GE 4424 West Sam Houston Parkway North

Houston, Texas 77041 U.S.A.

compressor
Oil & Gas

__
Subject: Allowable VS. Maximum RPM Group: All
Number: CN 11-008 Sub Group: Frames
Date: 27-APR-2011 Series: All____
This Compressor News Bulletin is written to inform Packagers and End Users that operating conditions may
dictate an Allowable operating speed less than Maximum rated speed as shown on the serial number name
plate for all GE HSR and Legacy model compressors.

GE HSR Compressor performance runs, using the latest program version, must be made with the applicable
mode of cylinder loading, added clearance, actual weights of reciprocating components, and current operating
conditions to determine the highest Allowable Speed for a given compressor. While the expected compressor
performance is still on the computer screen, the net rod loading may be reviewed. If the net rod load is
excessive, entry of a lower operating speed will reduce it.

Operation of a GE HSR or Legacy model compressor under certain conditions can result in catastrophic damage
to the bearings, crankshaft, connecting rods, crossheads, and piston rod assemblies when design inertia force
limits are exceeded.

WARNING: Functional testing of the overspeed switch if required by accelerating the engine to or above the
desired overspeed trip set point must be done only by qualified personnel AND with gas load
applied to all compressor cylinders.

Rotational shop or field testing of compressors with NO GAS PRESSURE LOAD applied to the cylinders
significantly reduces the speed at which the compressor may be safely operated.

Refer to Compressor News Bulletin, CN 06-007, and the following table for No Gas Load operating speed limits.

Frame NO GAS LOAD

Model Maximum RPM Speed
M30 1200
H30 1200
A35 1200
D42 1200
D & DS50 1000
D & DS60 900
E & ES50 1000
E & ES60 900
E & ES70 900
F & FS50 1000
F & FS60 900
F & FS70 900

The driver’s governor and overspeed switch should be adjusted to limit the operating speed to the allowable
operating speed. If, for example, the maximum allowable operating speed of a given compressor is determined
to be 1100 RPM when operation at other conditions could allow 1200 RPM; then the governor high-speed stop
should be reset and overspeed switch should be adjusted to trip at 1150 RPM rising.

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Compressor News\CN 11-008
GE 4424 West Sam Houston Parkway North
Houston, Texas 77041 U.S.A.

compressor
Oil & Gas

The following operating characteristics directly affect the dynamic rod load, crankpin journal load, crosshead pin
load, and rod reversals of every throw of a given compressor.

1. Operating speed RPM

2. Mode of cylinder loading DA, SACE, or SAHE
3. Piston rod assembly weight Pounds (kilogram)
4. Crosshead assembly weight Pounds (kilogram)
5. Balance weight Pounds (kilogram)
6. Added clearance Cubic Inches (cubic centimeter)
7. Inlet pressure Psig (Bar or kilopascal)
8. Discharge pressure Psig (Bar or kilopascal)
9. Stroke length Inches (centimeters)

Generally, operating a compressor at high speed (above 1000 RPM), heavy total reciprocating mass weight
(above 200 pounds {90 kg}), and / or single acting a large diameter piston rod assembly of any mass weight
have the greatest potential for resultant dynamic rod load, crankpin load, crosshead pin load, and / or reversals
being outside design limits.

The Maximum Rated Design Speed (RPM) of GE HSR compressors is defined as:

The nameplate operating speed (RPM) at which the given model compressor may be continuously operated
when the mathematical calculations including the above operating characteristic values result with all dynamic
crank journal pin bearing, crosshead pin, and reversals being within predetermined design load limits.

The Allowable Speed (RPM) of GE HSR compressors is defined as:

The lesser of the Maximum Rated Design Speed (RPM) OR the Allowable Speed (RPM), at which the given model
compressor may be continuously operated when the mathematical calculations including the above operating
characteristic values result with all dynamic crank journal pin bearing, crosshead pin, and reversals being within
predetermined design load limits.

Conversely, some compressor arrangements and operating conditions may dictate an operating speed above
the minimum 700 RPM shown on the serial number nameplate.

24-Hour Technical Assistance: 832-978-9780 (Phone)

Tech Support Email: hsr_support@ge.com
24-Hour OEM Replacement parts: 1-866-565-2303 (Phone) 1-972-649-1863 (Fax) Parts
Webpage: www.partssupercenter.com
Email address for replacement parts inquiries: oilgasteambox@pscparts.com

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Compressor News\CN 11-008