Reciprocating Compressor Valve Failure

Unexpected compressor shutdown

• Cross-head pin failure
• Crank-mechanism lubrication oil polluted by metal particles
• Delivery valves failures (cracked guard)

• Visual and metallographic inspection
• Stress and fatigue simulation by means of FEM Analysis
• Assessed sudden overpressure caused by liquid slug ingestion

Piping routing and draining procedures modified to prevent further failures