Valve Lift Measurement for the Validation of a Compressor Simulation Model

Abstract

The paper describes the use of a laser measuring system, to detect the movement of self acting valves used in reciprocating compressors. The valve movement is measured on real operation conditions. This is done by the use of an optical access through the shell and the suction muffler for the suction valve respectively through the cylinder head for the discharge valve. This was done to avoid every influence which is able to change the operating conditions of the compressor. The validation of the measuring system is carried out for the piston movement using the identical measuring system. These results are then used for the validation of a 1D compressor simulation model. In the 1 dimensional compressor model a spring-damping-mass model is used to evaluate the movement of the suction and discharge valves.