This paper focuses on condition-monitoring of three different valve failure modes common in reciprocating compressors. They are missing valve poppets, valve spring fatigue, and valve seat wear. First, a targeted instrumentation study is performed on a Dresser–Rand ESH-1 industrial reciprocating compressor to investigate detection methods for these failures. This is followed by the development of a novel health classification methodology based on frequency analysis and Bayes theorem. The method is shown to successfully classify the condition of the valves to a high degree of accuracy when applied to actual seeded valve faults in the compressor.

Issue Section:
Gas Turbines: Controls, Diagnostics, and Instrumentation
Topics:
Compressors, Springs, Valves, Wear, Pressure

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