SVL

Commercial HVAC

 Back

Howden - Compressors

Reciprocating Vertical Reciprocating Diaphragm Hybrid Oil-Injected Bare Shaft Screw Oil-Free Bare Shaft Screw Oil-Injected Screw Turbo Blowers and Compressors Single Shaft Multistage Horizontal Split Single Shaft Multistage Vertically Split Multistage Integrally-Geared Peripheral Roots® Rotary Lobe Blowers

Reciprocating Compressors

Reciprocating Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Reciprocating Compressor

The Howden Series C and P Reciprocating Compressors present a comprehensive range of volumes and pressures. The Thomassen C Series is one of the largest compressors in the world.

Where processes involve lower capacities, the Burton Corblin P Series is a fully integrated package that can incorporate control systems, regulation equipment, and other additional modules and utility packages required by the application. P Series compressors are delivered ready for installation and startup.

Key Features
  • Power up to 33 MW (pressure 600 bar)
  • Rod load up to 1,800 kN
Benefits
  • ​​The Free Floating Piston system uses a cushion of process gas to support the piston, eliminating rider ring wear and greatly extending intervals between maintenance.
Applications
  • ​Oil and gas production
  • Petrochemicals
  • Refining
  • Power generation
  • Iron and steel

Vertical Reciprocating Compressors

Reciprocating Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Vertical Reciprocating Compressor

The Howden Series SK and P vertical reciprocating compressors feature lower capacities than horizontal reciprocating compressors. They are the optimal solution for low-space locations and requirements.

Key Features
  • Capacity control through variable speed regulation, clearance pockets, and valve regulations
  • Single- to four-cylinder design
  • Optional design for dual-acting or single-acting cylinders when required by the application
Benefits
  • ​Multi- or single-stage compression on a small footprint
  • Water- or air-cooled to reduce the footprint further
  • Designed to assure easy access to components requiring routine maintenance
Applications
  • ​Biogas, biomass, food, pharmaceutical, chemical and textile industries, and the delivery of natural gas for turbines or corrosive gases like chlorine

Diaphragm Compressors

Reciprocating Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Diaphragm Compressor

Diaphragm compression is the technology of choice when complete hermetic separation is required, for example, handling rare, toxic, flammable, explosive, or radioactive gases.

Hybrid Compressors

Reciprocating Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Hybrid Reciprocating Compressor
A multi-stage development of the diaphragm compressor

The Howden “H” series is available in horizontal or vertical configurations of up to five compression stages, offering pressure increases of up to 450 bar while providing inter-stage cooling and purging of condensates. These units are suitable for virtually all dry gases including helium, hydrogen, and nitrogen.

Key Features
  • Water-cooled heads
  • Head Integrated Detection System (HIDS) on each compression head
  • Purged packing design (optional)
  • Three or four compression stage designs (optional)
  • Vertical and horizontal constructions
Benefits
  • ​Reciprocating technology facilitates accessible maintenance for site operators
  • Conservative rotation speed reduces fatigue
  • Compact skid-mounted designed to project and site specifications
  • Purged packing design option is available to collect leakage from piston compression stages
  • Dry compression ensures clean gas
Applications
  • ​​High-pressure compression solutions and all dry gases N2, H2 process.
  • Helium gas compression for bottling and aerospace
  • Dry gase compression for bottling
  • Dry HC, H2, N2 high pressure for process feeding, blanketing, and gas network

Oil-Injected Bare Shaft Screw Compressors

Screw Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Oil-Injected Bare Shaft Screw Compressor
Howden is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of twin screw compressors

Their wide range of oil-injected screw compressors is supplied globally and exclusively to their network of nominated compressor packaging customers and suppliers. Howden delivers high reliability and performance for refrigeration and gas compression applications.

Key Features
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Designed for long periods of continuous running
  • Choice of casing materials
  • Positive displacement design eliminates surging
  • Rotary action for vibration-free running
Benefits
  • ​Cost-effective to run and install
  • ​Reliable and easy to maintain
  • ​Long life and uses less power
  • ​Simple mechanical configuration
  • ​Minimized acoustic signature
Applications
  • High-integrity, low-maintenance solutions for liquid chilling, direct refrigeration, and gas compression applications

Oil-Free Bare Shaft Screw Compressors

Screw Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Oil-Free Bare Shaft Screw Compressor
Howden is a leading manufacturer and supplier of twin screw compressors

Their range of oil-free screw compressors is available in different configurations and materials, providing the most compact arrangement to allow the handling of gases with high levels of liquid, dirt, and particulates. These configurations are eminently suitable for hazardous or corrosive gases or where contamination is an issue.

Oil-Injected Screw Compressor Packages

Screw Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Oil-Injected Screw Compressor Packages

Howden specialises in the engineering, design, and manufacturing of high-specification process gas screw compressor systems, based around their range of proven and reliable bare shaft screw compressors.

Key Features
  • Synthetic oil is an integral part of the machine,  specifically engineered to suit the specific process. It can, for example, be designed to keep the gas within the machine at neutral acidity, whatever its original pH value.
Benefits
  • High discharge pressures
  • Integral capacity control
  • Compact and lightweight with few moving parts
  • Effective and efficient temperature and dew point control
Applications
  • Gas gathering
  • Sour gas handling
  • Gas re-liquefaction
  • Fuel gas boosting
  • Process refrigeration
  • Flash gas
  • Gas recycling

Oil-Free Screw Compressor Packages

Screw Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Oil-Free Screw Compressor Packages

​Howden’s oil-free screw compressor packages are available in different configurations and materials to provide the most compact arrangements, allowing the handling of gases with high levels of liquid, dirt, and particulates.

Long-term reliable and efficient performance
  • Surge-free, low-vibration operation
  • Low friction, high-speed operation, volumetric delivery and efficiency
  • Optimized rotor design to achieve flow volume with the lowest power
  • Temperatures up to 250 oC minimizing stages
Flexible to application duties
  • Nine frame sizes and two lengths
  • Horizontal casings for high capacity and easier access for maintenance
  • Vertical casings for high pressure or where space is at a premium
  • Casing, bearing, and seal options to suit technical and cost requirements
Control by design to match process requirements
  • Volume ratios set for the process
  • Temperature control via liquid injection for stability, less fouling and prevention of polymerization
  • Bottom discharge allows better drainage of liquid
Full package solution engineered to project specification
  • A complete solution designed and engineered bespoke to the project
  • API 619 compliant with minimal deviations
  • Wider scope of supply as required
Optimized operation enhanced by Howden Uptime
  • Condition monitoring of bearing temperatures, radial vibration and axial position
  • Howden Uptime delivers performance optimization by applying machine learning

Uptime is the world leading Rotating Equipment digital solution – Uptime Performance Monitoring

Turbo Blowers and Compressors

Centrifugal Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Turbo Blowers and Compressors

Howden turbo compressors feature an integrated or separate gearbox, tailored to your needs and application requirements. Their modular approach and the flexibility of their products ensure they deliver the ideal system.

Their range of turbo blowers encompasses industrial-type blowers used in the power, mining, and water industries. Howden also manufactures turbo compressors that are suited for API specification-type applications in the downstream oil and gas industry.

Single Shaft Multistage Horizontal Split

Centrifugal Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Single Shaft Multistage Horizontal Split

The Howden horizontal split centrifugal compressors (RM, RPI and Roots H Series) offer robust, proven services and outstanding lifespan. They produce an extensive range of multi-stage engineered units for oxygen, low-temperature coolants, corrosive atmospheres, and many other specialized applications.

Howden compressors have a proven record of reliable service in many industrial situations, including oil and gas, steel, chemical plants, and power generation.

Key Features
  • Different seals are available, including labyrinth, flooded with buffer gas, oil contact seals, floating ring seals, and dry gas seals
  • Inlet guide vanes can be applied for capacity control
Benefits​
  • ​Every unit is individually tailored for optimized lifespan performance, based on more than a century of continual improvement and expertise in compressor application engineering

Single Shaft Multistage Vertically Split

Centrifugal Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Single Shaft Multistage Vertical Split

Howden vertical compressors are designed for a wide variety of gases, therefore they can be applied in many applications and industries. The vertical split compressors provide the highest discharge pressures of their range of centrifugal compressors.

Key Features
  • Hermetically sealed using either dry gas, contact-type oil, or floating ring oil technology
Benefits
  • ​13 standard sizes (fully customized designs available)
Applications
  • Vertical split compressors are designed for a variety of gases used in the chemical industry, crude oil processing, urea production, and natural gas pipelines, treatment and storage.

Multistage Integrally-Geared Compressor

Centrifugal Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Multistage Integrally-Geared Compressor

Howden RKB Series integrally-geared centrifugal compressors feature a central low-speed bull gear driving one or more pinions with overhung impellers, resulting in a compact machine footprint.

This new family of dedicated impeller stages further improves on the already exceptional efficiency of their integrally-geared compressors, and individual stages or sections can be equipped with adjustable inlet vanes and intercoolers.

Key Features
  • Labyrinth seals or dry gas seals flooded with buffer gas separate the compressor stages from gear case oil space and prevent any airborne oil particles from entering the process gas space
  • Range from single stage air units up to API 617 state-of-the-art eight-stage CO2 compressors
Benefits
  • Recently redeveloped, assuring high efficiency
Applications
  • ​​Chemical industries, steel and mining urea production, CO2, air separation units.

Peripheral Compressor

Centrifugal Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Periflow® Compressors

Periflow® compressors are perfectly suited to industrial applications such as process gas recycling, pressure boosting, gas extraction and gas drying. Their exceptional flow control and suitability for wet and particulate-laden gases make them immensely versatile. Fully compliant with API, area protection requirements and site specifications, Periflow® has consistently demonstrated its worth in critical applications throughout the world.

Key Features
  • Up to 350 bar – 10 to 20,000 cmh capacity flow
  • Variable speed from 1000 to 6000 rpm
Benefits
  • The lightweight and small footprint are ideal in constrained situations like offshore applications
  • As simple to install as a rotating pump
  • Wet and dry seal options run from basic to high-containment designs.
  • No complex instrumentation or monitoring is needed. Flow is adjusted by the variable speed direct drive.
Applications
  • ​Oil and gas
  • Fluor
  • BOG

Roots® Rotary Lobe Blowers

Roots® Compressor

For More Information:
Manufacturer's Site
Roots® Rotary Lobe Blowers

​Since 1854, Howden has been continuously manufacturing and developing rotary positive displacement blowers under the industry respected name Roots®.

​Today, Howden produces robust, heavy-duty bi-lobe or tri-lobe designs that deliver reliable performance with innovative Whispair™ technology for low noise, and low pulsation compression.

Roots has its main manufacturing facilities including the original Roots factory in Connersville, IN (USA). The factory produces more than 25,000 machines yearly.

Key Features
  • Easy to install, with a small footprint
  • The acoustic enclosure is designed to provide up to 22 dBA free field attenuation
  • Broad operating performance range provides a multitude of efficient and compact solutions
  • Airflow from front to rear is designed for personnel safety and equipment reliability
  • Access to the air filter is convenient and designed to reduce pressure losses, improving reliability, and blower efficiency, protecting your investment.
Benefits
  • Small rotary performance
  • Flow rate: Up to 10,710 cmh (6,300 cfm)
  • Pressure: Up to 15 psig
  • Vacuum: Up to 28” Hg
  • Large rotary performance
  • Flow rate: Up to 120,000 cmh (70,000 cfm)
  • Pressure: Up to 35 psig
  • Vacuum: Up to 28” Hg and high vacuum
  • Custom design available for high static pressures
Applications

Small lobe blowers are designed to work on trucks, while the bigger blowers operate in applications such as vacuum filtration, drying, and materials handling.

Back to Manufacturer
Contact Us

Contact Us

    Reason for Contacting

    Get in TouchBillingEventsTraining/SeminarLiterature/Graphics/LogosEngineering ProjectsOther

    Please prove you are human by selecting the key.

    This will close in 0 seconds

    Parts Inquiry

      Please prove you are human by selecting the tree.

      This will close in 0 seconds

      Equipment Inquiry

        Please prove you are human by selecting the cup.

        This will close in 0 seconds

        Shipping Date/IOM Manuals/Wiring Diagrams Request

          Please prove you are human by selecting the key.

          Please prove you are human by selecting the plane.

          This will close in 0 seconds

          Question for Sales Engineers

            Please prove you are human by selecting the star.

            This will close in 0 seconds

            Service Contact

              Please prove you are human by selecting the plane.

              This will close in 0 seconds

              Aftermarket Parts

                Please prove you are human by selecting the flag.

                This will close in 0 seconds

                General Job Application

                  Please prove you are human by selecting the plane.


                  This will close in 0 seconds

                  Hydronics Contact Form

                    Please prove you are human by selecting the key.

                    This will close in 0 seconds

                    Viral Mitigation Contact Form

                      Please prove you are human by selecting the flag.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Jim Lubratt

                      President & Chief Executive Officer

                      Jim Lubratt has been president of SVL since 2006. He first joined the company as a sales engineer in 1992 and was made a partner in 2000. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University and first entered the HVAC industry as a marketing engineer for a heat pump manufacturer in Texas.

                      In addition to his role at SVL, Jim is vice president of AQC Industries, LLC, a manufacturer of specialized underground ductwork systems. He is also an investor and board member for Hydromx, Inc., a manufacturer of heat transfer nanofluids, and Crotega, Inc., creators of personal and building security solutions.

                      Jim and his wife, Tracy, met in college and married in 1993. They have three children, two of whom have graduated college in Texas, while their youngest is attending Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

                      Outside of work, Jim places a priority on his faith, family, friends, and fitness. He enjoys helping people-supporting charities, time with his wife and kids, road-biking with friends and efforts to stay physically fit.

                      A message from Jim on the achievements of SVL

                      SVL started in February 1967 by Charlie Schwab and Craig Vollhaber. Schwab-Vollhaber, Inc. (as it was named at the time) steadily grew and, in 1985, welcomed Paul Lubratt as another partner, becoming Schwab-Vollhaber-Lubratt, Inc. SVL’s founders had the determination to build the most talented, customer-focused HVAC representative in the Midwest. Our original drive and passion still shape the company and culture to this day. The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual. From humble beginnings, SVL founders paved the way to industry success with hard work and determination. “Today, SVL is strongly organized with great people to lead our industry forward as we are challenged with fast-paced changes to reduce our environmental impact,” says Jim. Now, 55+ years later, SVL is under the leadership of two new principals who share the same vision and drive that has propelled SVL throughout the years. Built on a foundation of integrity, Jim Lubratt, and Charlie Vollhaber strive to ensure opportunities for personal growth, improved work environment, and shared life enrichment. The achievements of our organization are the results of the combined efforts of every individual.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Charlie Vollhaber

                      Executive Vice President & Officer

                      Charlie Vollhaber is a third-generation employee at SVL, as a grandson of company co-founder Craig Vollhaber and son of former CEO Todd Vollhaber. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and an MBA, both from the University of Minnesota. He became an outside salesman for SVL in 2013, was made a partner in 2019, and then executive vice president and officer in 2022.

                      He grew up playing sports, including football, basketball, golf, and track, and enjoys the competitive nature of the HVAC industry. “I like that no two days are ever the same as there are always questions to answer and problems to solve,” he says. “Most of all, I enjoy working with great people and coordinating together on challenging projects to achieve positive results together.”

                      Outside of work, Charlie enjoys spending time with his wife, Lesley, and their three boys. He’s also fond of golfing, traveling, and attending concerts and sporting events. One of his favorite quotes is from the book of Philippians: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Because HVAC and construction is such a team effort, he says, “this mindset helps to create positive results in a vast majority of situations.”

                      A message from Charlie on the culture of SVL

                      “At SVL, we strive to cultivate a unique culture that revolves around finding and empowering exceptional individuals. We believe in equipping our team members with the right tools and resources to succeed.

                      As we’ve grown the business, we have deliberately maintained a small firm culture, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. We encourage open dialogue and promote a sense of comfort among our employees, allowing anyone to ask questions and seek guidance from anyone else, regardless of their level within the organization.

                      We foster a workshop-like atmosphere where everyone’s contribution is valued. Presenting your work to another individual or a group of teammates provides a platform for collaboration, where ideas are shared, dissected, and improved collectively. We firmly believe in the power of mentoring and provide various avenues for both formal and informal guidance. Whether it’s through structured training programs or casual conversations, we encourage team members to discuss a wide range of topics, from work-related successes or issues to everyday personal life topics.

                      In summary, our culture is built on the foundation of attracting exceptional individuals, empowering them with the necessary tools, and fostering a collaborative environment where mentorship and growth thrive. We are committed to creating an atmosphere where every team member feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Al Gramse

                      Vice President of SVL Service Corporation

                      Al Gramse has been in the HVAC industry for over 30 years. He began as a service technician.  Then over his career worked in technical support, building automation, then service manager prior to his current role.

                      How did Al end up in the HVAC industry?  “After high school, I took a couple years to figure out what I wanted to do.   Where I was working at the time, a grumpy old coworker, who I didn’t get along with, walked up to me and said ‘What are you doing here?  Go back to school.’”  I said, “For what?”  He said “There’s a tech school down the street.  Go down there and pick something that interests you”. Then he walked away.  That weird interaction, with someone I didn’t get along with, sent me down a 30-year path in the HVAC industry.   Never underestimate the potential of a little encouragement.   Even if it is from a strange source.

                      Al has been with SVL for 15 years and is the head of our SVL Service division. “The people here are some of the best in the industry,” Al says. “A bunch of team-oriented, knowledgeable, go-getters.” His personal mantra is “figure it out,” “Do a little fact-finding on your own. Use your own brain before you use someone else’s. But know when to ask for help.” he prescribes. “It’s amazing what you can accomplish on your own if you dig in a little bit.”

                      Outside of work, Al has lots of outdoor hobbies, including hunting, fishing, and motorcycling, though his favorite pastime is simply hanging out with family.

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Jennifer Roach

                      Director of Marketing, Events & Administration

                      More than just a creative director, Jen brings 30 years of marketing and leadership magic to SVL. Her journey began in the trenches of graphic design, quickly evolving into crafting eye-catching campaigns for iconic brands like Target, Gabberts, Gander Mountain and Camping World. As a seasoned director and agency veteran, she honed her skills with recreational vehicle giant Parts Unlimited before leading creative teams at HOM Furniture and, ultimately, landing at SVL during a crucial growth phase.

                      Jen thrives on "servant-leadership," empowering her team and fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect. "It unlocks their potential, fuels creativity, and leads to work we're all proud of," she says. "I want my team to care, collaborate, and push boundaries together."

                      When not shaping impactful campaigns, Jen enjoys weekend adventures with her husband, Scott, and son, Crew. Their lives are a tapestry of shared passions, from bike rides and baking experiments to cheering on Simley High School wrestlers. And with her recently built forever home in Cottage Grove, her free time now includes a new, thrilling chapter: weekend renovation warrior!

                      This will close in 0 seconds

                      Mike Ruff

                      Vice President of Information Technology

                      Mike Ruff, the Vice President of Information Technology at SVL Inc., is a seasoned professional with an impressive 24-year tenure in the IT industry. His journey in the field is marked by extensive experience and expertise in various domains, including serving as a Cloud Architect focusing on Azure Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and both B2B and B2C solutions. Mike’s skills extend to being a Security Architect, where he has honed his knowledge in safeguarding digital assets, and he is also proficient in the Microsoft 365 stack, virtualization, routing, switching, and wireless technologies.

                      Beyond his professional roles, Mike is deeply passionate about technology in all its forms, which is evident in his career and personal hobbies. His love for technology is not just limited to his work but also spills over into his leisure activities. In the summertime, Mike enjoys the thrill of riding his motorcycle, embracing the freedom and adventure it brings. When winter arrives, he switches gears to snowboarding, seeking the excitement and challenge of the snowy slopes. These hobbies reflect Mike’s dynamic personality and continuous pursuit of technically engaging and physically exhilarating activities.

                      Mike Ruff's blend of professional expertise and personal passions make him a unique and valuable asset to SVL Inc., embodying a perfect synergy of technical acumen and a zest for life's adventurous aspects.

                      This will close in 0 seconds