Page 345 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

33O Reciprocating Compressors: Operation and Maintenance

By scanning the test area with an ultrasonic detection device, a leak can
be heard through the headset as a rushing sound or noted on the ballistic
meter. The closer the instrument is to the leak, the louder the rushing
sound and the higher the meter reading. Should ambient noise be a prob-
lem, a rubber focusing probe may be used to narrow the instrument's
reception field and to shield it from conflicting ultrasounds.
Figure 5-3 depicts a device marketed under the name Ultraprobe. Pro-
duced by Elmsford (New York)-based UE Systems Company, this low-
cost detector can spot a wide range of leakage-related defects and other
abnormalities associated with fluid machinery.
Performance and condition analysis of compressor cylinders will pro-
vide substantial savings to the user. Analysis will:

* Reduce power consumption by 10% or more
* Increase compressor throughput
* Reduce maintenance costs

PRESSURE-VOLUME PATTERNS

Inspection of the pressure-volume patterns displayed on an instrument
such as the Beta 250 Engine/Compressor Analyzer* will identify cylin-
der problems that cause loss of efficiency. These include:

FIGURE 5-3. Ultrasonic
detection in progress.
(Source: UE Systems
Company, Elmsford, New
York).

*PMC/Beta, Natick, Massachusetts