Leaking packing in reciprocating hydrogen compressor
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This unit is equipped with a four-stage reciprocating fresh hydrogen compressor, with a pressure of 19.5 MPa at each stage. There is air leakage at the fourth-stage stuffing box, along with significant water leakage; could it be that the stuffing has failed due to a lack of nitrogen? Continuing to use it will it have an impact on the equipment itself? As a temporary measure, water should be drained on-site.
This post was last edited by tie008 on 2018-1-3 at 20:25. There is air leakage at the fill gland, along with significant water leakage~~~~~ This water is the cooling water for the fill gland; it is suspected that the O-rings used to seal the cooling water channels between various sections of the fill gland have failed (most likely due to improper installation). Under the current circumstances, if the temperature rise of the fill gland is not too high, it is possible to continue operating without shutting down the machine, as long as the leaking cooling water is properly contained and directed away from the viewing area, and is connected to the drainage system, so as to prevent contamination of the lubricating oil on the crosshead side by the water flowing along the piston rod. However, if the temperature rise of the fill gland exceeds the normal level by more than 20°C, it is recommended to shut down the machine to inspect and repair the fill gland. PS: If a pressure of 19.5 MPaG escapes, then no water will be visible~~~ Hehe.
Leakage of air and water can have many causes: aging of the packing, damage to the gaskets or O-rings between the packing glands, as well as damage resulting from poor control of pressure or temperature. Piston rod wear, etc
If the leakage is not severe, operation is possible, as the suction pressure is higher than that of the cooling water; therefore, water cannot enter the cylinder. The presence of water would likely accelerate the wear of the packing
It is recommended to shut down the machine for maintenance; if the rubber rings between the packing glands or those in the packing gland bodies are not repaired, inadequate monitoring can lead to serious consequences