technical tuesday

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.

Have a tip? Do you have a technical tip to share? Submit your tip, along with an associated image and we may include it in our Technical Tuesday social media posts, blog posts and emails.

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.

Have a tip? Do you have a technical tip to share? Submit your tip, along with an associated image and we may include it in our Technical Tuesday social media posts, blog posts and emails.

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.

Have a tip? Do you have a technical tip to share? Submit your tip, along with an associated image and we may include it in our Technical Tuesday social media posts, blog posts and emails.