Life Evalution & Repair for Compressor Case Study

Problem

A service contractor hired KHE to evaluate repair options to a four stage, reciprocating compressor cylinder for CO2 service. The compressor was critical to the contractor’s process. The While replacing a cast iron sleeve of the fourth stage cylinder at its repair facility, the contractor found a crack in the cylinder. Delivery of a new forging was estimated at five weeks.

Solution

KHE conducted FEA analysis of the forging and recommended sleeve installation. The interference of the sleeve was designed to produce enough compressive strain at the crack to prevent any leakage or further crack propagation. After the repair was made, the compressor was returned to service. The FEA analysis was essential to the successful outcome of this project.

Results

The compressor was put back on-line with the minimum of downtime. No further problems were reported.