Knocking sound from a cylinder

Dimensional checks and new tightening procedure implemented to prevent further problems

Country:

Italy

Application:

Landfill biogas generation

Compressor type:

Reciprocating compressor – 2 stg.

Service

Biogas compression

Power:

450 kW

Pressure:

16 bara

Knocking sound from a cylinder

Problem

Knocking sound from cylinder head

Piston-to-rod connection found loosened

Solution

Trend analysis to highlight possible overpressures
Visual inspection and measurements revealed an “out of tolerance” dimension of rod to piston connection
FEM Analysis carried out on mating areas confirmed a tightening fault during assembly