Dynamic Analysis for a Reciprocating Compressor System with Clearance Fault

In order to explore the failure mechanism of a reciprocating compressor system with clearance fault, we implemented a computational framework whereby a simulation model of the mechanism is established using ADAMS software in this paper, and a typical reciprocating compressor model is introduced to validate the design model. In this work, the joint clearance faults between the crankshaft and linkage, between the linkage and crosshead, and in both locations are taken into account computationally. These faults are one of the major causes of vibration. Through dynamic calculation and analysis of a system with clearance fault, the simulated results show that these clearance faults directly influence the vibration. The larger the gap size, the more severe the vibration and the higher the amplitude of the vibration. Furthermore, the clearance number also affects the vibration greatly.