Page 257 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

242 Reciprocating Compressors: Operation and Maintenance

exceeded under any conditions, experience has shown that the shaft
should not break. It is always wise to consult the manufacturer when
deflection limits are reached.

COMPRESSOR CYLINDER ALIGNMENT

The relation of the compressor cylinders to the frame or crankcase
should be examined with laser-optical instruments or by the tight wire
method. This checks the relationship of the compressor cylinder bore,
packing case bore, housing bore, and crosshead guide bore to the crank-
shaft. Refer to Figure 4-9 for reference points for wire alignment, as
given by Dresser-Rand for the Model HHE Compressor.
If it is found that the alignment of the compressor cylinder is not cor-
rect or that the crankshaft strain gauge readings are beyond acceptable
limits, the compressor frame may have to be regrouted and perhaps some
of the foundation cap removed and repaired. This is not an uncommon
repair and is done with epoxy materials that are far superior to the sand
and cement used on older installations.
Cracks in the foundation or grout under the compressor base and
crosshead guides are repaired by pressure injection. These sorts of repairs

CAST CYLINDERtLINER OR NON-UNER TYPE>«J6NMENT RECORD R-46383
FIGURE 4-9. Reference points for wire alignment.