Compressor Accessories, How They Work

1. In compressors Labyrinth seals are used for two purposes. First to seal between inlet and outlet gas stream (also called impeller eye labyrinth). Second between lube oil and gas (also called oil labyrinth).

2. Purpose of buffer gas labyrinth is introducing another gas (usually dry air or nitrogen) for sealing process gas and lube oil.

3. Tilting pad bearing can be used in any high speed rotary machines. The main advantages are formation of several oil wedges along the shaft periphery for better hydrodynamic lubrication and low cost of replacement spares because only pads can be changed instead of whole bearing. Initial cost is higher.

4. In two faces of thrust bearing one which is normally in contact due to prevalent axial forces while machine is running is called active thrust bearing, and the other is inactive.

5. The purpose of balance piston is to neutralise a part of axial load exerted by high pressure on discharge side, otherwise very high load thrust bearings will be needed.

6. It depend solely on OEM of compressor, how they design depending on process gas, pressure and tolerance. Labyrinth only at stator is simple design.