This document discusses pumps and compressors. It provides instructions for checking various parameters of internal combustion engines and electric motors that are used as prime movers for pumps and compressors. It also discusses troubleshooting for reciprocating compressors, identifying issues such as hot suction valve covers, low water levels, and high suction pressures that can indicate problems. Potential causes and solutions are outlined for each issue. Finally, it lists key areas of focus for efficient control of multiple compressor systems, including shutting off unneeded compressors and fully loading compressors before part-loading others.

1. Pumps and Compressors
Dr. Mostafa Abdelkhalek
Assistant Professor at Ain Shams
University, Cairo, Egypt

2. Prime mover
 Internal combustion engine: Check and
record the following:
 Engine coolant temperature.
 Engine coolant level.
 Engine crankcase oil pressure.
 Lube oil level.
 Fuel gas pressure.
 Engine cylinder discharge temperature.
 Engine rpm.
 Oil filter differential pressure.

3. Prime mover
 Electric Motor: Check and record the
following:
 Bearing temperature.
 Bearing oil level.
 Winding temperature.
 Electric current level for each phase.

4. Reciprocating Compressor
Troubleshooting
 Hot suction valve covers
Hot suction valve covers can indicate low
compressor throughput because of high
temperatures in the cylinder.

5. Reciprocating Compressor
Troubleshooting
 Low water level:
A low jacket water level can create
compressor over heating or problems with
the compressor lubrication system.

6. Reciprocating Compressor
Troubleshooting
 Low water level:
1- water leaks
2- clogged water ports
3- malfunctioning water pumps.

7. Reciprocating Compressor
Troubleshooting
 Hot suction valve covers
1- faulty valves or valve lifters
2- hot intake gas,
3- malfunctioning or insufficient cooling
system
4- excessive gas recycling.

8. Reciprocating Compressor
Troubleshooting
High suction pressure:
 High suction pressure can result in low throughput
and wasted fuel.

9. Reciprocating Compressor
Troubleshooting
High suction pressure:
1- faulty suction valves
2- low engine speed
3- worn piston rings or faulty discharge valves.

10.  System Control for Multiple Compressor
Systems
An efficient overall control design must focus upon the
following four areas:
1.Shut off unneeded compressors
2.Delay bringing additional compressors on-line as
long as possible
3.Fully load as many compressors as is possible and
part-load only that compressor that has the most
efficient part-load performance