Heavy Duty Balanced Opposed Compressors - Ariel Corporation

FOR MODELS: JGZ AND JGU SECTION 6 - MAINTENANCE INTERVALS & TROUBLE SHOOTING
Every 6 Years or 48,000 hours (plus Daily/Monthly/6 Months/1, 2
& 4 Years)
1. Replace lubricator distribution blocks.
2. Replace crosshead bushings.
Trouble Shooting
Minor problems can be expected during the routine operation of an Ariel compressor. These
troubles are most often traced to liquid, dirt, improper adjustment or to operating personnel
being unfamiliar with Ariel compressors. Difficulties of this type can usually be corrected by
cleaning, proper adjustment, elimination of an adverse condition, replacement of a relatively
minor part or proper training of the operating personnel.
Major problems can usually be traced to long periods of operation with unsuitable lubrication,
careless operation, lack of routine maintenance or the use of the compressor for purposes
for which it was not intended.
Recording of the interstage pressures and temperatures on multistage units is valuable
because any variation, when operating at a given load point, indicates trouble in one of the
stages. Normally, if the interstage pressure drops the trouble is in the lower pressure cylinder.
If it rises, the problem is normally in the higher pressure cylinder.
While it would be impossible to compile a complete list of every possible problem, listed
below are some of the more common ones with their possible causes.
Low Oil Pressure
Noise in Cylinder
Problem Possible Causes
Oil Pump relief and/or pressure regulating valve set too low or sticking.
Oil pump or oil pump drive failure.
Oil foaming, as shown in sight glass, from counterweights striking oil surface
(oil level too high) or vortex at strainer inlet (oil level to low) or leaks in
pump suction line.
Cold oil.
Dirty oil filter.
Interior frame oil leaks.
Excessive leakage at bearings.
Improper low oil pressure switch setting.
Defective pressure gauge.
Plugged oil sump strainer.
Improper end clearance in oil pump.
Loose piston.
Piston hitting cylinder head end head or crank end head.
Loose crosshead balance nut.
Broken or leaking valve(s).
Worn or broken piston rings or wear bands.
Valve improperly seated or damaged seat gasket.
Liquids in cylinder.
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