Book Description
This book is written as a companion to my book on Gas Engines, (ISBN: 978-1-7345214-0-5). However it can also serve as a stand-alone text. There is nothing magical about reciprocating compressors, how they work or about maintaining them, but they do command respect since they are often compressing highly explosive or toxic gases. As do most authors of text books I will begin with theory. To know how something works is a prerequisite to knowing how to fix it. Many people consider theory a dull topic, but it goes hand in hand with operation and maintenance. So I will begin this book with theory and connect all of the systems in between. Some of the images used herein are sourced from various gas engine/compressor manufacturers including Cooper-Bessemer, Dresser-Clark, Worthington, and Ingersoll-Rand. I took most of the actual photographs while employed by an O.E.M. for over thirty-seven years. While a solid knowledge of compressor theory is critical to understanding how a compressor works, I cannot teach theory without the reader being familiar with the basic Gas Laws and the basic components. Each one of the components and systems illustrated here will be examined in detail by the end of the book. But for now, the basic parts are described very briefly in the introduction. Study the drawing and fix in your mind the names and locations of these major components. Reciprocating Compressors of every size and make are comparable in design and the parts similarly named. Where there are significant differences they will be pointed out.The first time specialized words or terms are used they will be underlined and in this font. Their definitions will be found in a glossary at the back of the book. The numbers of personnel qualified to operate and repair these compressors is facing a shortfall due the retirement of an aging workforce. This has created a need for people in the oil and Gas industry who are formally educated in the maintenance of this equipment. This book provides a good introduction for those seeking employment in the industry.
