| Industrial Refrigeration Service & Engineering |
| Compressor Rebuilds |
Compressor Maintenance
In order to determine whether a compressor is in need of an
overhaul the proper diagnostics need to be performed. These
should be performed as a part of a preventive maintenance
program, however a unit should have the following performed
prior to making the decision on a compressor overhaul.
1. Oil Analysis – Regular oil analysis will aid in tracking the
amount of particulate in the oil. Increased amounts of metals are
used to track wear on the compressor. However, be aware that
increased metal content does not conclude compressor wear.
Other components such as oil pumps may also cause elevated
readings.
2. Vibration Analysis – A regular vibration analysis program is
highly recommended. The frequency of this program is a
common question and usually will vary depending on compressor
usage. Whichever frequency of vibration analysis is selected,
this is an invaluable tool in determining a potential problem area
in the compressor / motor arrangement. Use of a compressor
manufacturer vibration service (FES or Frick) is highly
recommended. This is due to the greater familiarity with
refrigeration compressor equipment.
3. Lateral Thrust Check – When applicable, and when hours of
run time warrant, a lateral thrust check on the compressor is a
required step in determining the condition of the compressor.
Each manufacturer has specific guidelines (Mycom, FES/GEA,
Frick & Howden) on the allowable lateral thrust figures.
However, measurement of this value is a MUST before
determining the need for a compressor overhaul.
The point of the above is, DO NOT rush into a compressor
rebuild unless all other items are eliminated. Oil analysis can be
deceiving due to other components in the oil system. Vibration
analysis can be misleading when a motor is the equipment
causing vibration. Lateral thrust varies from manufacturer to
manufacturer and compressor to compressor and needs to be
verified.
ONLY
when all three items are used in the diagnosis process can it be
determined if a compressor needs to be overhauled.
OVERHAULS
When it has been determined that a compressor does need to be
rebuilt, there are three options to consider.
1. Industrial RSE Compressor Rebuilds
2. Remanufactured Compressor
3. Manufacturer’s Compressor Rebuilds
Which option to consider is a function of your specific needs.
Industrial RSE Compressor Rebuilds – An Industrial RSE rebuild
is performed by a technician who is experienced in the latest
technology and methods to perform rebuilds on various
compressors. Industrial RSE provides a one year warranty on
rebuilt compressors and this option allows for a turnkey job and
eliminates warranty debates with manufacturers.
Remanufactured Compressors are units that are held in stock by
Compressor Manufacturer’s and designed for quick
turnarounds. Typically these units can be delivered in days to
your facility and only require a swap with the machine that needs
to be replaced. This is typically the only option for plants that
require continuous compressor operation. The draw back on
this option is the availability of the units at the factory.
Manufacturer’s Compressor Rebuilds are compressor rebuilds
that are performed by the compressor manufacturer. These
units come with a manufacturer warranty, typically one year, on
the complete unit.
PRICING ISSUES
When considering pricing, the Contractor Compressor Rebuilds
are typically the most economical. Remanufactured Compressor
units are more expensive due to the quick turnaround. The
Manufacturer and Contractor Rebuild options are typically
comparable in price. However, the manufacturer turnaround is
usually longer.
Industrial RSE offers all of the above services however, it is
important to understand all the options and ramifications of each
option before determining if and by whom a compressor overhaul
is to be performed.
Please feel free to contact Industrial RSE with any questions.
In order to determine whether a compressor is in need of an
overhaul the proper diagnostics need to be performed. These
should be performed as a part of a preventive maintenance
program, however a unit should have the following performed
prior to making the decision on a compressor overhaul.
1. Oil Analysis – Regular oil analysis will aid in tracking the
amount of particulate in the oil. Increased amounts of metals are
used to track wear on the compressor. However, be aware that
increased metal content does not conclude compressor wear.
Other components such as oil pumps may also cause elevated
readings.
2. Vibration Analysis – A regular vibration analysis program is
highly recommended. The frequency of this program is a
common question and usually will vary depending on compressor
usage. Whichever frequency of vibration analysis is selected,
this is an invaluable tool in determining a potential problem area
in the compressor / motor arrangement. Use of a compressor
manufacturer vibration service (FES or Frick) is highly
recommended. This is due to the greater familiarity with
refrigeration compressor equipment.
3. Lateral Thrust Check – When applicable, and when hours of
run time warrant, a lateral thrust check on the compressor is a
required step in determining the condition of the compressor.
Each manufacturer has specific guidelines (Mycom, FES/GEA,
Frick & Howden) on the allowable lateral thrust figures.
However, measurement of this value is a MUST before
determining the need for a compressor overhaul.
The point of the above is, DO NOT rush into a compressor
rebuild unless all other items are eliminated. Oil analysis can be
deceiving due to other components in the oil system. Vibration
analysis can be misleading when a motor is the equipment
causing vibration. Lateral thrust varies from manufacturer to
manufacturer and compressor to compressor and needs to be
verified.
ONLY
when all three items are used in the diagnosis process can it be
determined if a compressor needs to be overhauled.
OVERHAULS
When it has been determined that a compressor does need to be
rebuilt, there are three options to consider.
1. Industrial RSE Compressor Rebuilds
2. Remanufactured Compressor
3. Manufacturer’s Compressor Rebuilds
Which option to consider is a function of your specific needs.
Industrial RSE Compressor Rebuilds – An Industrial RSE rebuild
is performed by a technician who is experienced in the latest
technology and methods to perform rebuilds on various
compressors. Industrial RSE provides a one year warranty on
rebuilt compressors and this option allows for a turnkey job and
eliminates warranty debates with manufacturers.
Remanufactured Compressors are units that are held in stock by
Compressor Manufacturer’s and designed for quick
turnarounds. Typically these units can be delivered in days to
your facility and only require a swap with the machine that needs
to be replaced. This is typically the only option for plants that
require continuous compressor operation. The draw back on
this option is the availability of the units at the factory.
Manufacturer’s Compressor Rebuilds are compressor rebuilds
that are performed by the compressor manufacturer. These
units come with a manufacturer warranty, typically one year, on
the complete unit.
PRICING ISSUES
When considering pricing, the Contractor Compressor Rebuilds
are typically the most economical. Remanufactured Compressor
units are more expensive due to the quick turnaround. The
Manufacturer and Contractor Rebuild options are typically
comparable in price. However, the manufacturer turnaround is
usually longer.
Industrial RSE offers all of the above services however, it is
important to understand all the options and ramifications of each
option before determining if and by whom a compressor overhaul
is to be performed.
Please feel free to contact Industrial RSE with any questions.
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