What are the steps for starting and stopping a reciprocating compressor?

1. Notify the electrical and instrumentation team so that the maintenance staff can make preparations before starting up the equipment. 2. Check the compressor operation records; once it is confirmed to be in good working condition, prepare to start it up. 3. Check the oil level in the tank, start the lubricating oil pump, and verify that the oil temperature, pressure, and flow are normal. 4. Open the valves on the main inlet and outlet pipes of the cooling water as well as those on the branch pipes to allow water to flow into the cooling system. 5. Open the air supply valve and verify that the instrument air pressure is within the normal range. 6. Turn on the cylinder oil injection pump, as well as the nitrogen injection and vent valves for the cylinder. 7. Rotate the shaft: Rotate it 3–5 times to ensure that all moving parts operate smoothly without any obstruction. 8. Nitrogen purging: The nitrogen valve at the compressor inlet is opened to vent gas to the flare. Once purging is complete (oxygen content below 0.5%), the nitrogen valve is closed, and hydrogen is introduced for purging (oxygen content below 0.5%). 9. Startup: First, notify the control room to confirm that the SIS permits startup and that the on-site two-return-one process is functioning properly. Open the compressor outlet valve and start the main motor; then gradually open the compressor inlet. Inform the control room to monitor the pressure in the fresh hydrogen tank. After confirming normal operation under no-load conditions, gradually adjust the unloader to 100% position, while also notifying the control room to regulate the pressure in the fresh hydrogen tank using the two-return-one angle valve. 10. After the system is under load, check whether the sounds of all air valves and cylinders are normal. Once normal operation is achieved, verify that the compressor SIS interlock in the control room is activated. Shutdown procedure for the new hydrogen compressor: 1. Upon receiving the shutdown command, contact the dispatch team to prepare for shutdown. 2. Load reduction: Gradually close the unloader to 0, and at the same time inform the control room to shut off the two-return one-angle valve, paying attention to the pressure in the new hydrogen tank. 3. Close the inlet valve of the new hydrogen machine, open the secondary outlet vent valve to 1-2 threads, close the outlet valve of the new hydrogen machine, and then turn off the main motor. 4. Pressure relief and displacement: After the compressor has been depressurized, nitrogen is introduced into the inlet to displace the air inside the compressor for 3–5 minutes. 5. Stop the cylinder oil injection pump, as well as the nitrogen injection valve and the vent valve. 6. Stop the lubricating oil pump. Switching of the new hydrogen compressor: 1. Inform the electrical and instrumentation team so that the maintenance staff can prepare the standby unit for startup. 2. Check the operation records of the backup compressor; once it is confirmed to be in good working condition, prepare to start it up. 3. Check the oil level in the tank, start the lubricating oil pump, and check the oil temperature, pressure, and whether the flow is smooth. 4. Open the valves on the main inlet and outlet pipes of the cooling water as well as those on the branch pipes to allow water to flow into the cooling system. 5. Open the air supply valve and verify that the instrument air pressure is within the normal range. 6. Turn on the cylinder oil injection pump, as well as the nitrogen injection and vent valves for the cylinder. 7. Rotate the shaft: Rotate it 3–5 times to ensure that all moving parts operate smoothly without any obstruction. 8. Nitrogen purging: The nitrogen valve at the inlet of the backup compressor is opened to vent gas to the flare. Once purging is complete (with an oxygen content of less than 0.5%), the nitrogen valve is closed and hydrogen is introduced for purging. 9. Startup: First, notify the control room to confirm that the SIS permits startup and that the on-site two-return-one process is functioning properly. Open the outlet valve of the standby compressor, start the standby main motor, then slowly open the inlet valve of the standby compressor. Inform the control room to monitor the pressure in the new hydrogen tank. After confirming normal operation under no-load conditions, two persons work together to adjust the unloader of the standby compressor to 50% capacity, while simultaneously reducing the load on the operating compressor to 50%. Next, adjust the unloader of the standby compressor to 100% capacity, and at the same time reduce the load on the operating compressor to 0%. Inform the control room to regulate the pressure in the new hydrogen tank using the two-return-one angle valve. 10. After operation at full load, check whether the sounds of all gas valves and cylinders are normal. Once normal operation is confirmed, ensure that the SIS interlock systems for the compressors in the control room are active. 11. After the switch-over is complete, treat the compressor with reduced load as if it were shut down normally. After passing the pressure relief replacement test, it is used for maintenance or as a spare unit.

1. Confirm that the process flow is established and that all inlet and outlet valves are open. 2. The lubrication system is operating properly, with appropriate oil pressure and temperature. 3. The cooling water for the cylinders and packing is functioning correctly. 4. Perform a crank test. 5. Test the unloader to ensure it can operate properly at 50% and 100% load. 6. Inform the relevant instrument, electrical, dispatch, and equipment engineers to prepare for startup. 7. Coordinate with the control room staff to initiate startup

There should be standard operating procedures for the equipment!