초록 ▼

Mechanical overloads in a reciprocating gas compressor can cause irreparable damage to compressor components if the source of the overloads is not repaired. A method of detecting mechanical overloads includes forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions, and obser

Mechanical overloads in a reciprocating gas compressor can cause irreparable damage to compressor components if the source of the overloads is not repaired. A method of detecting mechanical overloads includes forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions, and observing a condition of the mechanical fuse. The condition of the mechanical fuse is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload. By simply observing the mechanical fuse, overload conditions can be checked during routine inspections and maintenance checks.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of detecting mechanical overload in a reciprocating gas compressor, the method comprising: forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions by compromising a component of the gas compressor that upon failure or deformation will enable

What is claimed is: 1. A method of detecting mechanical overload in a reciprocating gas compressor, the method comprising: forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions by compromising a component of the gas compressor that upon failure or deformation will enable the gas compressor to continue operating; and observing a condition of the mechanical fuse, wherein the condition of the mechanical fuse is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload. 2. A method of detecting mechanical overload in a reciprocating gas compressor, the method comprising: forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions; and observing a condition of the mechanical fuse, wherein the condition of the mechanical fuse is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload, wherein the forming step comprises applying a coating on the mechanical fuse, the coating having characteristics that cause a change in appearance under strain. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the coating is configured to crack or flake under strain, and wherein the observing step is practiced by visually inspecting the appearance of the mechanical fuse. 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the observing step is practiced by measuring a geometric characteristic of the mechanical fuse, a change in the geometric characteristic being indicative of an overload event. 5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the measuring step is practiced by using a gauge to measure a width of the mechanical fuse, the width of the mechanical fuse being indicative of an amount of strain imparted on the mechanical fuse. 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the measuring step is practiced by selecting from a series of gauges of different widths. 7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the forming step is practiced by making a relief cut in an outside diameter of a compressor piston rod, the mechanical fuse defining a safe failure point upon exceeding an overload limit. 8. A method of detecting mechanical overload in a reciprocating gas compressor, the method comprising: forming a mechanical fuse by making a relief cut in an outside diameter of a compressor piston rod, the mechanical fuse being configured to strain under overload conditions; applying a coating on the mechanical fuse, the coating having characteristics that cause a change in appearance under strain; and observing a condition of the coating on the mechanical fuse, wherein the condition of the coating is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload. 9. A method of preventing damage to components of a reciprocating gas compressor due to mechanical overload, the method comprising: forming a mechanical fuse that is configured to strain under overload conditions by compromising a component of the gas compressor that upon failure or deformation will enable the gas compressor to continue operating; observing a condition of the mechanical fuse, wherein the condition of the mechanical fuse is indicative of whether the compressor experienced a mechanical overload; and if a mechanical overload is detected, repairing the mechanical overload source before the compressor components are irreparably damaged.