Choice of reciprocating compressors units for real time health monitoring

The main purpose of condition monitoring systems (health monitoring systems) of piston compressors is maintenance of their safe and accident-free operation. The majority of modern piston compressor monitoring systems use direct measurement of structural parameters and thermodynamic process parameters. The quantity of structural parameters that can be measured by means of the sensors installed into assemblies does not guarantee sufficient control of technical condition of compressor assemblies and parts.

Measurement of compressor's thermodynamic parameters is an effective method of compressor's condition control in case the compressor squeezes technologically stable gases. Otherwise thermodynamic parameters mostly characterize technological working conditions of a compressor and not its technical condition.

The most effective monitoring covers condition of assemblies and details that are subject to frequent repairs. It should be noted that such assemblies and details determine safe exploitation of a compressor.

In order to reduce the cost of monitoring system's purchase and maintenance it is reasonable to measure the parameters of indirect processes, for example, vibration. Vibration sensors are easy to operate because they are mounted directly on a case of a compressor and its assemblies.

The paper presents data about repairs and faults of piston compressors at different oil-refining plants. On the basis of statistical data processing the most vulnerable assemblies and frequent faults are detected. In addition repair cost of a compressor is estimated. On the basis of the data obtained through processing the location of sensors to diagnose compressor assemblies and to detect defects by vibration parameters was detected.

The paper contains a block diagram of monitoring system of piston compressors based on a real-time condition monitoring system COMPACS^® that has been functioning at oil-refining plants. Trends and parameters of vibration acoustic signals indicating emergence and development of compressor defects and malfunctions were analyzed. Emergence and development of defects and malfunctions in a compressor were illustrated by the analysis of trends and parameters of vibration acoustic signals. The analysis of data of COMPACS^® monitoring system confirms high efficiency of compressor health monitoring systems that use vibratory (vibration acoustic) signals analysis.

Kostyukov V. N., Naumenko A.P. Choice of reciprocating compressors units for real time health monitoring // Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Engineering Management (COMADEM-2011), pp. 824-833

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