3 replies to this topic

[ozgur]

As far as I know there is a need for a KOD (Knock out drum) for reciprocating and centrifugal compressors to protect the equipment.
I wonder if KOD is required for oil flooded screw compressors too?

[ankur2061]

ozgur,

I would recommend a KOD even for a oil-flooded screw compressor. My reasons would be as follows:

1. If water is carried to the oil-flooded screw compressor it would form an emulsion with oil. Oil emulsions with water can be very detrimental to the oil-flooded screw compressor performance due to both their high viscosity and settling characteristics in dead pockets.

2. If the suction stream also contains condensable hydrocarbons they may react with the oil to form degradation products which again would prove very detrimental to the oil-flooded screw compressor by either fouling or by decreasing the ability of the oil to provide lubrication to the compressor internals.

The above recommendations are based on the assumption that either water or hydrocarbons or both are there in the suction stream of the compressor. For an application like compressing air or inert gas a KOD would not be required.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Ankur.

[ozgur]

Dear Ankur,

Thank you very much for your help. Our compressor handles anhydrous ammonia. As far as I understand, we don't require a KOD as we won't have water or hydrocarbon in suction stream of the compressor.

Thank you again,

Regards.

[Vimalesh Agnihotri]

Thanks ankur sir for giving such explanatory description.