Why is the inspection important for reciprocating compressors?
There are many versions of annual inspections.
Some maintenance staff only carry out the instructions of the manufacturer of the compressor block. We need to realise that the compressor block is part of a compressor unit built in complete installation. The instructions are only a guideline. Important user information fulfills the balanced maintenance plan. Effects like the start-stop cylus-part load or VSD drive can make a big difference to the maintenance plan. It may not sound logical, but a compressor installation in 24 hour operation needs less maintenance than a installation that operates only 2000 hours a year with twice the stops and starts. That is one of the reasons why VSD driven compressors need less maintenance. The key to this answer is the temperature of the lubrication oil. When a compressor experiences more stops and starts, a warming up of the oil is part of the starting procedure. During this process the oil experiences changes based on the change of temperature.
If we carry out a recommended inspection, we sometimes only concentrate on the valve plates. In fact, the compressor can provide us more information in the big–end bearings. We recommend to always check the big-end bearings or your compressor.
How can the big end bearings, which operate under the same conditions on the same crankshaft, show different wear?
The answer: imbalance in your compressor unit. Easy to restore if you find the indications in time; if not you experience unexpected damage.
We recommend including this small check in your inspections.
Other important facts that can show a imbalance in your reciprocating compressor:
- Increased oil consumption.
- Increased drainage of the shaft seal or more defects.
- By direct driven compressors- more e-motor bearings (more than once at 5 years)
- By V-Belt driven compressor units- more wear on V-belts.
If you expect that your compressor is related to the symptoms of imbalance feel free to contact us. We know the way to restore the balance.
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