production. Within the LMF compressor portfolio, V-type compressors are used exclusively for PET applications.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

V-type Compressors

Recommended for oil-free high pressure air generation in PET bottle production. The compressor solution is individually configured according to the blow-molding system, required capacity, operating pressure and production profile.

  • Capacity:
    up to 2 400 m³/h (FAD)
  • Pressure:
    up to 40 bar
  • Power consumption:
    up to 400 kW
  • Oil-free compression with air quality according to ISO 8573 Class 1

Selected References 

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FAQs

High pressure air expands the heated PET preform against the mold during stretch blow molding. Stable pressure and sufficient air capacity are required to support repeatable bottle formation and continuous production.

The compressed air contacts the inside of the bottle during production. Oil-free compression helps reduce the risk of introducing oil into the process air and supports the required bottle and product quality.

LMF uses oil-free V-type compressors for PET bottle production. Within the current LMF compressor portfolio, V-type compressors are used exclusively for PET applications.

ISO 8573-1 classifies compressed-air purity separately for particles, water and total oil. The required class combination must be defined for the project. Compressor design, air treatment and operating conditions together determine the air quality delivered to the production process.

Compressed Air Recovery captures compressed air released by the blow-molding process for further use within the production system. Depending on the line configuration, this can reduce newly generated compressed-air demand and associated energy consumption.

Compressed Air Recovery makes part of the air released after the blow-molding process available for further use within the production system. This can reduce the amount of newly compressed air required and consequently lower compressor power demand. The achievable benefit depends on the blow-molding equipment, recovery pressure, production profile and overall compressed-air system.