Page 318 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

C H A P T E R 5

Troubleshooting

Compressor Problems

A key element in upgrading the quality of compressor maintenance is
the troubleshooting capability of the maintenance personnel. Operators
may also be helpful in establishing procedures and guidelines for reduc-
ing downtime, if they have a basic working knowledge of each type of
compressor in the plant.

INTRODUCTION

Troubleshooting the mechanical condition and performance of
machinery is a talent that falls into the natural, analytical thought process
of some fortunate individuals, but, for most of us, it must be learned
through experience and developed through rigid, disciplined analytical
procedures.

The old approach could be paraphrased as "change a part and wait to
see if it fixes the problem. If it does great, fine, if it does not, we will do
something else." Unfortunately, this has caused:

Many hours of wasted manpower
Great losses due to replacement of unnecessary parts and components
Unnecessary downtime and lost production
Excessive power losses

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