What are the precautions for starting a reciprocating compressor in winter?

In my opinion, it is best to avoid switching to reciprocating compressors in winter, as problems are likely to arise. I think attention should be paid to the freezing that can occur due to water content in the nitrogen used by the load regulator; although the amount of water is small, it can affect the loading process when the compressor starts up during winter, especially when the weather is very cold. The load regulator may be impaired in its functions as a result of this freezing

1. The lubricating oil temperature should be above 15 degrees; otherwise, heating is necessary. 2. Preheat the compressor system before starting, ensuring that conditions such as the intake air temperature are met. If steam is available, it can be used to preheat equipment such as the buffer tank. If the gas aftercooler is not shared, make sure that the water inside it has not frozen. Also, drain any condensate from other equipment and purge them with nitrogen to prevent it from entering the cylinders. 3. Check whether the instrument control systems of the standby units are functioning properly, especially the temperature measurement instruments

Switch as little as possible; gradually increase the load (that is, preheat it)

There are many things to keep in mind; in my opinion, the main ones are as follows: 1. The lubricating oil system – the temperature should not be too low, to prevent issues such as clogged oil filters, insufficient oil levels, and excessive oil pressure； 2. Cooling system: Check whether the aircraft body, gas cooler, and oil cooler are functioning properly to prevent freezing ； 3. Gas-water separation system: Check whether the separated water freezes at the bottom ； 4. Use electrical and instrumentation tools to check whether the measured components are frozen or malfunctioning ； 5. If there is a load regulation system, first check whether the load regulation is functioning properly.

The biggest problem is the lubricating oil, especially oils with high viscosity such as 150# oil, which almost solidifies in the winters of the north. Therefore, the oil needs to be heated before starting the oil pump; otherwise, the pump will not start.

No-load testing is the most crucial; the oil pressure must be normal. Additionally, the valves of coolers at all levels must not be closed when they are in standby mode. Prevent frost cracking.

I’ve learned that in winter, it’s really important to ensure the proper temperature of the lubricant. The main consideration is that if the temperature is too low, the mechanical properties of metal materials decline, and frequent starting and stopping can lead to accidents. On our side, there are loads that can be adjusted (0–50–100), as well as those that cannot be adjusted. It’s still better to have a load regulator

The main problem we encounter is that the oil pressure is too high at lower temperatures (due to increased viscosity).

The discussions by the users above are good; to add more: since the oil has high viscosity, it’s necessary to provide proper heating or warming. The heating system for the instruments is in good condition

We all had brief repairs midway; the shutdown lasted at most an hour. When starting up, it’s necessary to carefully check whether the oil pressure has risen, with everything else remaining as usual.

Also, at the beginning of startup, it is essential to closely monitor the oil pressure and oil temperature. The temperatures of the oil in the oil separator (or cylinder block) and that in the oil cooler are generally different at the start-up stage; the oil temperature in the oil cooler is lower. Therefore, unstable oil temperatures and pressures may occur during the initial startup period, and it is necessary to frequently adjust the flow rate of the cooling medium in the oil cooler (which is usually water).

Before starting the machine in winter, the following points should be checked: 1. The temperature of the lubricating oil should be above the requirements for starting (i.e., its viscosity should not be too high; the heating system should remain on for standby machines, and the hand valve of the cooler should be turned down). Pay attention to adjusting the oil temperature after starting the machine. 2. Conduct drainage and anti-freezing inspections on coolers, separators, buffer tanks, and water stations. 3. Perform a preheating inspection by venting the system from the outlet; if the safety valves are below the flare line, heating should be provided to ensure that there is no freezing in the gas valves, pipelines, and various safety valves. 4. Check the unloading condition of each unloader to ensure there is no freezing. (One of our company’s workshops experienced a situation where freezing of the gas supply led to starting the machine under load, resulting in the explosion of the third cylinder.) 5. Check and verify the instrumentation system

Affected by oil temperature, and according to a certain startup sequence, the no-load time is long