Minor issues with reciprocating compressors
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The operating capacity of a reciprocating compressor – I’m not sure of the exact professional term for it – can be varied. API 618 states that this can be adjusted through the suction valve and clearance pockets. But what exactly are these suction valve and clearance pockets? API 618 also mentions that adjustment can be made via a bypass, similar to the minimum flow line of a pump. However, if the rated processing capacity is 30 tons and currently 7.5 tons need to be processed, then the bypass must first be set to a value higher than 7.5 tons before any adjustment can be made; I’m not quite sure how this works
Suction valve, intake valve clearance pockets, clearance chambers; as for bypass adjustment, it’s more or less what you mentioned
The amount of air pumped in is adjusted by controlling the volume of air intake and the clearance; less air intake results in less pumping, while a smaller clearance leads to increased pumping. I’m not quite sure; this is just for reference. Is a bypass a shortcut?