Abnormal noise issues in reciprocating compressors
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After this maintenance, our reciprocating machine makes quite a lot of noise – a clanging sound. During the maintenance, the gaps on both sides were adjusted to over 3 millimeters each; there shouldn’t be any problem with that. But the noise is still quite loud. What’s going on? Has anyone experienced something similar? How to deal with it?
Is your reciprocating machine for liquids or gases? The cause of this knocking sound can be not only the head cylinder, but also excessive clearance in the connecting rods or crankshaft, as well as inadequate bolt tightening and various process-related factors. It is recommended to shut down the machine immediately for inspection and repair. Otherwise, the losses will increase.
First, check the condition of the cylinder packing gland to see if there is any looseness or excessive axial clearance； Also, check the gas inlet and outlet buffer tanks to see if there is any \"vapor space liquid\" phenomenon ； Check the intake and exhaust valves again to see if there is sludge, and to verify that the valve plates and springs are in good condition. Check again the tightness of the connection between the piston rod and the piston, and see if the support rings and piston rings are in good condition. If everything is normal, proceed promptly with the overhaul procedure to thoroughly inspect the crosshead, connecting rods, big end bearings, crankshaft, and main bearing shells.
It’s probably the sound of a valve that isn’t properly tightened. Your valve should have set screws; check whether it’s for intake or exhaust air, and just tighten it
Check the air valve and the support ring; if those are fine, then check whether the piston and piston rod are loose. Verify that the motor parameters are within acceptable limits, and finally inspect the gaps in various components such as the connecting rod and crosshead
Is the clearance at the stop point 3 mm on both the shaft side and the cover side? It can’t be the same, right? The value on the cover side should be larger
In the case of loud noises, it is necessary to determine where the sound is coming from. If this cannot be determined, the following aspects should be checked: 1. Whether the gas-liquid separator at the front end of the cylinder is being drained regularly, or whether the amount of liquid in the medium has increased. Sometimes, a drop in temperature can also cause the medium to condense, resulting in an increase in the liquid content. 2. Check whether there is any looseness in the connection between the piston rod and the crosshead. 3. Check whether the connection bolts of the large-end bearing or main shaft bearing are loose. 4. If the compressor’s exhaust temperature is high, it is advisable to increase the dead center clearance on the cylinder head side.
I don’t think there was any cylinder collision; it has been inspected, and such a collision would have been detected. What size is your compressor? Could it be that the piston rings aren’t properly seated, causing the piston to experience friction due to its own weight and against the lower part of the cylinder? Is there wear on the gas ring?
Agree with the above view; check the piston to see if the grooves in the piston rings and support rings have widened, as well as whether the piston rings and support rings become loose during operation