Troubleshooting High Interstage Pressure in Reciprocating Compressor

Question:

When my reciprocating machine is shut down, the interstage PSV is raised. The issue of the 2nd stage valves passing persisted even after new installations. Can anyone provide insights into the possible causes of this ongoing problem?

Top Replies

What pressure was required for lifting? What is the set pressure of the Pressure Safety Valve (PSV)? Is it important to conduct regular testing of the PSV before maintenance or overhaul?

Have you inspected the unload valves for any potential control air leaks into the compressor? This issue could be the cause of the described problem. Regards, Charlie L.

Question: In what pressure was the pressure safety valve (PSV) lifted and set? The PSV is lifted at 1.8 kg/cm2 and set at 2.3 kg/cm2 only during shutdown. Despite leak testing and installation of all valves except for checking the unloading of valves, the problem persists. Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Are you wondering why an interstage pressure safety valve (PSV) is necessary? Are you using two reciprocating compressors in tandem? Additionally, have you checked if the equipment manufacturer provides machine grades according to ISO 10816-6 Annex A Table A-1 to determine the vibration classification number?

Hi Josh, there seems to be an interstage Pressure Safety Valve (PSV) issue between the 1st and 2nd stage of the compressor. I will review the vibration grade specified in the original Purchase Order (P.O.) and provide you with more information. Do you believe this is what is causing the PSV to lift?

It's possible that the issue you're encountering is due to valve misalignment. That could have happened during the installation process. Also, the problem could be due to a worn-out valve seat or a foreign material trapped on the sealing surface. Running a thorough check on both could help identify the root cause and provide a potential solution. Remember, proper maintenance and regular inspections are key to ensure the longevity and efficiency of your machinery.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating issue! In my experience, this could be due to several reasons. The disc within the safety valve may be improperly installed, causing it to leak. Alternatively, inadequate spring tension or excessive back pressure could also be contributing to this problem. Sometimes, the valve body or seat may be damaged, especially if the machine has been in use for a while. It might be helpful to have a professional inspect the interstage PSV and the associated equipment to pinpoint the exact cause.

One possible cause could be wear and tear on the valve seats, which might be causing the 2nd stage valves to pass even after new installations. Another issue could be improper valve alignment during installation - if the alignment is off, this could impact the valve functionality. Additionally, it might be worth checking if the source of the problem might be related to PSV rating, i.e., if the PSV is not proportioned correctly for the pressure it's handling. The problem might not necessarily stem from the valves themselves, but rather from an interstage pressure that exceeds the tolerance of the valves, causing the PSV to raise. Lastly, the quality of installed new elements or the presence of small silts can also play a significant role in this mechanism.

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation! If the interstage PSV is raised when the machine shuts down, it could indicate a potential issue with pressure differentials or back pressure affecting the second stage valves. It's worth checking if there's any debris or buildup causing the valves to not seal properly, or if there are underlying issues with the control system that might be maintaining unintended pressure in the second stage. Sometimes, valve seating or alignment problems can be overlooked, especially after new installations. Have you had a chance to inspect those aspects?

It sounds like you might be dealing with some underlying pressure fluctuations or backflow issues that aren't being resolved by just replacing the valves. Have you checked to ensure that the PSV is correctly calibrated and that there's no debris or buildup affecting the seating surfaces of the valves? Additionally, it might be worth investigating whether the machine's design itself is creating excessive vibrations or pressure spikes when shutting down, as these could lead to premature valve wear or failure.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. Q: What could be causing the interstage pressure safety valve (PSV) to rise when the reciprocating compressor is shut down? The interstage PSV rising when the machine is shut down could be due to factors such as trapped gas pockets, thermal expansion of fluids, or system design issues.

FAQ: 2. Why might the problem of the 2nd stage valves passing persist even after new installations?

Answer: The issue of 2nd stage valves passing could persist after new installations due to factors like improper installation, incorrect valve sizing, valve damage, or ongoing system issues that were not addressed during the replacement.

FAQ: 3. What insights can be provided regarding the possible causes of the ongoing problem with high interstage pressure in a reciprocating compressor?

Answer: Possible causes of the ongoing problem with high interstage pressure in a reciprocating compressor include valve leaks, piston ring wear, inadequate lubrication, inefficiencies in the cooling system, or issues with the interstage piping.

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