How to determine and check for air leakage in the valves of a reciprocating CO2 compressor?
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Dear marine friends, how do you determine and check for air leaks in the valves of reciprocating CO2 compressors?
The issue mentioned by the poster is essentially about determining whether there is a fault with the air valve; generally, one should first look, then touch, and finally listen. See, it’s about judging by the pressure in each section ； The second method involves judging based on temperature ； The third method of listening involves using the earpiece to listen, and judging by the sound produced by the air valve.
A leak can also be detected by checking the compressor’s exhaust volume and current
A malfunction in the cylinder inlet valve is manifested by changes in pressure and temperature; there is initial noise, along with slight banging sounds and various abnormal noises, as well as a hissing sound indicating air leakage； Due to damaged or faulty valves, gas flows back and gets compressed repeatedly, which causes the temperature of the gas entering this section to rise, as well as abnormal heating of the valve cover or valve chamber ； Air leakage causes the inlet pressure in this section to rise while the outlet pressure drops. A malfunction in the cylinder outlet valve is manifested as changes in pressure and temperature. Initially, there are noises, along with slight impacts and various abnormal sounds; there is also a hissing sound due to gas leakage. As a result of the damaged or imperfect functioning of the valve, gas flows back, gets compressed again, which leads to an increase in the temperature of the gas at the outlet of that section. Abnormal heating of the valve cover or valve chamber may occur as well ； Air leakage reduces the inflation volume, leading to a drop in the outlet pressure of this section; severe leakage can cause an increase in the inlet pressure of this section
Use a temperature gun to measure the temperature of the set screw on the valve gland; if the temperature is high, there is a leak – it’s very accurate! Even with high synchronization, piston ring wear and air leakage are possible.
Theoretically, only a leak in the primary suction valve will affect the compressor’s capacity. Leakage in the upstream air valve can cause overpressure in the downstream stage, resulting in increased power consumption of the compressor. 3# yxk