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Recip Compressor

Compressor Solutions

Condition Monitoring for Reciprocating Compressors



The Beginning of Bently Nevada's Reciprocating Compressor Monitoring Platform

In the mid 1970's, a Bently Nevada customer in the Netherlands had a question for our engineering team: "Could a Bently proximity probe be used to observe a piston rod as it dropped due to rider band wear?" The answer..."Well, yes it could."

That seemingly small special request marked the beginning of Bently Nevada's first monitor designed specifically for reciprocating compressors when a modified thrust position monitor became the first rod drop monitor. It also marked the start of Bently Nevada's now lengthy association with condition monitoring solutions for reciprocating compressors.

From those humble beginnings nearly 50 years ago, Bently Nevada now offers a comprehensive portfolio of hardware, software, and services specifically designed to address the special monitoring requirements of reciprocating compressors using our standard bearer 3500 and next gen Orbit 60 Series machinery condition & protection systems as well as our best in class System 1† software platform.

Today, Bently Nevada's reciprocating compressor monitoring solutions cover far more than just rider band wear with available measurements that provide advance notice onvalve condition, pressure ring condition, pressure packing case condition, crosshead pin condition and many other important parameters on the health of your reciprocating assets..



Why Recip Monitoring?
Recip Numbers

As one of the oldest compressor designs, recips enjoy unique capabilities such as broad capacity control ranges, interstage cooling, the flexibility to efficiently compress gas regardless of mole weight or k value, and extremely high compression ratios. Consequently, they’re an ideal fit for selected applications such as hydrogen compression in the de-sulfurization process of many refineries and as part of low-density polyethylene production processes – to name just a few.

However, reciprocating compressors suffer from one very serious drawback: higher maintenance costs. In fact, compared to similarly sized centrifugals, recips can consume as much as five times the amount of maintenance dollars. A condition monitoring system designed to cover the most frequent causes of failure and routine wear in reciprocating compressors can help close that gap, bringing maintenance costs down to the levels associated with centrifugal compressors.



A Recip Monitoring Solution from Bently Nevada Doesn't Cost...It PAYS!
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For many facilities employing reciprocating compressors, the machines occupy a critical role in the overall process flow –loss of a compressoroften means a significant reduction in or loss of plant output. That lost production translates tovery expensive downtime. Thus, maintenance costs are not the only driving factor that can help justify a monitoring system – lost production costs also factor heavily into the economic benefits a monitoring system can deliver.



Identify the Malfunction BEFORE it causes Unexpected Downtime
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A monitoring system for reciprocating compressors – as with any other type of machine – must first consider the types of failures and malfunctions that can occur, and then provide the specific measurements that can detect these problems. A Bently Nevada recip monitoring solution can identify many of the most critical malfunctions typical of reciprocating compressors. Including:

  • Excessive Crankcase and Cylinder Vibration
  • Excessive Main Bearing Temperature
  • Excessive Combined Rod Load
  • Faulty Cylinder Discharge Valves
  • Leaky Pressure Rings
  • Worn Rider Bands
  • Excessive Piston Rod Flex
  • Leaky Pressure Packing Case
  • Excessive Bushing/Pin Clearance
  • Excessive Crosshead Clearance


Reduce Unplanned or Extended Compressor Outages with Bently Nevada's Remote Monitoring for Reciprocating Compressors
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Recip RM&D Process Diagram

Bently Nevada can provide remote monitoring, advanced predictive diagnostics, and performance analysis for reciprocating compressors with applications ranging from gas injection to booster stations with the ultimate goal of maximizing unrealized benefits.

With our remote monitoring recip service you get:

  • Automated analytics—performance and diagnostics
  • Subject matter expert data review
  • Regular summary reports and coordination calls
  • Intuitive HMI for data visualization and detailed analysis


All the Products and Services Needed for a Complete Solution

Sensors
Monitoring Systems
System 1 Condition Monitoring Software
Services and Support
Training and Education

Monitoring Systems

With complex machinery driving modern steel and metal production, streamlined machine condition monitoring and predictive maintenance programs play a vital role in the health of your machinery and your business. At Bently Nevada†, our history in the asset condition monitoring and protection field speaks for itself. Withover 50 years of experience, we offer a comprehensive line of machine monitoring systems and asset protection services.

System 1 Condition Monitoring Software

System 1† Condition Monitoring software has been designed asan all-in-one answerto even your most difficult machine asset management and health monitoring challenges. Built on the strategic platform pillars ofConnectivity,Analytics, andVisualization,System 1 provides the plant-wide critical asset monitoring data and analytics solutions you need to keep your plant running smoothly and avoid unwanted downtime.

Services and Support

Withmore than 500 service professionals in over 50 countries,we have the global reach and local presence to be there with expert support when and where you need us. There is good reason why our services team is used by many of the biggest names across industries. Let our services team get you up and running, stay optimized, and achieve your business goals.

Training and Education

Withmore than 40 years of technical training experience, we have pioneered the art of long-term skill development. Bently Nevada product training is conducted by our core group of instructors and experienced field engineers to provide a world-class training experience. We can help your teams overcome the culture changes needed in a digitized future.



Resources

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Brochure
3500 Series Brochure
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Fact Sheet
Bently Nevada Condition Monitoring Services: Reciprocating Compressors
English
Fact Sheet
Machinery Diagnostic Services Fact Sheet
English
Poster
Recip Compressor Monitoring Overview
English