Page 177 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

Operation and Maintenance of Reciprocating Compressors 1 63

ICQQK MANLEYHSRI
MULT1PIE BOLTS VALVE
it SP. WASHERS TNrtn trhn PCOVER

0-RIN6S

U-VALVE

FIGURE 3-22B. High-security valve restraint (Source: Cook Manley, Hous-
ton, Texas).

It is generally not recommended that valves be rebuilt by other than
the manufacturer of those valves or a proven and qualified rebuilder of
compressor valves.

Disassembly of Valves

When compressor valves are disassembled, always work from a clean
work bench to prevent dirt getting into the components.
Valves should never be clamped in a vise to disassemble or to loosen the
locknut from the center bolt. Do not hammer on the wrench when loosening
or tightening the nut. To properly hold a valve in place for disassembly or
assembly, a device similar to the one shown in Figure 3-23 should be used.
If a Hoerbiger-type holding fixture is not available, a simple device as
shown in Figure 3-24 should be made and used for holding the valves
during disassembly and assembly. Spacing and size of the pins are made
to suit the valves being serviced.
With the lock nuts removed, separate the seat from the guard. Keep the
seat and sealing element the way they came apart. If a valve plate can be
reused, it must be matched to the same seat that it was used with. Due to
tolerances, the seating pattern of every valve sealing element is different.
Not matching these parts can result in valve leakage.