Oxysystems 2v3x 172 4.1 Manual
Oxysystems 2v3x 172 4.1 Manual
Oxysystems 2v3x 172 4.1 Manual
This manual is intended to provide information pertinent to the installation, operation and maintenance
of the OXYSYSTEMS Model 2V3X-172-4.1 Compressor.
1.1 DESCRIPTION
This is a 2 stage, 2 cylinder, air-cooled, oil-free compressor. See registration page for design operating
pressures, flow rate and gas type. Note the flow rate will vary with the suction pressure, temperature
and compressor condition.
1.2 GAS COMPRESSION: This compressor is designed to safely compress without cylinder oil
lubrication. Teflon based piston rings are used in all stages. The compression cylinders are isolated
from the crankcase lubricating oil by a crosshead distance piece.
Since oil is not used in the compression cylinders, the compressor will not contaminate the compressed
gas, however, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that clean gas is supplied to the compressor
intake at all times. A small amount of inert piston ring dust will pass into the gas stream; this can be
filtered out if desired. It is required of the buyer to monitor the gas purity and/or filter the discharge gas
as necessary to be suitable for the intended use.
1.3 GAS FLOW AND COOLING: Due to the heat created from compression it is necessary to
cool both the compressed gas and the compression cylinders. A cooling fan pulls air through the
inter/aftercooler assembly (if supplied) and the air is then routed towards the cylinders. See flow
schematic for further detail.
1.4 CRANKCASE LUBRICATION: The entire crankcase assembly including guide cylinders is
splash lubricated.
2.1 MOUNTING: The compressor must be firmly bolted down on a rigid foundation. In some
cases firm rubber mounts are acceptable, however, allowed movement will generally increase vibration
which can cause component damage. Ensure that the beltguard is securely attached.
For proper cooling adequate ventilation must be supplied at the compressor site. Ambient cooling air is
required to be 43C˚ (110 F˚) or less. Cooler air is desirable as it will increase compressor component
life. Extremely low ambient temperatures may require oil sump heating.
2.2 PIPING: When piping to the gas inlet, be sure all pipes are free from contamination. Piping to
the compressor suction should be the same diameter or larger than the compressor inlet piping to insure
the required flow can pass without pressure drop. A particulate filter or strainer (100 mesh or finer)
must be installed at the gas inlet. Customer inlet and discharge piping should be designed to
accommodate compressor vibration.
An approved safety relief valve and pressure gauge must always be installed between the compressor
and the first item in the gas piping that can potentially block the flow of gas. All piping and components
downstream of the unit must be rated for the same pressure as the setting of the final stage relief valve.
Do not start the compressor until these items are properly installed.
Inspect all gas piping compression fittings and tighten as necessary. Flexible lines should be secured to
prevent whipping in case of breakage. It may be helpful to install a hand valve in the gas line just after
the compressor to create back pressure for testing and switch calibration. On units with auto start/stop
logic, reconnecting the discharge pressure switch to a receiver tank may provide more accurate control.
See compressor flow schematic for other required customer connections (if any).
Note: the piston rings and gas packing seals (if equipped) are designed to seal in dynamic use and may
not seal well when compressor is not running.
CAUTION
For units with positive suction pressures, a safety valve must be used on the
suction line to protect against excessive intake pressure. The valve capacity must
match the maximum potential capacity of the customer gas source. Factory
installed relief valves are sized to match the compressor design flow rate only.
Automotive type oil is recommended, either synthetic or carbon based. Multi-viscosity oil is acceptable.
Synthetic compression oils are not suitable.
2.4 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS: The unit must be wired in accordance with applicable
codes. Jog unit to ensure correct rotation of compressor. See registration page for proper crankshaft
rotation. Check cooling fan rotation to ensure that air is pulled through the heat exchanger.
2.5 DISTANCE PIECES: Distance piece venting of the clear cover plates is provided to minimize
pressure pulsing (caused by piston movement) which could lead to piston rod oil seal leakage. It is also
necessary to prevent unsafe concentrations of O2 build dup in the distance piece area or crankcase.
2.6 STORAGE: If the compressor is taken out of service, provision should be made to protect
against corrosion. At a minimum, gas suction and discharge lines should be capped. The compressor
should be rotated at least once every 2 months. In corrosive environments, the distance pieces should be
sealed and the unit nitrogen purged.
After an extended storage (or if stored without climate control) the crankcase cover plates should be
removed and the roller bearings inspected for corrosion. Apply oil to bearings before replacing covers.
Also, lift up oil packing boxes (inside distance pieces) and lubricate guide cylinders. Compressor heads
and/or valves should also be removed and inspected for corrosion. Relief valves should be cleaned,
rebuilt or replaced.
3.1 SYSTEM CHECKOUT: Check that crankcase oil level is 3/4 up the sight glass and inspect for
water or other foreign material.
Insure that a free flow of gas is available to the inlet and that all downstream piping is properly protected
by a suitable relief valve.
Read control section of manual (Ch. 4) to fully understand the control system and operating features.
Check setting of all temperature shutdown devices (see Ch. 4 for settings). All elements of the control
system and safety shutdowns should be tested and verified before the system is put into full operation.
3.2 START-UP: Supply the required suction pressure to the compressor inlet. Check for leaks in
the system and correct as necessary. Start the compressor and observe the pressure gauges.
If the unit is equipped with a back pressure regulator (BPR) on the discharge piping, the final pressure
will increase quickly to the BPR setting. Otherwise, the pressure will increase based on back pressure
from user downstream piping. The interstage pressures should approach normal levels as the final stage
comes up to its final setting. See paragraph 3.3 or Registration Page for normal operating pressures.
NOTE: High pressure units with floating pistons will experience knocking for 1-2 seconds on start-up.
If interstage pressures do not reach normal levels check for leaks in the gas piping. A soapy water
solution is one way to do this (see paragraph 5.8). If interstage pressures exceed normal levels (which
may pop relief valves) this is due to valves on the next stage leaking back. Leaking valves may be the
result of inactivity in which case operating the unit at reduced back pressure (or at back pressure valve
setting) for 30 minutes may clear the problem. Also see troubleshooting guide.
If the compressor does not shut off when the discharge switch set pressure is reached, manually shut
down and check the pressure switch and related wiring (see appendix for switch instructions). If
necessary, adjust the switch according to the directions.
Test the suction pressure switch (if supplied) by manually lowering the pressure to the compressor inlet.
If the compressor does not shut off when the switch set pressure is reached, manually shut down and
check switch and related wiring. Operating the compressor with inadequate suction pressure may
overheat the final stage or cause banging of floating pistons creating the potential for severe damage.
Gas temperatures will also rise in conjunction with the stage pressures. Temperature switches may need
adjustment for local ambient/cooling water temperatures. Switches can be checked by lowering the trip
setting and then running the unit. Reset to 17°C above maximum observed operating temperature. See
instructions in back of manual for setting digital display.
Test all other shutdown devices as applicable. All elements of the pressure control system and safety
shutdowns should be tested and verified before the system is put into full operation.
The control panel has been provided by Oxysystems. See separate manual for details.
Basic requirements:
• Fail-safe shutdown logic for all switches
• Hourmeter for compressor run time
• Pressure in compressor piping to be reduced to suction pressure level on shutdown to allow
unloaded startup. Either an automatic or hand valve must be installed just prior to the discharge
check valve, to ensure that the unit can be bled down for startup as well as for maintenance.
Optional shutdowns:
• High suction pressure - required if the suction may be exposed to excessive pressure.
• High interstage gas temp - recommended for fully unattended operation. Also helpful if unit is
operated at significantly reduced discharge pressure, as the final stage temp switch may not
protect the overall unit if the final stage has minimal compression.
• High vibration. Recommended for fully unattended operation.
Ideally the pressure in the compressor piping should be bled down to the level of the suction pressure
before startup. Due to leakage past the piston rings this will happen by itself after some time.
INTRODUCTION The purpose of this chapter is to provide the operator with the routine
inspection and scheduled maintenance information required to ensure a long service life of the subject
compressor. Detailed procedures for maintenance are contained in chapter 7.
a. Check that crankcase oil level is 3/4 of the way up on sight glass. Check for oil leaks.
b. Check gauge pressures against normal operating cylinder pressures.
c. Check cooling air flow. Verify heat exchanger fins are clean and free from blockages.
d. Check for unusual noises or vibrations.
WARNING
5.3 FILTER CLEANING: Every 2000 hours (or as required) the filters should be cleaned (refer to
Flow Schematic for filter locations). Replacement gasket or O-ring as applicable should be on hand in
case existing is damaged during disassembly.
5.4 CRANKCASE LUBRICATING OIL: Every 3000 hours of running time (or annually) the
crankcase oil should be renewed. Failing to change the oil as scheduled may result in premature or
accelerated wear to the running gear (crankshaft, main / connecting rod bearings and the crosshead).
5.6 DRIVE BELTS: Properly tensioned belts insure a longer life. Correct belt tension for the 2V
unit allows 6mm deflection with 4 - 4.5 kg. force applied per belt at mid-span. New belts may require
tightening after 24-48 hours of operation. Two belts are required. Units with the flywheel grooves
painted may require banded belts as single belts may rotate in the grooves. See Chapter 7.2 for more
information.
5.7 PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES: The pressure relief valves should be removed from the
compressor, inspected for cleanliness, and tested for correct set-point every 8000 hours or once per year.
If a valve fails to lift at its rated pressure, it must be readjusted, and if necessary, rebuilt or replaced.
5.8 GAS PIPING LEAK CHECK: After maintenance or every 1000 hours operation, all assembly
joints should be examined for leaks. Leak testing requires that the unit be pressurized, and therefore
running or recently run. Any gaskets and o-rings needed for repair should be on hand.
A soapy solution in a squirt bottle is one method of locating leaks. This test is simplified if the
compressor is allowed to cool, then restarted immediately prior to running the leak test, since the hot
discharge pipes can boil away the soap solution making detection of leaks difficult or impossible.
WARNINGS
Notes: Observe for the formation of bubbles. Large leaks may blow the solution away as it is applied,
and therefore must be detected by feel, being careful of hot gases and piping. O-ring joints normally
cannot be corrected by additional tightening - in most cases a new o-ring is required. Always inspect o-
ring sealing surfaces for defects. Insure the proper durometer (hardness) o-ring is used.
Note: See Drawing A5089G for O-ring installation and material information
A leaking valve, either suction or discharge, will usually be indicated by higher than normal pressure on
the preceding stage, or in the case of the first stage, a loss in flow along with low interstage pressures.
This can be caused by wear, breakage, warping of the reeds or fouling due to particulates. Severe
leakage in a suction valve will cause heating of the suction pipe just prior to the cylinder head.
The valve reeds should be changed every 4000 hours (2000 hours with O2 units), or earlier if pressures
vary from normal, noise is detected or an abnormally high temperature is observed. The customer
should establish reference data for use in troubleshooting by taking gauge readings when the compressor
is running under normal operating conditions.
The perimeter of valve seats and o-rings may be lightly lubed with appropriate grease to ease assembly.
Alignment pins may also be lubed to help hold in place. (see additional information in chapter 7)
5.10 PISTON RINGS: As the piston rings wear, their ability to seal is diminished. Excessive wear
will result in lower compressor capacity, more frequent compressor operation and unnecessary wear on
other components. There is also risk of damaging cylinder liner walls if the rings wear out completely,
particularly on stages with stainless pistons.
Excess piston to cylinder clearance, caused from either piston or cylinder liner wear, will significantly
decrease ring life. Cylinder bores should be observed for wear at ring change-outs and measured for
wear if ring life has significantly decreased. For maximum ring life, pistons should not be removed
from cylinders prior to ring replacement.
The best indicator of worn rings is a low compressor flow output. On the first or intermediate stages the
pressure for the affected cylinder will also be lowered. With extreme wear the compressor will not be
able to compress to the design pressure.
Ring life will vary with discharge pressure, atmospheric conditions and frequency of start/stop cycles.
A low ambient temperature will increase ring life. Frequent start/stop cycles will reduce ring life. If
possible, allow downstream pressure to drop as low as possible before restarting compressor.
5.11 CYLINDER LINERS: When ring life deteriorates from normal, liners should be checked for
surface finish, scoring or excessive wear. Maximum wear will normally occur 1/3 to 1/2 way down the
bore. A bore gauge is the best way to measure wear. Check diameter at several depths for wash-
boarding, and hone or replace as required. See chapter 7 for maximum diameters. Cleaning may not be
required on normal ring change-outs unless contaminates are present.
The desired cylinder surface is a 16-32 crosshatch. Surface roughness is needed to allow engraining of
Teflon in the bore. A smoother bore will reduce ring life. Re-hone cylinder as required, removing a
minimum of material.
5.12 PISTON ROD OIL SEALS: The oil seals prevent crankcase oil from leaking into the
distance piece area. If objectionable leakage occurs, remove piston rod and replace seals. If scratches
are found on rod surface, refinish per instructions in chapter 7.
TROUBLESHOOTING
GENERAL. Abnormal compressor conditions can be evaluated more quickly and accurately by
looking at interstage pressures. Variation of the interstage pressure indicates a problem condition, such
as worn piston rings, leaking valves or piping leaks. Observe cylinder pressures, which should be as
indicated on the Registration Page of this manual or in chapter 3.
NOTE: Operating compressor with a low interstage pressure may cause overheating of the
final stage resulting in premature ring wear.
NOTE: Leaking valves (in any stage) can cause a warming of the suction pipe just prior to the cylinder
head. If the unit has two parallel cylinders, compare the inlet pipe temperatures to each other.
INTRODUCTION: This chapter presents instructions for adjustments and repairs to the
compressor pump. Scheduled maintenance and general repair information is covered in Chapter 5.
Where special tools are required, they are called out in the applicable paragraph. This chapter is divided
into two sections: Section I, Adjustments and Alignments, and Section II, Repair.
7.1 ALIGNMENT OF DRIVE PULLEYS: Following any repair which requires removal of the
motor sheave or compressor flywheel, it may be necessary to realign the pulleys.
The pulleys are keyed to the shaft and locked in place with a tapered bushing. The pulleys have a hub
that can be separated by removing the three bolts and using them as jacking devices by inserting into the
threaded holes in the hub and tightening sequentially until the pulley breaks free. When loose, the
pulley and hub can be slid back and forth on the shaft to achieve alignment. To align, use a straight
edge across the outside faces of the pulleys. The gap between the straight edge and flywheel or pulley
should not exceed 1/16" (4 CM).
Torque the bolts per specifications. Check alignment and repeat if necessary. Replace belt guard.
To replace belts, loosen the motor (and beltguard if necessary) and roll the belts off the flywheel and
drive sheave, one groove at a time. Install new belts via reverse method.
To obtain the proper tension on the V-belts, use the following procedure:
a. Loosen the motor tie-down bolts at least three turns.
b. Move the motor outward until the desired belt tension is achieved. Correct belt tension
allows one quarter inch deflection with 8-10 lb. force applied per belt at mid-span.
c. Tighten motor tie-down bolts and replace belt guard.
d. Inspect and retighten new belts as required after 24-48 hours of operation.
7.3 COOLING FAN - The cooling fan is a sealed design and is not serviceable.
REMOVE HEAD
a. Relieve pressure and allow heads to cool. Disconnect piping from head.
b. Note orientation of head to ensure proper reassembly. Remove retaining nuts using an
alternating pattern and lift head from cylinder.
INSTALL HEAD
a. Install new o-ring or gasket in the head and/or or at top of cylinder as applicable.
b. Correctly orient head and carefully lower onto cylinder making sure valve parts maintain
their proper position. Install stainless nuts using assembly lube to prevent galling.
Tighten in 5 ft-lb. increments using a cross sequence. Do not to overtighten as this can
damage valves and heads. Verify that head is on square and not cocked
A bad valve, either suction or discharge, will usually be indicated by higher than normal pressure on the
preceding stage, or in the case of the first stage, a loss in flow along with low interstage pressures. This
can be caused by wear, breakage, warping of the reeds or fouling due to particulates which prevent the
valve from fully closing. Remove and service the valves as recommended in chapter 5, or if any of the
interstage pressures vary from normal and other possible causes have been eliminated.
When reinstalling valves, care must be taken to avoid damaging the o-rings. Lubricate o-rings with an
appropriate grease, such as Christo-Lube MCG 111, O2 and breathing compatible). Alignment
pins may also be lubricated to help hold in place. Avoid tilting the valve seat when installing in head
and apply even pressure around the circumference until the seat is completely installed. On non-O2
units Dow Molycote 111 – Valve Lube & Sealant may be helpful in cases where suction reed valves
must be held in place during assembly (not O2 compatible).
Note: After seat installation both suction and discharge holes must be visible or seat is in backwards.
Proper installation of a discharge reed can be checked by attempting to blow into discharge port. No air
should pass if valve and seat are correctly installed.
VALVE REMOVAL
a. Remove the head per section 7.4.
b. Note the orientation of the suction reed valve. The suction valve is not attached to the
head. Remove the reed.
c. Remove the valve seat.
d. Remove the two screws, valve backing plate and discharge reeds from the seat.
e Discard the O-rings. Clean, repair or replace parts as necessary.
VALVE INSTALLATION
a. Attach discharge reeds and valve backing plate to valve seat. Torque screws to 12-15
inch-lbs. Inspect to see that valve rests flush against seat.
b. Apply a light film of appropriate grease to the new O-rings.
c. Install the large o-ring in the head and the small one on the valve seat assembly. Install
the valve seat with the discharge side of the seat going into the head and the spring pin
entering the small hole in the valve seat
d. Set the suction reed on the valve seat using a small amount of compatible O-ring grease,
which will hold the reed in place when the head is installed on the cylinder. If a new reed
is used, bend the tab to a 45 degree angle into the slot provided in the valve seat. Do not
put grease on or near the valve finger. Note: a 2nd o-ring can be installed to assist in
holding the suction reed in place during assembly.
e. Replace the O-ring on the cylinder liner. Note: if cylinder has been removed, make sure
valve cutout in top of cylinder is oriented to coincide with suction valve in head.
f. Carefully install the head assembly, making sure the suction reed valve does not fall out
of place. Note: it may be easier to mount the head on the cylinder off the compressor
and then install the two together. Install nuts and tighten using an alternating pattern in 5
ft-lb. increments to 30 ft-lbs. Verify that the head is on square and not cocked. Do not to
over tighten the nuts as this could damage the valves and/or head.
INSTALLATION
a. Once the valve components have been cleaned, proceed as follows:
b. Attach discharge reeds and backing plate onto valve seat. Use Loctite (see Para. 7.5 for
proper type). Use a minimal amount and be careful Loctite does not flow onto reeds as
this may prevent proper sealing. For B11369 valve, install suction valve into seat, using
Loctite in the screw threads.
c. Install upper o-ring in head using a small amount of appropriate grease to hold in place.
Then install seat into head being careful that orientation is correct with screw holes
properly lined up. Install suction reeds and guard as applicable.
d. Install socket head screws, making sure the screws do not bottom out in the head before
the valve assembly is fully clamped. Torque screws to 10 in-lbs.
e. Install lower o-ring in head using a small amount of lube to hold in place, then install
head onto cylinder making sure the gas connection ports are oriented correctly. Tighten
nuts in 5 ft-lb. increments to 20 ft-lbs, or 25 ft-lbs. if self-locking nuts are used (lubed
threads). Verify that the head is on square and not cocked. Do not overtighten.
a. Install new oil seals in oil packing box (lips facing down). Pre-lubricate seals to avoid
damage during startup. Inspect o-ring on oil wiper box and replace if necessary.
b. Install o-ring slinger onto piston rod. Slide oil packing box onto rod and then attach
piston rod jam nut with machined side down. Screw the rod into the guide piston until
the threads bottom
c. Reinstall the cylinder assemblies and adjust piston rod per instructions below.
CAUTION
The piston to cylinder head clearance adjustment is critical. Insufficient
clearance will result in the piston hitting the head.
REMOVAL
a. Remove flywheel and bushing by removing the three cap screws that secure the flywheel
and hub to the crankshaft. Use these screws in the hub tapped holes to jack the flywheel
from the bushing.
b. If possible, remove the seal with crankshaft intact. If this is not successful, the entire unit
must be disassembled and the crankshaft removed prior to seal removal.
c. Inspect the crankshaft surface where the oil seal makes contact. Remove any burrs or
scratches that might inhibit a tight seal. Be careful to avoid getting any foreign material
on the exposed bearing.
REASSEMBLY
a. Reassemble in the reverse order, using a new oil seal.
b. Be sure that the flywheel and drive sheave are lined up. This can be accomplished by
laying a straight edge across the sheave faces.
7.13 MAIN BEARINGS: The crankshaft is supported in the crankcase by two main bearings.
They are a tapered roller design. Lubrication is supplied by oil splash. There is no scheduled
maintenance for the main bearings.
Nominal
Indicator Dimensions Wear Limit
Crankshaft Roller Bearings By inspection for pits, scratches,
knocking or rough running.
Crankshaft Journals 1.811 Dia. Dia. -.002 in. Max.
Connecting Rod Bearing 1.814 Dia. Dia. +.002 in. Max.
Journal and Bearing Clearance .003 .0055 in. Max.
Wrist Pins 1.000 Dia. Dia. -.0015 in. Max.
Wrist Pin Bearing 1.000 Dia. Dia. +.002 in. Max.
Wrist Pin and Bearing Clearance .001 .004 in. Max.
Guide Cylinder: 4.331 Dia. Dia. +.002 in. Max.
Guide Piston: 4.325 Dia. Dia. -.002 in. Max.
Guide Piston to Cylinder Clearance: .006. .009 in.. Max.
Piston Rods: .500 Dia. .002 in. wear
Pistons:
Fixed pistons 1.5" and above are not wearing parts
Cylinders Bores:
2 1/4 2.249 – 2.251 .005 in. diametrical wear
1 1/2 1.499 - 1.501 .003 in. diametrical wear