
Blackmer Introduces Hydraulic Adapter Kit for LB080 and LB160 Series Reciprocating Gas Compressors
Blackmer, a part of PSG, a Dover (NYSE: DOV) company and a recognized global leader in rotating pumps and reciprocating compressor technologies, has announced the official launch of its new Hydraulic Adapter Kit. This latest innovation has been developed specifically to upgrade Blackmer® LB080 and LB160 Series Reciprocating Gas Compressors, which are widely used across mobile liquid petroleum gas (LPG) applications.
The introduction of the Hydraulic Adapter Kit reflects Blackmer’s continued commitment to advancing the efficiency, reliability, and adaptability of compressor technologies used in critical field operations. With mobile LPG distribution systems facing growing demands for lighter, more compact, and fuel-efficient solutions, the company has designed this kit to deliver practical performance improvements while also giving operators flexibility in both retrofits and new installations.
A Modern Upgrade for LPG Applications
The Hydraulic Adapter Kit (patent pending) has been carefully engineered to transform traditional compressor setups into compact, chassis-mounted, hydraulically-driven systems. Instead of relying on older, bulkier mechanical drive components, the new kit allows operators to streamline their systems by eliminating the need for flywheels.
This reduction not only helps save space on chassis-mounted applications but also decreases overall equipment weight—critical advantages for LPG delivery fleets where mobility, payload capacity, and fuel efficiency are key operational priorities.
For operators and equipment builders, the kit offers a dual advantage:
- It can be ordered as a retrofit solution, enabling existing compressor systems to be upgraded without full-scale replacements.
- It is also available as a factory-installed option on new LB080 and LB160 compressor builds, making it easier to integrate into fresh LPG transport designs.
Meeting Industry Needs Head-On
Ron Crouch, Product Management Director at Blackmer, highlighted the driving force behind the new product release.
“Operators in mobile LPG applications face constant pressure to reduce weight, save space, and increase efficiency,” said Crouch. “The Blackmer Hydraulic Adapter Kit directly addresses those issues by making upgrades easier and more effective, without the cost and complexity of a full system overhaul.”
The market for mobile LPG applications is competitive and cost-sensitive, with operators often challenged by fluctuating fuel costs, rising maintenance expenses, and tighter delivery schedules. By offering a straightforward, easy-to-install package, Blackmer provides operators with a cost-effective way to improve their performance and stay competitive in an evolving market.
Key Advantages of the Hydraulic Adapter Kit
Blackmer’s Hydraulic Adapter Kit has been designed with both performance and practicality in mind. Among its primary benefits are:
- Space Savings – By removing bulky flywheels, the kit significantly reduces system footprint, allowing operators to optimize vehicle layouts.
- Reduced Weight – Lowering system weight enhances mobility and payload flexibility, while also contributing to overall vehicle efficiency.
- Improved Fuel Economy – Less weight and more efficient hydraulic drive systems lead to better fuel efficiency, translating into lower operating costs.
- Simplified Installation – Unlike conventional setups that require precise shaft alignment, the adapter kit makes integration straightforward, reducing installation time and complexity.
- Minimized Downtime – The ease of integration and streamlined design ensures that operators can quickly upgrade or maintain systems without prolonged interruptions.
Together, these benefits make the Hydraulic Adapter Kit particularly appealing to operators looking to extend the lifespan and efficiency of their LPG compressors without investing in entirely new systems.
Supporting Both New and Existing Applications
Another key strength of the Hydraulic Adapter Kit is its versatility. Whether operators are working with aging equipment that needs modernization or building out new chassis-mounted LPG systems from the ground up, the kit provides a flexible solution.
“Whether you’re upgrading an older system or building out new applications, the Hydraulic Adapter Kit is important to a successful mobile LPG operation,” added Crouch. “It’s a straightforward, cost-effective solution for customers who want to enhance their compressors.”
By addressing both retrofit and new-build scenarios, Blackmer ensures that customers across the spectrum—from small fleet operators to large LPG distribution companies—can take advantage of the innovation.
Continuing a Legacy of Innovation
The launch of the Hydraulic Adapter Kit further strengthens Blackmer’s reputation for innovation in the LPG transport sector. For decades, Blackmer compressors have been relied upon for their durability, efficiency, and performance in demanding environments. The new kit builds on this legacy by ensuring that the LB080 and LB160 Series remain adaptable to the latest operational requirements and market trends.
As mobile LPG distribution systems continue to evolve, equipment manufacturers and operators alike are seeking technologies that combine reliability with forward-looking design. Blackmer’s Hydraulic Adapter Kit positions the company as a partner of choice for those aiming to optimize their operations while controlling costs.