Page 363 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

348 Reciprocating Compressors: Operation and Maintenance

on a daily basis. Operators play a role in this effort by cleaning, lubricat-
ing, tightening bolts, and learning to conduct routine inspection.
Before an effective program can be developed, the compression equip-
ment must be inspected to determine:

1. Existing condition
2. What is needed to bring it up to like-new condition or standard
3. New component parts required
4. What components require rebuilding and reconditioning

Consider the typical history of compressor equipment. When new and
after installation, it went through start-up problems that were eventually
corrected and the operation was then reliable and maintenance-free. This
proceeded for several years but, if maintenance was not done or was mar-
ginally performed, the compressor became one of the sources of lost pro-
duction due to unplanned, unscheduled shutdowns. To achieve the objec-
tive of no unscheduled shutdown of the compressor and to have an active
and profitable preventive maintenance program, the compressor then must
be brought back to like-new condition. The first step is a complete and
detailed inspection. This should start with those components that cause
the most problems and/or have the greatest wear rate, for example, valves,
packing, piston/rider rings, piston rods, pistons and cylinders.
When a compressor is inspected, it is important to measure and record
the actual dimensions of all components parts. Special inspectionsforms
similar to those shown in Figures 6-2, 6-3, 6-4 are helpful and should be
used in any inspection. These kinds of inspection forms assure a good
documentation of the condition of the components. They make record
keeping easier and form a permanent part of the compressor history.

EVALUATING INSPECTION DATA

Recording inspection data serves several purposes:

1. To establish the exact condition of all wearing parts.
2. To establish the wear rate of parts, which, if promptly replaced, will
not deteriorate to such a degree that associated parts will be dam-
aged and will also require replacement.
3. To determine which parts require reconditioning and which parts
can be reconditioned to like-new condition.