Reciprocating Compressor Troubleshooting – Unloader failure

pneumatically operated, automated unloaders. A mal-functioning unloader remains in an open position and thus reduces the capacity of the compressor. To identify this problem, proceed as follows:

• Set the compressor to run at a constant speed.
• Close the suspect unloader pocket and note the effect on the engine’s fuel gas manifold pressure.
• If the fuel gas manifold pressure did not increase, the unloader pocket did not really close, and it is probably broken.

Using this technique, I discovered that one end of the compressor’s two, double acting cylinders had a defective unloader. This failure reduced the capacity of the effected cylinder end by 40% and hence reduced the compressor’s capacity by 10%.

I had now accounted for 10% of the 28% missing horsepower I was searching for. My jacket, vest and tie were secure; but my slacks and dress shirt were well splattered with lube oil. And so, in my well-lubricated attire, I proceeded to take a temperature survey across the cylinders.

One Reply to “Reciprocating Compressor Troubleshooting – Unloader failure”

  1. This is a very interesting and important subject matter that -unfortunately – has been cut up from some more detailed article. This cut up section doesn’t make sense and is composed of pieces of information that don’t relate to the subject as expected.

    Please re-edit and format it appropriately. It is a very important topic.

    Thanks.

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