Page 397 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance
P. 397

382;   Reciprocating  Compressors:  Operation  and Maintenance


           These  effects  appear  to be interrelated, for example,  an operating  tem-
         perature that is satisfactory  with the correct  amount of oil may cause car-
         bon deposition if excess oil is used.
           The  mechanism by  which the fuel  in  air compressor  fires  is ignited is
         not  definitely known. However, a factor common  to all  theories  of igni-
         tion is excessive temperature,  which may involve either the gas itself or a
         localized condition resulting from  mechanical friction.  High  temperature
         is  also  important  because  it  promotes  deposition  of  carbon  in  the  com-
         pressor  system,
            Excessive  temperatures  are generally caused  by valve or cooling water
         failure  or by operation  at unusually high  compression  ratios.  High  oper-
         ating  speeds  combined  with  an  ineffective  jacket  also  promote  high
         cylinder  temperatures.
            To minimize the  risk of fires in reciprocating  air compressors,  the fol-
         lowing precautions are suggested:

            1. Limit operating temperature to 350°F.
            2. Provide  temperature  recorders  or  high  temperature  alarms  in  dis-
              charge.
            3. Use the minimum amount of lubricating  oil that will lubricate cylin-
              ders  satisfactorily. Use  the  least  viscous oil  that will  satisfy  operat-
              ing  conditions.  Strongly  consider  diester-based  synthetic  lubricant
              (not feasible with certain types of plastic  pipe).
            4. Train  operators  to  detect  faulty  valves  and  have  repairs  made
              promptly.
            5. Take  inlet  air  from  a  cool,  clean  location.  Provide  adequate  air fil-
              ters (preferably of a dry type) and service  at regular intervals.
            6. Provide adequate intercoolers  to maintain interstage  suction  temper-
              atures at lowest practical  level. Keep intercoolers  and cylinder jack-
              ets  free  of deposits.
            7. Inspect  discharge  piping,  reservoirs,  cylinders,  etc.,  regularly.
              Remove all carbonaceous  deposits and oil accumulations.
            8. Check valves on a regular  basis.
                                     SUMMARY


            Safety  should  always be paramount in operation  and maintenance. The
          following  are basic rules.
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