Seeking advice on reciprocating compressor issues
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Why is the inlet temperature of the circulating water for the cylinder and the packing different in a reciprocating compressor? I’m new to compressors, and on-site I saw that the inlet temperature of the circulating water for the packing was 28°C, while that of the cooling water for the cylinder was 58°C. Why is that? Also, in the diagram below, is the measuring device attached to the piston rod used to measure the displacement of the piston rod?
It is a process requirement that the temperatures of the filler cooling water and the cylinder cooling water be different. To prevent liquid slugging, piston compressors require that the temperature of the cylinder cooling water be at least 6°C higher than the inlet dew point temperature. If the process gas has a high dew point, an independent circulating water station is required to maintain the temperature of the cylinder cooling water. The photo is not clear, but it should be a probe for the piston rod position.
It is best to base things on the process parameters specified in the operating procedures, the equipment workflow, and the equipment structure, while learning from on-site technicians by asking questions and communicating frequently. Don’t think that just because it’s the internet era, everything is possible. Because you are in a confused state now, and you don’t know much about some of the elements required for formulating certain questions; for example, the details of your questions as indicated on this sheet are not clear. It’s just a suggestion.
The device located on top of the piston rod is a probe for detecting the downward displacement of the piston rod
Isn’t it true that having coolers and drain valves at various levels in the unit makes things much safer?
It depends on the specific process. During project design, the design institute will consider whether these are necessary based on actual applications and the composition of the gases
The probe on the piston rod is used to measure the downward movement of the piston rod, that is, to monitor the wear of the support ring. If the operation manual specifies a water inlet temperature of 58°C for the cylinder, it may be related to the medium or the process.
The lower the temperature of the cylinder, the better it isn’t; however, a lower temperature for the packing is advantageous.
Large temperature difference? Look at the direction the water is flowing.