Abstract: Various embodiments include approaches for determining a top-dead-center (TDC) of a reciprocating compressor. In some cases, an apparatus includes: a pressure transducer configured to measure pressure fluctuations inside a compressor cylinder and convert the pressure fluctuations into an asynchronous waveform; and at least one computing device operably connected with the pressure transducer, the at least one computing device configured to: extract a data set representing piston angles over a single revolution of a piston within the compressor cylinder from the asynchronous waveform; remove data representing invalid piston angles from the data set to form a refined data set; determine an average piston angle for the single revolution from the refined data set; and adjust the refined data set to identify a top-dead-center (TDC) position of the piston within the compressor cylinder.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring operating parameters of a reciprocating compressor are provided. The system includes a piston head assembly including a piston head body, at least one sensor positioned within the piston head body, and an electrical power source positioned within the piston head body. The electrical power source is configured to provide electrical energy to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressing high-frequency signals are described in certain embodiments herein. According to certain embodiments, a high-frequency signal can be converted into a lower frequency signal so that it can be processed by one or more devices in a lower frequency infrastructure. In certain embodiments, the high-frequency signal can be compressed by certain signal conditioning components and an algorithm executed by a computer processor to at least receive a high-frequency signal, correct the high-frequency signal, determine a number of samples to be taken from the high-frequency signal (i.e., sample the high-frequency signal), store a value associated with the sampled signal, and generate a waveform that includes lower frequency content that may represent the original, high-frequency signal.

Abstract: Various embodiments include approaches for determining a top-dead-center (TDC) of a reciprocating compressor. In some cases, an apparatus includes: a pressure transducer configured to measure pressure fluctuations inside a compressor cylinder and convert the pressure fluctuations into an asynchronous waveform; and at least one computing device operably connected with the pressure transducer, the at least one computing device configured to: extract a data set representing piston angles over a single revolution of a piston within the compressor cylinder from the asynchronous waveform; remove data representing invalid piston angles from the data set to form a refined data set; determine an average piston angle for the single revolution from the refined data set; and adjust the refined data set to identify a top-dead-center (TDC) position of the piston within the compressor cylinder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compressing high-frequency signals are described in certain embodiments herein. According to certain embodiments, a high-frequency signal can be converted into a lower frequency signal so that it can be processed by one or more devices in a lower frequency infrastructure. In certain embodiments, the high-frequency signal can be compressed by certain signal conditioning components and an algorithm executed by a computer processor to at least receive a high-frequency signal, correct the high-frequency signal, determine a number of samples to be taken from the high-frequency signal (i.e., sample the high-frequency signal), store a value associated with the sampled signal, and generate a waveform that includes lower frequency content that may represent the original, high-frequency signal.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring operating parameters of a reciprocating compressor are provided. The system includes a piston head assembly including a piston head body, at least one sensor positioned within the piston head body, and an electrical power source positioned within the piston head body. The electrical power source is configured to provide electrical energy to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system for use with a reciprocating device. The condition monitoring system includes at least one pressure sensor that is configured to sense a pressure within the reciprocating device. At least one vibration sensor is configured to sense a vibration of the reciprocating device. A protection system is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor and the vibration sensor. The protection system is configured to calculate a stiffness value of the reciprocating device based on the sensed pressure within the reciprocating device and the sensed vibration of the reciprocating device.

Abstract: Various embodiments include approaches for determining a top-dead-center (TDC) of a reciprocating compressor. In some cases, an apparatus includes: a pressure transducer configured to measure pressure fluctuations inside a compressor cylinder and convert the pressure fluctuations into an asynchronous waveform; and at least one computing device operably connected with the pressure transducer, the at least one computing device configured to: extract a data set representing piston angles over a single revolution of a piston within the compressor cylinder from the asynchronous waveform; remove data representing invalid piston angles from the data set to form a refined data set; determine an average piston angle for the single revolution from the refined data set; and adjust the refined data set to identify a top-dead-center (TDC) position of the piston within the compressor cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct measurement of rider band wear in a valve assembly for a reciprocating compressor is provided. A distance transducer probe is inserted through a compressor valve assembly to measure a distance between a piston assembly and the transducer probe and the wear of a rider band is determined based on the distance.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system for use with a reciprocating device. The condition monitoring system includes at least one pressure sensor that is configured to sense a pressure within the reciprocating device. At least one vibration sensor is configured to sense a vibration of the reciprocating device. A protection system is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor and the vibration sensor. The protection system is configured to calculate a stiffness value of the reciprocating device based on the sensed pressure within the reciprocating device and the sensed vibration of the reciprocating device.

Abstract: A method of simulating attenuation of an impulse signal of a reciprocating compressor includes providing a reciprocating compressor that includes a crank connected to a motor, a compression chamber, a reciprocating piston positioned in the compression chamber, and a connecting rod attached to the piston. The method also includes connecting the connecting rod to the crank with a first crank pin, mounting at least one transducer on the reciprocating compressor, running the compressor, measuring a first impulse signal with the at least one transducer, replacing the first crank pin with a second crank pin, the second crank pin having a diameter different than the diameter of the first crank pin, running the compressor, measuring a second impulse signal with the at least one transducer, and comparing the first impulse signal to the second impulse to determine an amount of attenuation between the first and second impulse signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for direct measurement of rider band wear in a valve assembly for a reciprocating compressor is provided. A distance transducer probe is inserted through a compressor valve assembly to measure a distance between a piston assembly and the transducer probe and the wear of a rider band is determined based on the distance.