Unusual noises from a reciprocating compressor? ? ?
Thread Content
Dear experts: We have a reciprocating double-row first-stage compressor, and after it has been operating for some time, the noise generated by one of the cylinder heads increases. However, after on-site diagnosis, it was determined that this noise is not caused by the relative movement of moving and stationary parts, as the sound of the compressor remains relatively uniform; it’s simply the noise level that increases significantly. If you listen to the sound in a train with noise for an extended period of time, you will think it’s the normal operating sound of a compressor; only by listening to the sound of the cylinders in another train will you notice the difference. No obvious problems were found when removing the compressor’s intake and exhaust valves, as well as the cylinder head cooling caps. After reinstalling these components and turning the compressor on, everything worked normally again. Approximately 3 months after operation, similar issues arose. I just want to ask if this phenomenon is closely related to changes in the components of the process medium, but the process team says there’s no problem with it. Sigh! So I would like to consult the experts here. Thank you.
Have you checked whether there is wear on the compressor piston guide rings and piston rings, or whether there might be liquid accumulation inside the cylinder?
After about three months of operation, abnormal noises may occur; could it be that the adhesion and deposition of the medium have caused changes in the clearance of the cylinder head?
Thank you for your reply. The medium component is mixed hydrogen; it’s relatively clean, and the clearance at the cylinder head is around 3.5 mm. Once, we didn’t remove the cylinder head; we only checked the intake and exhaust valves, and no problems were found. Everything returned to normal after it was reinstalled.
Thank you for your reply. No piston rod was removed; only the cylinder head and intake/exhaust valves were checked. The machine has been in operation for about 10,000 hours, but there is still no plan for a major overhaul. It’s still running smoothly now. As long as the various vulnerable components can still meet the operating conditions, I believe this phenomenon is related to the manufacturing process. However, since compressors of the double-row single-stage type all perform single-stage compression, there is noise on one side but not on the other, which makes it difficult to explain. After draining the intake buffer tank, not much liquid was seen coming out; it’s not the compressor carrying liquid.
If the equipment is confirmed to be in good condition, then the problem lies mostly in the manufacturing process. If they claim it’s not their fault, they should provide evidence to prove it
When disassembling again, check the back caps of the piston and piston rod. Check if there is any looseness
Hello, a lot has already been said earlier. Based on the summary above, I would like to make two points: First, if your compressor has a clearance chamber in the cylinder head, it might be due to a problem with the looseness of that clearance chamber, or it could be that the switch isn’t in place, or there is a leak in the clearance valve. The valve clearance at the second outer dead center has changed. There is no problem with the other cylinder in the dual-row primary compression system; the noisy primary cylinder produces a loud sound that is not of mechanical origin. Both of these issues lead to the same phenomenon: a change in the volume inside the cylinder, resulting in different cushioning forces. The sound you hear is caused by this difference in cushioning forces due to the action of the gas cushion.
Thank you for participating. There are always conflicts between equipment and processes; once they understand each other, things improve.
Okay, bro. Next time we’ll check it carefully, and we’ll let everyone know once we have the results. It’s just that we don’t know when the maintenance will take place.
Okay, bro, I’ll pay closer attention next time.