Analysis of Wear Depth of Piston Ring in Piston Compressor

Analysis of Wear Depth of Piston Ring in Piston Compressor

In industrial production, the piston compressor is one of the indispensable equipment, and the piston ring, as its core component, plays an important role in sealing, heat transfer, and oil distribution. However, piston rings are inevitably worn out during long-term operation, which affects the performance and lifespan of the compressor. Today, we will delve into the causes and repair methods of piston ring wear to help everyone better maintain their equipment.

1. Reasons for piston ring wear

1.1 Poor lubrication

Insufficient or deteriorated lubricating oil can lead to a decrease in the lubrication effect between the piston ring and the cylinder wall, thereby exacerbating wear. In addition, if the lubricating oil contains impurities, it can also form abrasives, accelerating the wear of piston rings.

1.2high temperature environment

Piston rings work in high-temperature and high-pressure environments, especially the first piston ring, which can reach temperatures up to 600K. High temperatures can cause the lubricating oil to deteriorate, reducing its lubrication performance and leading to increased wear of the piston rings.

1.3Impurities enter

When the air filter is damaged or the intake system is poorly sealed, dust and impurities will enter the cylinder, mix with lubricating oil to form a grinding paste, and wear the piston rings.

1.4assembly problem

Inappropriate assembly clearance of piston rings, such as small opening clearance or large end clearance, can cause the piston rings to jam or vibrate due to thermal expansion during operation, leading to wear.

2. Detection method for piston ring wear

2.1 Gap measurement uses a thickness gauge to measure the gap between the piston ring and the ring groove, including side clearance, back clearance, and end clearance. For example, the side clearance should be controlled between 0.03 millimeters and 0.1 millimeters.

2.2 Observation of operating status

When the compressor is running, if gas continuously leaks out when the oil filling cap is opened, it indicates that the sealing of the piston ring is weakened. In addition, after pouring clean lubricating oil into the cylinder and shaking the crankshaft, if the compression pressure of the cylinder increases significantly, it also indicates severe wear of the piston rings.

3. Repair methods for piston ring wear

3.1Replace the piston ring

If the piston ring is severely worn, the most direct and effective repair method is to replace it with a new one. Choose a new ring that matches the original specifications to ensure its compatibility with the cylinder and piston.

3.2 Smooth or ground ring groove end face

For cases where the wear on the end face of the ring groove is relatively light, it can be repaired by smoothing or grinding. However, it should be noted that the thinning amount of the groove and ridge thickness should be controlled within 20% to 25% of the original design thickness.

3.3 Spray welding, overlay welding or chrome plating

When the plane gap between the piston ring and the ring groove is too large, processes such as spray welding, overlay welding, or chrome plating can be used to restore the original size of the ring groove.

3.4 Repair of gasket ring

For the severe wear of the ring groove end face of the steel piston in low-speed diesel engines, the method of inserting gasket rings can be used for repair. The specific operation is to insert the gasket ring and weld it in place after the smooth car ring groove.

4. Suggestions for preventing piston ring wear

4.1 Regularly replace lubricating oil

Keep the lubricating oil clean and sufficient to avoid piston ring wear caused by lubricant deterioration or contamination.

4.2 Maintain the air filter

Regularly inspect and replace the air filter to prevent dust and impurities from entering the cylinder.

4.3 Reasonable assembly

When assembling piston rings, strictly control the opening clearance, end clearance, and side clearance to ensure that they meet technical requirements.

4.4 Avoid overloading operation

Avoid long-term overload operation of the compressor to prevent piston ring wear caused by high temperature and pressure.

The wear of piston rings is an inevitable problem in the operation of piston compressors, but through correct detection, repair, and preventive measures, the service life of piston rings can be effectively extended, and the operating efficiency and reliability of equipment can be improved.