Troubleshooting compressors

Here are checklists for troubleshooting compressor problems in reciprocating compressors and centrifugal compressors. 

Troyan, J. E., series Hints for Plant Startup, Chemical Enginnering, Part I—Troubleshooting New Processes, November 14, 1960, p. 223 Part II—Troubleshooting New Equipment, March 20, 1961, p. 147 Part III—Pumps, Compressors, and Agitators, May 1, 1961, p. 91. 

Control can be exercised by the operator in the control roam on the well chokes and manifold divert valves (although this is normally handled by the HOC), start/atop of the oil shipping pumps, utility equipment, switching valves, gas plant feed valves, gas compressor start/stop and emergency shutdown of any production train or the entire GC. Since the closed loop process control is performed by local pneumatic instruments, all set point changes and controller troubleshooting must be accomplished locally. 

Apprentice technicians typically study the various compressors found in industry and should be able to identify critical components. Included in this study are discussions on the scientific principles associated with the operation of a compressor, however, operating a compressor system is a much more complex undertaking. Very few colleges actually have a complete compressor system on which each apprentice technician has an opportunity to train and qualify for start-up, maintenance, data collection, troubleshooting, and shutdown. This is a gap in the system, but the troubleshooting model allows instructors some flexibility to discuss and illustrate operational techniques. 

Figure 17-6 shows the basic components of a compressor model. A variety of troubleshooting scenarios can be applied to this simple model. Variations depend on the instructor s experience and questions generated by the students. 

Chapter 25 presents a more detailed discussion of general troubleshooting techniques for both centrifugal and reciprocating compressors. 

The first step in troubleshooting reciprocating compressors is to quantify the extent of the problem. How much compression work has actually been lost An approximate rule of thumb is ... 

The above discussion emphasizes an interesting and vital aspect of troubleshooting an FCCU the hydraulic relationship between the wet gas compressor, the combustion air blower, the floe gas slide valve, the spent catalyst slide valve, and the regenerated catalyst slide valve. A schematic... 

Would you report an electrical shock if it occurred while you were being forced to troubleshoot a refrigeration compressor in the rain ... 

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