Compressor Valves - GE H301 Series Operating Manual

50 | Chapter 4: Installation

Compressor Valves

Compressor valves control the inlet low pressure and higher outlet gas pressure
gas from the compressor cylinder. During normal operation, these valves open and
close by differential pressure across the valve. Valve springs keep the valve plate
closed against the respective inlet and discharge valve seat preventing reverse
gas flow through the valves.
In absence of the operating conditions; standard inlet and discharge valves are
installed into the compressor cylinder during factory assembly. Valves having
different seat and guard materials, valve plate materials, plate lift, and spring
forces are frequently tailored to fit the actual operating conditions. Tailored valves
provide the end user with valve materials for optimum compressor performance
and service life.
A computerized program selects the optimum tailored valve part numbers. The
following data is required for entry into the valve tailoring program:
• Current process gas analysis.
• HSR Compressor performance printout of the actual compressor operating
conditions.
Tailoring the valves involves using springs of different strengths, valve plate
materials of nylon, MTX, HTCX, or steel, and may require lift dimension changes.
Operating speed changes usually have the greatest influence on valve tailing
requirements.