technical tuesday

Technical Tuesday: Shipping a Turbo

November 9, 2021

Well, it may not have been burned up when it left there… but it was when it got here. Continuing our ‘how do you get it to the shop series’… shipping a turbo in for work? Make sure you cover the air inlet and outlets securely. Like really securely, with bolts and stuff. If not, your turbo might try to make boost at highway speed with no oil pressure. Want to know more? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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Technical Tuesday: Shipping Engine Components

November 2, 2021

Bouncy, Bouncy, Bouncy… This is a crankshaft from a Clark TCVD -16 and it was removed to be sent in for repair. But how do you get it to the shop? We have all seen those arched deck trailers that are in use today. They are designed to flatten out when loaded but if you have ever seen the same amount of force needed to correct a crankshaft bend, you can see where this might pose a problem. Trailer preload, bumps in the road and miles traveled can render a bent crankshaft. When shipping engine components prone to bending like a crank, cam, frame, etc., require the trucking company to use a true flat deck trailer. Want to know more? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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Technical Tuesday: Indicator Valves

October 26, 2021

Safety Alert! These are indicator valves. We use these to collect pressure data from inside compressors and power cylinders. These are not interchangeable. The power cylinder valve will work on a compressor sample point, but the compressor valve will fail when exposed to combustion. Notice the difference in the shape and handles. Pro Tip: Don’t over-tighten the Power Cylinder Indicator Valve screw — it can lead to future difficulties. New to the industry and want to know more? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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Technical Tuesday: In-line Check Valves

October 19, 2021

Every which way but loose may have worked for Clint Eastwood, but it won’t for in-line check valves. You should find these at your lube injection points on your compressors and it is very important that they are oriented correctly to ensure proper operation. Want to know more about compressor lubrication components, methods and systems? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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Technical Tuesday: Bottle Flanges

October 12, 2021

One of these things is not like the other (sung in our best Sesame Street voices)…

Let’s talk about suction bottle and discharge bottle flanges. Not all flanges are created equal, and the PHMSA interpretation of the bottle flanges can be different. Many operators interpret the flange that connects the pipe to the bottle as a ”DOT Regulated Flange” that requires the OQ qualifications, whereas the compressor connections are often not viewed the same and don’t require the OQ qualification. Want to know more? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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Technical Tuesday: Flywheel Oil Leek

October 5, 2021

A rare look behind the flywheel on a Cooper Bessemer GMWA… We often complain about a small oil leak on the rear seal behind the flywheel. But to remove the flywheel is a substantial investment of time and money, not even considering the potential safety concerns. A $5 per day oil leak becomes much more palatable when viewed through that lens. But if you decide to remove the flywheel to make the repair, we can tell you how to do it safely and correctly. Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh to learn more.

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Technical Tuesday: Blown Oil Filter

September 7, 2021

A blown oil filter is the thing that can send a deep shudder into the soul of even the most seasoned mechanics… But what is the proper way to prevent a differential pressure related oil filter failure? Is it a relief valve upstream of the filter pot? Are there risks in that design? What about controls to prevent excessive DP? Want to learn more? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable on May 3-5, 2022 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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Technical Tuesday: Blower Speed

August 10, 2021

That blows… This is a picture of a blower on a Cooper Bessemer GMWA-8 and it’s driven by a chain drive from the crankshaft so the blower speed is determined by the engine speed. But how do you control air manifold pressure if the blower speed is pre-determined? You do it by controlling the supply of air to the blower. See the bright green valve actuator? It opens and closes to increase or limit air supply to the blower. Want to learn more? Join us at the Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable, September 14-16, 2021 at the David Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

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