Page 171 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

Operation and Maintenance of Reciprocating Compressors 1 57

TROUBLESHOOTING VALVE PROBLEMS

Failure Reason or Action to Be Taken

Suction valves only 1. Liquid carryover
2. Intake pulsations
3. Make sure correct parts are used
Discharge valves only 1. Discharge pulsations
2. Over lubrication
3. Make sure correct parts are used
Both suction and 1. Discharge failures due to
discharge valves broken pieces from suction valves
2. Rust, scale, or foreign matter
3. Insufficient or improper lubrication
4. Pulsations on both suction and discharge
5. Make sure correct parts are used
Failure following 1. Incorrect reconditioning
reconditioning procedure
2. Make sure correct parts are used
3. Reusing worn parts
Rapid wear of suction 1. Incorrect or insufficient oil
valves only 2. Cylinder jacket water temperature is lower than
incoming gas temperature
3. Gas may be wet and washing inlet lubrication
from valves
Seasonal failure of 1. If failures occur in winter months
valves only, liquid is the probable cause and piping
should be insulated or steam traced and/or
knockout pots placed close to the cylinder
Valve seat gasket 1. Gasket improperly installed
failures and pinched
2. Valve loose due to improper
tightening or being knocked loose due to liquid
slugs
Valve seat fractured 1. Valve loose by improper tightening
2. Valve tightened against broken pieces of
gasket
3. Improper tightening of valve jam screw or
cover nuts
4. Valve loose due to liquid slugging