Page 337 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

322 Reciprocating Compressors: Operation and Maintenance

TABLE 5-3
TROUBLESHOOTING WATER-COOLED
RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS

Observed Probable Cause or
Abnormal Condition Contributing Factor

Failure to Deliver Air Restricted suction line; dirty air filter
Broken valves
Defective capacity control; unloader stuck
Piping system leaks
Insufficient Capacity System demand exceeds capacity
Dirty air filter
Unloader stuck or defective
Worn or broken piston rings
Head-gasket leak
Speed too low; defective capacity control
System pressure set too high
Insufficient Pressure Unloader bypassing
Loose valve
Pressure gauge improperly calibrated
Air demand exceeds capacity
Broken valves; piping system leaks
Worn or broken piston rings
Compressor Overheats Discharge pressure set too high
Inadequate cooling-water supply
Improper cylinder or crankcase lubrication
Broken or loose valves
Intercooler Pressure Defective unloader in low-pressure cylinder
Below Normal Loose discharge valve in low-pressure cylinder
Defective capacity control; unloader stuck
Intercooler Pressure Worn or missing valve strips in high-pressure
Above Normal cylinder
Loose valve, leaky gasket in high-pressure
cylinder
Worn piston rings in high-pressure cylinder
Defective capacity control; unloader stuck
Receiver Pressure Inadequate cylinder control pressure; leaks
Too High Unloader not working
Improperly adjusted capacity control
Discharge Temperature Broken valves; unloader stuck or defective
Too High (Air) Improper cylinder or crank-case lubrication
Inadequate cooling-water supply