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Annex C
(informative)
Piston Rod Runout
C.1 Scope
This annex describes a procedure that can be used to determine expected piston rod runout in horizontal reciprocating
compressors with traditional crosshead/piston rod/piston construction. Piston rod runout, using precision dial indicators, is a
measurement criterion used to determine piston rod running alignment variations in both horizontal and vertical positions relative
to cylinder and crosshead alignment. While other alignment methods, such as optical, laser, or wire, may be used to determine
initial assembly alignment, use of dial indicators on the piston rod verifies alignment by determining the true running variation of
the rod as it passes through its stroke. Once factory alignment has been verified by correct rod runout measurement, and so
recorded, it is a convenient field method of verifying alignment after installation and routine maintenance.
Manufacturers with other types of compressors, having unique or proprietary construction, may require different methods for
calculating expected cold vertical rod runout.
C.2 Definition
Piston rod runout is defined in 3.40.
C.3 Maximum Allowable Runout
C.3.1 Acceptable limits of rod runout and shop test requirements and records are discussed in 6.1.28.
C.3.2 The maximum allowable horizontal runout at any side position of the dial indicators shall be zero, plus or minus
0.00015 mm/mm (0.00015 in./in.) of stroke, up to a maximum of 0.064 mm (0.0025 in.).
C.3.3 The maximum allowable vertical runout at any top position of the dial indicators shall be the calculated runout, in
millimeters (thousandths of an inch), at that specific dial indicator position based on length of stroke, length of rod, rod sag, and
the difference between the crosshead and cylinder running clearances, plus or minus a permissible limit of ±0.015% of stroke to
allow for geometric and fit tolerances of all parts that may contribute to slight parallel offset and angular misalignment.
See remainder of this annex for an example of vertical runout calculations based on a suggested procedure.
C.4 General
C.4.1 Piston rod runout is always an inspection requirement during the shop assembly of a new compressor to verify alignment.
It is almost always a purchaser’s witness test requirement of alignment to determine that geometric and fit dimensions of all parts
are correct, and that these parts have been properly assembled with parallel offset and/or angular misalignment within the
established runout limits. In addition, as part of new compressor field installations, rod runout is always checked and verified
against shop readings. It is also a requirement of normal compressor maintenance, especially after overhaul and reassembly of the
cylinders.
C.4.2 Runout must be checked in both horizontal and vertical directions. It is best to check runout at both the crosshead and at
the cylinder to verify that the crosshead and piston are running true in the crosshead guide and cylinder respectively.
C.4.3 While rod runout can be used to verify alignment, it should not be used to align compressor cylinders during the original
assembly of the machine. If the measured cold runout exceeds the expected value, actual running clearances and the runout
calculation should be checked. It is also recommended that all assembled components and fits be checked to confirm they are
within the tolerances required for size, squareness, parallelism, and concentricity.
C.4.4 After assembly and in the field, compressor cylinders, distance pieces, and crosshead guides should never be forced into
positions of harmful stresses in an attempt to satisfy rod runout requirements.
C.4.5 Due to the piston rod length, vertical runout must include the effect of rod sag when type B, C, and D distance pieces are
used. In the case of older units, or new units with no distance piece, or with the very short type A distance piece, rod sag may be
so minimal that it can be ignored and the basics of Figures C-1 and C-2 can be used to compute expected vertical rod runout for
perfect alignment.
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