Page 316 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

Overhaul and Repair of Reciprocating Compressors 301

be produced during the evaluation phase with the customer, prior to the
repair being authorized by the customer and accomplished by the vendor,
COMPRESSOR FRAME REPAIR

If a compressor frame needs repair, it is often the consequence of cata-
strophic failure of another part, such as bearing failure or breakage of a
piston rod. Typical repairs include:

!. Reboring of main bearing saddles on larger machines, which can be
done in place.
2. Cracked frames, which may be metal-locked (metal-stitched) and
remachined.

COMPRESSOR PART REPLICATION

The previous discussions have dealt with the repair, reconditioning,
and rebuilding of the major components of the compressor, which are
subject to the greatest wear and/or damage through accidents. In recent
years, there has been a growth of companies manufacturing and supply-
ing replacement parts for compressors other than the original equipment
manufacturer (OEM).
At one time, virtually all replacement parts were supplied by the OEM
and users automatically obtained all new parts from them. This has great-
ly changed due, in part, to the OEM's inability to furnish parts on a time-
ly basis, particularly in the case of emergencies, and due to the high
prices that are sometimes charged for those parts.
As with every type of service, there are some very good part replica-
tors but, unfortunately, many are not qualified and supply very poor
parts. It is, therefore, advisable to select replacement parts carefully.
Moreover, only qualified vendors should be selected.
Note; Lowest price may not be the best bargain.
Virtually every compressor part can be and is being duplicated. In pur-
chasing these parts, care must be taken and basic considerations
weighed:

1. The original dimension and tolerances of the part to be duplicated
must be obtained.