Case histories of reciprocating compressors include problems due to incorrectly sized pulsation dampener bottles and resonance between the compressor and a flexible deck structure. A third example highlights a combination of design faults, For centrifugal compressors, excitation due to rotating stall is examined and the use of high data acquisition techniques to determine the pulsation source is described. The case histories indicate the compressor cylinder, valves and piping should be regarded as a dynamically coupled system, with the latter being particularly sensitive to problems originating within the compressor. A methodology for monitoring the health of compressors, based on measurements of pipework pulsations and vibration is recommended. The method is cheap, risk based and is applicable to planned maintenance.
