Compressors—How to Achieve High Reliability & Availability

A concise yet comprehensive compressor reliability manual

Written by experts in the field, Compressors: How to Achieve High Reliability & Availability offers proven solutions to a pervasive and expensive problem in modern industry—compressor failure. In this succinct and accessible guide the authors explain elusive causes of compressor failure and clearly map out permanent remedies. The book is ideal for maintenance technicians, design contractors, compressor operators, reliability engineers, and managers.

Compressors: How to Achieve High Reliability & Availability

• Provides readable, precise content
• Emphasizes the mechanical aspects of compressors without theoretical equations
• Discusses misunderstandings and oversights in compressor selection, bearings, seals, impellers, lubricant systems, compressor auxiliaries, operating risks, and installation issues
• Presents elusive failure causes, such as oil rings that have not undergone annealing steps before finish-machining or the impact of foundation settling after years of compressor operation
• Focuses on repeat failure avoidance
• Provides procurement specifications that result in more reliable compressors

Detailed coverage:
Principles of compression; Compressor types and selection; Foundations and base plates; Piping and gaskets; Centrifugal compressors; Reciprocating compressors; Other positive displacement compressors; Machinery Quality Assessment (MQA); Fits, dimensions, repairs, and related misunderstandings; Compressor failure statistics and successful failure analysis; Training competent compressor engineers

Heinz P. Bloch is a consulting engineer. Before retiring from Exxon in 1986 after more than two decades, he held long-term assignments as Exxon Chemical''s Regional Machinery Specialist for the United States. Bloch has also held machinery-oriented staff and line positions with Exxon affiliates in the United States, Italy, Spain, England, The Netherlands, and Japan. He has conducted more than 500 public and in-plant courses in the United States and at various international locations and continues to have tremendous name recognition. Bloch is Reliability Editor for Hydrocarbon magazine.Fred K. Geitner is a registered Professional Engineer engaged in process machinery consulting. Before retiring from Esso/Exxon Mobil after more than three decades, he held long-term assignments as Exxon Chemical''s Regional Machinery Specialist for Canada and machinery-oriented staff and line positions with Exxon affi