How can avoid bold cracking or snapping off in a reciprocating cylinder compressor? 1

[rostanlin]

Hi, this is my first time in this forum, feel free to correct me if I made a mistake.

We have a 3stages /6throws (two cylinder per stage) reciprocanting compressor (Superior WH-66/Caterpillar G3616)that frecuently breackes or loosen bolts between cylinder compressors and distance pieces in every throw, but not at the sametime. I am new in this compression plant and I had not have this problem before. The mechanical technicians just take off the cracked bolts and change them by new ones. Please If somebody of you have had this problem before tell me what should I do or check in other to avoid it. Thanks!

 

[zeusfaber]

I'd discreetly watch as the guys replaced the broken bolts next time. I wonder if they're torquing them up properly (not enough preload is the first step on a fatigue journey).

A.

 

[dcasto]

Look at rod loads. A bad valve on one stage will cause the another stage to fail. Don't be fooled that excessive rod load only breaks rods