Page 63 - Reciprocating Compressors Operation Maintenance

SO Reciprocating Compressors: Operation and Maintenance

CYLINDERS

A typical double-acting cylinder, like that shown in Figure 2-7, con-
sists of a barrel, usually water-jacketed, with a front and rear head. In
some designs the rear head is an integral part of the cylinder barrel; in
others, it is a separate, bolted piece as shown. These heads are also water-
cooled to remove heat of compression.
Provision is made in the rear head for the pressure packing. Valves are
installed around the barrel, but in some designs valves are installed in the
heads.
Cylinders may be double-acting, that is, compressing on both sides of
the piston, or single-acting, compressing at either the head or crank end,
but not both.

FIGURE 2-7. Typical double-acting compressor cylinder (Source: Dresser-
Rand, Painted Post, New York).