5. Release driver flywheel lock, if fitted. Bar the compressor over a few times to be sure all moving parts are clear and also to ensure that lubricating oil is distributed onto all running surfaces Disengage the barring device prior to start-up
6. Turn on a full supply of cooling water through the frame oil cooler and compressor cylinders, if applicable. Where the cylinders are intended for static cooling, it is only necessary to make sure the water jackets are properly filled with a suitable coolant
7. It is necessary to ‘’ lock out ‘’ the frame low oil pressure shutdown switch to permit the unit to be started. This is done on the standard shutdown device by pressing in a button on ther switch; this locks out the switch until the machine is started and the main bearing oil header pressure increases above the pressure necessary to release the mechanical lockout and make the shutdown switch active
8. Walk around the machine to double check that all equipment is ready for startup and that all personnel in the area are aware that the unit will be started
9. Start the driver according to the manufacturer’s instuctions. ( This initial start is usually done under the direction of the driver manufacturer’s representative.)
Warning
The compressor must be shut down if an abnormal condition exists, and the cause must be found and corrected before restarting the unit. Running the compressor with known faults can result in equipment damage and a life-threatening accident
10. Run the compressor for one minute. ( On engine-driven units, run the engine at idle speed.)
While running, observe the frame oil pressure and check the cooling water flow and temperature. Watch for signs of excessive heating, unusual noises or other abnormal condition.
Warning
The machine must immediately be shut down if any evidence or server over heating, such as smoke being emitted from frame breather, or other distress appears. If severe overheating is suspected, the inspection covers MUST NOT BE OPEND until the machine has been given sufficient time to cool.
Premature opening of the inspection covers on a severely overheated unit can result in an explosion due to cool air rushing into the hot vapor-filled crankcase
11. Shut down the unit. If the unit is not SEVERELY overheated(see above), proceed with this step. Without giving the parts time to cool to room temperature, remove the frame and crosshead inspection covers. Feel the main bearings , crank pin bearings, crosshead pin bushings, and crosshead shoes to see if any of the parts are overly warm. Investigate any overheating and eliminate the conditions causing it. Replace the inspection covers.
12. Restart the compressor and run it for five minutes. Observe the instuctions in Steps 10 and 11 and once again check all bearings for heat . Remove the compressor cylinder valve covers(where valves were previously removed) at each and of all cylinders and check for satisfactory lubrication of the cylinder bores. Also, check the piston rods and packings for adequate lubrication and normal temperatures
13. If no overheating is found, the unit can be restarted and operated for about 30 minutes
Monitor all sys tems during this period and shut down after 30 minutes to repeat the bearing and lubrication checks described in the preceding steps
14. If every thing appears to be normal, operate the machine continuously for one hour at no load.( On engine driven units, the engine speed can be varied from idle to 800 rpm maximum during this period; how ever,the compressor should not be operated below 500 rpm unless it is equipped with a special lubricating system designed for low speed operation)
15. At the end of the one hour period, stop the unit and make a final inspection of bearings, pin bushings,crosshead shoes,cylinder bores and rod packings for overheating and proper lubrication. If everthing is found to be satisfactory, replace all inspection covers and install
The valves that were previously removed from the cylinders. Be sure inlet and discharge valves are properly located and secured
16. After all valves, valve covers, piping, etc. have been installed, close the vent block valve and then crack the main block valve in the suction line to the compressor and allow pressure to build in the unit to about 50 PSIG( 345 kPa). Using some type of leak detector check all valve covers and piping connection and correct any leaking joints that may be found. If the normal operating suction gas pressure is greater than 50 PSIG(345kPa) open the suction valve again to apply the full suction pressure to the compressor and recheck for leaks. After completing
The leak check and making necessary repairs or adjustment, open the vent block valve to depressurize the unit
17. The compressor is now ready to start, purge and load. When placing the unit in service, pay particular attention to the break-in instructions