Ariel Corporation’s 70,000th Milestone
The KBH hydrogen compressor marks the 70,000th compressor shipped by Ariel since its founding in 1966 by the late Jim Buchwald.
HOERBIGER Hydrogen Compressor Package (HCP500) featuring the Ariel KBH compressor. The package was unveiled at the newly opened Trnava Packaging Facility in Slovakia.
The KBH Hydrogen Fueling Compressor
Ariel Corporation is entering the hydrogen mobility market with its latest compressor, the KBH. The world’s leading manufacturer of reciprocating gas compressors has teamed up with one of its European packaging partners, HOERBIGER, to package their first commercial KBH compressor which will ship to H2Mobility in Germany later this year. This marks the 70,000th compressor shipped by Ariel since its founding in 1966 by the late Jim Buchwald.
The vertically-oriented reciprocating compressor is designed to meet the required pressure and mechanical availability demands that are not currently available in the hydrogen mobility market. The KBH high-flow compression solution can handle various inlet and outlet pressures for multiple hydrogen applications. It is capable of compressing hydrogen gas to pressures up to 7,250 psig (500 barg) with over 250 kg/hr for trailer filling, hydrogen mobility, and other hydrogen storage and transport needs.
Ariel’s state-of-the-art hydrogen test facility in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
To maintain high gas purity, the KBH does not require cylinder lubrication and features the latest advanced materials to ensure optimal compression efficiency and reliability. To validate performance and component life, a KBH compressor is currently in operation at Ariel’s state-of-the-art hydrogen test facility in Mount Vernon, Ohio. Running on 100% hydrogen, it is accumulating run hours at its full rated speed and discharge pressure.
What’s in a Name?
One cannot spend much time within the Ariel culture without realizing how the company values family, employees, and customers - and the impact each group brings to the organization. That said, in keeping with family tradition, Ariel continues their unique model naming convention by naming its newest compressor the KBH, in honor of Karen Buchwald Wright and in memory of her late son, Hunter N. Wright.
Alex and Sam Wright alongside serial number 70,000, an Ariel KBH, before shipment to Slovakia.
Karen Buchwald Wright previously held the position of President and CEO and currently serves as Ariel’s Chairman of the Board. She is the daughter of founder Jim Buchwald. A champion of Mount Vernon, Ohio, she continues her philanthropic work within the community as Chairman of the Ariel Foundation.
Hunter N. Wright, who worked for Ariel starting in 2015 as Director of Corporate Quality before being promoted to President, passed away in 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. Hunter enjoyed being surrounded by people and understood the positive impact of investing in people’s lives as well as allowing others to invest in his. Having been involved with its initial planning, it’s fitting to name one of Ariel’s most innovative products, and 70,000th milestone, in memory of Hunter and the influence he had on those who knew him.
