Design and Maintenance of Valves on a H2 Reciprocating Compressor

Cylinder valves are the most important parts of a reciprocating compressor;their working condition affects the safety and operation of the reciprocating compressor directly.In initial design,it is dedicated to simulate the behaviour of a reciprocating compressor and performance of cylinder valves.For hydrogen application,it is considering carefully the real operating conditions both from the dynamic point of view and taking care of the effective conditions of the gas purity.The dynamic aspects of the design are related to the mechanical behaviour and to the consequent fatigue.The mathematical models are able to determine the ring displacement and the flow and pressure drop of the gas.Instruments are available for on-line monitoring of the reciprocating compressor.The various parts have to be repaired in time in case they have abrupt problems during the operating period.By detail design and maintenance,saving the quantities of spare parts,the reciprocating compressor of the plant can be running smoothly.Actually,the cylinder valves can be used nearly three years.