Rotation direction of reciprocating compressors
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A reciprocating compressor (of the type with two rows in a symmetrical arrangement) has been installed and is ready for no-load testing. According to the testing procedure provided by the manufacturer, the rotation direction of the compressor is clockwise when viewed from the motor side (the direction is not specified in the factory documentation). During the testing phase, the main oil pump did not deliver sufficient flow. The manufacturer now says that the direction of operation is incorrect and that it needs to be reversed (as opposed to the clockwise direction used initially). I would like to ask: Since the manufacturer did not provide design specifications indicating the direction of rotation, will reversing the operation now (for long-term use) have any impact on the various components of the compressor? Is the compressor designed to function regardless of whether it rotates in one direction or the other (excluding shaft-mounted pumps)?
The main oil pump of a reciprocating compressor rotates together with the main shaft; if the external gear pump rotates in the opposite direction, the compressor will not receive lubrication. Therefore, the rotation direction of the oil pump also serves as a indicator of the compressor’s rotation direction.
Primarily, there are requirements regarding the type of bearing used; in the case of sliding bearings, the bearing shells must have a defined direction of rotation. There are no rolling bearings. Additionally, the manufacturer must provide relevant installation and usage instructions, which shall serve as the basis. They will be held responsible if any problems arise. For reference.
We have also encountered this situation: in cases where the bearings are sliding bearings, the main oil pump was installed incorrectly; according to the design, when the spindle rotates in one direction the main oil pump does not deliver sufficient flow, but it works properly when the spindle rotates in the opposite direction
The space is limited, costs need to be saved, and a separate main oil pump cannot be installed. I still envy those like you: lol
This is a continuous production facility, with the compressor being the main unit; the equipment cannot stop operating, so two oil pumps have been installed, one in use and one as a backup.