Overhung axial compressor, chemical reactor and method for compressing a fluid. The overhung axial compressor includes a casing configured to be vertically split along a vertical axis for access to an inside of the casing and a removable cartridge. The removable cartridge is configured to fit inside the casing and to be detachably attached to the casing. The removable cartridge includes a shaft disposed along a horizontal axis, the shaft being configured to rotate about the horizontal axis, a bearing system attached to the removable cartridge and configured to rotationally support a first end of the shaft, and plural blades disposed toward a second end of the shaft such that the second end is overhung inside the casing. The compressor also includes a guide vane mechanism configured to connect to the removable cartridge, the guide vane mechanism being configured to adjust a flow of a fluid to the plural blades.