Compression limits: Industrial compressors can deliver gases up to approximately what maximum pressure (order of magnitude)?

Introduction / Context:
Compressors are used across industry to raise gas pressure. The achievable delivery pressure depends on compressor type (centrifugal, screw, reciprocating), staging, inter-cooling, materials, and application. Knowing realistic pressure ceilings helps in selecting equipment.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Multistage reciprocating compressors provide the highest delivery pressures among standard industrial equipment.
• We seek an order-of-magnitude upper bound commonly cited for industrial practice.

Concept / Approach:
Centrifugal and rotary compressors excel at high flow, moderate pressures; reciprocating compressors in multiple stages with intercooling can achieve very high pressures. Typical upper limits cited in chemical engineering references are on the order of hundreds to about a thousand atmospheres for specialized service.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify high-pressure class: multistage reciprocating units.Compare options: 10 atm (too low), 100 atm (common), 250 atm (high), 1000 atm (upper industrial limit).Select 1000 atm as the representative maximum in the list.

Verification / Alternative check:
Manufacturers’ data and design texts document reciprocating compressors used to several hundred bar (approaching 1000 atm in specialized cases).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 10–250 atm: achievable but not the upper extreme.
• 5000 atm: far beyond standard compressor design and enters research regimes.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all compressors have the same limits; overlooking staging and intercooling, which enable high discharge pressures.

Final Answer:
1000 atmospheres