The objective of this project is to develop a bearing dynamic similarity test machine to more carefully investigate the dynamics of the Dresser-Rand floating ring main compressor bearings. This test apparatus will better assist in the improvement of fault detection methods by isolating the vibrational characteristics of the bearings from that in the overall machine. Currently, there are general bearing test rigs on the market that demonstrate some, but not all, of the desired characteristics, however, none are readily available to either RIT or Dresser-Rand.

The goal of this project is to design two journal bearing test rigs: (1) full scale when compared to the ESH-1 compressor in the lab, (2) a reduced scale rig suitable to size, power, and cost considerations. Each rig needs to accommodate both standard and floating ring journal bearings while allowing for shaft speed control, variable radial loading, condition monitoring, and direct measurements of speed and oil temperature. Bearing installation and oil replacement both need to be accomplished with relative ease.

1-Page Project Summary

Test Rig Rev 2

Project Name

Dresser-Rand Compressor Bearing Dynamic Similarity Tester

Project Number

P14453

Project Family

Dresser-Rand Reciprocating Compressor Projects

Start Term

2131

End Term

2133

Faculty Guide

Bill Nowak

Primary Customer

Dr. Jason Kolodziej (RIT)

Scott Delmotte (Dresser-Rand)

Sponsor (financial support)

James Sorokes (Dresser-Rand)

Subject Matter Expert (technical support)

Dr. Stephen Boedo (RIT)

Dresser-Rand Logo

Photo Gallery

Planning & Execution

Problem Definition

Systems Design

Detailed Design

Project Review

Photo Gallery

Planning & Execution

MSD I Action Items

Build, Test, Document

Project Review

Final Presentation

Technical Paper

Poster