Redesigning of Valving System of Model 2000 Compressor to Increase its Efficiency and Reliability

Abstract

Reciprocating compressors play a major role in the chemical, petrochemical, gas, and general industry processes. Therefore, the focus by many users over the past several years has been increased production profits realized through increased availability and decreased maintenance and lost production areas that affect compressor reliability the most. Compressor valves and cylinder unloaders were identified to be two of the top six causes of unscheduled reciprocating compressor shutdowns.

Designing and applying compressor valves and unloaders to yield good efficiency and reliability can be complex due to the many factors that can affect performance. A designer must understand the flow of gas through the valves, the way the valves operate in the compressor, and how reliability can be affected under a wide range of different gases and operating conditions. Reed Valve is the main part of small compressors. It is known as the heart of compressor. The efficiency, reliability and performance of compressor are largely or rather depend upon smooth working and the life of valves. The failure of valve is due to its sudden opening and closing of valves.

This in turn causes failure due to bending. There is wearing due to constant striking at the surface of head and cylinder. By reducing the span length and material with overall consideration, the valve life can be improved. Most important consideration in design of valves is the speed of the compressor. For this determines the lift of valve. In this thesis work We’ve calculated each of the parameter, which directly affects the life of valve such as valve lift, valve lifting velocity, losses due to valves, maximum deflection of valves and valve plates, opening time of valve, through flow area of valve plate, permissible stresses of valve and plates, and above all the efficiencies like adiabatic, isothermal and volumetric efficiency.