Page 355 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

C H A F T E R 6

Preventive Maintenance for

Reciprocating Compressors

It may be either impossible or utterly uneconomical to design and
manufacture machinery for zero maintenance or perfect reliability with
infinite life. Realistically, two principal maintenance philosophies are
prevalent in industry:

• Do nothing until the equipment breaks down or an emergency
occurs. The compressor is repaired as quickly or as cheaply as possi-
ble and is returned to service. Inevitably, the next emergency is just
around the corner.
• Maintain the equipment in excellent condition, thus optimizing both
equipment reliability and availability. Downtime events for preven-
tive maintenance are planned, and the probability of an unexpected
breakdown is minimized.

The first philosophy, sometimes called "breakdown maintenance," is
rarely justifiable on economic and risk management grounds. Consider-
ing the safety risk alone should convince us of the potential danger of
this approach.
The second philosophy will prove most profitable when used in con-
junction with a conscientiously implemented program of predictive
(monitoring and trending-based) maintenance. Although such a compre-
hensive program will require forethought and organization, its long-term
profitability has been demonstrated beyond much doubt.
A well-structured compressor maintenance program will thus bring
about several important benefits, including, of course, improved safety.

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