Page 273 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

258 Reciprocating Compressors: Operation and Maintenance

TYPES OF CYLINDER BORE WEAR

Cylinder bores usually wear in the following

1 . Compressor cylinder bores generally wear in a barrel-shape manner,
that is, they wear more in the center than at either end of the com-
pressor stroke (see Figure 4-15).
2. Bores may also wear "out of round," that is, larger in the vertical
than horizontal direction, or the reverse.
3. Taper wear may also be evident, that is, larger at the head end than
crank end, or the reverse.

CE A B C HE

FIGURE 4-1 5. Barrel-shaped bore wear pattern.

REPAIR PROCEDURES

When a compressor cylinder has been scored, scuffed, or worn so that
operation should not be continued without correction, there are three
repair procedures that can be undertaken. The proper action to take
depends on the condition.

Honing

When cylinder bore inspection shows that scuffing or scratches have
occurred, the problem can be corrected by proper honing. If the bore has
deep scuffing, it is recommended that it be bored first, then honed. Cor-
rection by honing may be feasible, but could take a great deal of time. A
proper honed finish on cast iron cylinder bores is achieved by honing
with a coarse J 13 stone, finishing with a fine J 45 stone, and then cross-
hatching the bore with a coarse stone, if it is a lubricated cylinder.