ROTARY SCREW PACKAGERS STANDARDS

SECTION 3 - SKID DESIGN AND FABRICATION

Supporting Calculations Documentation
It is strongly recommended the Packager retain any supporting calculations made by the
Packager and/or consultant. The Packager must consider dynamic forces, as well as static
forces, when designing the skid. Ariel can provide the following rotary compressor information
upon special request. If there is a question as to whether or not a special study is recommended, please contact Ariel Applications Engineering Department.
- Torque/Speed Curves - Compressor application specific
- Torque Effort Curves - Compressor application specific
- Allowable Forces and Moments at Compressor Flanges - ER-66.1 (Appendix F)
- Mass Elastic Data - included in the Ariel Performance Program

Packager Responsibilities
1.

2.

3.
4.

5.

6.

The skid design and pedestal must include adequate structural support under
the compressor and other critical components, with proper tie-down to transmit
shaking forces to the foundation.
The skid and pedestal shall be designed with sufficient stiffness and strength so
the compressor can be mounted flat with no bending or twisting of the compressor frame. The skid and pedestal must have enough stiffness and mass to limit
skid and pedestal deflection induced by the rotating equipment to 0.002 inches
(0.05mm) or less. The foundation or deck must also meet these same criteria.
Skid and pedestal beams should have gussets at support points.
The skid and pedestal must have sufficient stiffness between the driver and
compressor so that the torque reaction between them does not cause twisting.
The skid and pedestal stiffness should be enough that the alignment between
the driver and compressor is affected only minimally during shipment and subsequent relocations. Drive train alignment should always be checked and corrected after relocating a package.
Support points should be flat and parallel to the compressor mounting feet. Support off of deck plate alone may not be sufficient if it adversely affects drive train
alignment.
Ariel RG model compressors are available with conventional four-feet mounting
or with three-point mounting using an SAE bell housing mounting-flange
designed to be attached directly to the driver. The preferred three point mounting method uses two compressor feet and the SAE bell housing to attach the
compressor to its pedestal and to the driver flange. See Figure 3-1.

Primary changes: Removed all reference to AR models. Added #6, #10, and #11. Updated Figure 3-2.
See EC documentation for other change details.

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DESCRIPTION

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013991

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013029

6-20-06

010774

1-15-03

ECN8091

10-6-00

016520

10-27-10

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ROTARY SCREW PACKAGERS STANDARDS

SAE Flange Mount

Reciprocating
Engine - Driver

Compressor
Pedestal
Discharge
End Feet (2)

Engine Pedestal
Package Structural Support Skid

Figure 3-1 Engine/RG Compressor Bell House Mounting - Typical

7.

8.
9.

The compressor mounting feet must be supported in a fashion that provides

both vertical and lateral support, so that acceptable compressor alignment tolerances are maintained. This may be accomplished by incorporating a laterally
stiff pedestal with shim points or adjustable chocks or grout boxes (epoxy filled,
self-leveling mounts) or careful grouting under the compressor feet when using
4-point mounting, or under two feet for a 3-point mounting. Compressor thermal
growth information is available in ER-58.05 for the RG-M models, or the outline
drawings for other models. If there are any questions, or further explanation is
required, please contact the Ariel Technical Services Department.
Compressor hold down bolting size, material, length, and torque should be in
accordance with Ariel ER-26.1.
Every installed compressor package has several natural frequencies. Each frequency is a function of the stiffness and mass of the entire system, including the
foundation or deck.
Ensure the mechanical natural frequency of the skid and pedestal package,
mounted on the user's foundation or deck, is not excited by the compressor.
This will require packager coordination with the designer of the foundation or
deck.

TABLE 3-1: ROTOR SPEEDS

COMPRESSOR
MODEL

GEAR RATIO
MALE/FEMALE
ROTORS

MINIMUM ROTOR
SPEED MALE/
FEMALE, RPM

MAXIMUM ROTOR
SPEED MALE/
FEMALE, RPM

RG282/RG282M
RG357M

4/6
4/6

1040 / 693
840 / 560

4050 / 2700
3230 / 2153

Maximum and minimum speed and normal operating speed range should be forwarded to the end user along with a caution to examine off-skid and pedestal
structure, piping, instrumentation and equipment for resonance.
10. Compressor handling must be done carefully. The Ariel supplied eyebolts for lifting the compressor only are not designed for high side loads. Do not attempt to
lift compressor still attached to the driver as an assembly. Refer to the Data
Book or appropriate compressor Technical Manual for compressor weights and
recommended lifting points.
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11. Package layout and assembly must be such that clear maintenance access is
not hindered. This would include clear access for capacity control devices, oil
system components (including housing and system component drains), hydraulic cylinders, mechanical seal and oil pump removal. Refer to the appropriate
outline drawing for minimum access clearance distances.

Hydraulic Cylinder Brace Support - RG-M

RG-M compressors are equipped with a brace between the hydraulic cylinders that actuate
the Vi and capacity valves. If mechanical vibration analysis indicates, the brace is to be bolted
to a Packager provided structural support that is attached to the skid for reducing vibration in
the hydraulic cylinder assemblies.

The brace has two 1/2-13 UNC

tapped holes. To bolt the brace
to the skid-package structual
support, use grade 8 cap screws
with Loctite 242 tightened to the
torque value given in ER-63.1.

FIGURE 3-2: RG-M HYDRAULIC CYLINDER BRACE SUPPORT

Compressor Vibration Limits

Machine casing vibrations will be evaluated in units of velocity, inches per second, IPS, RMS
or (mm/s, RMS) in the frequency range of 10 to 1000 Hz. The overall machine vibration levels
primarily consist of the fundamental rotor mesh frequency and harmonics. The table below
defines the vibration limits.
The figure below identifies the measurement locations on the compressor casing. Vibration
measurements are to be taken on the compressor pedestal very near the compressor feet. A
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heavy duty pedestal mount is recommended to minimize machine vibration.

TABLE 3-2: VIBRATION LIMITS - RG & RG-M MODELS

LOCATION

IPS (mm/s) RMS

Pedestal/Base/Skid
Compressor Casing
Compressor Auxiliaries mounted by
Ariel (i.e. tubing, actuators, etc.)

< 0.15 (< 3.8)

< 0.44 (< 11.2)
< 1.5 (< 38.1)

No-Bell Gearbox

Vibration Measurement Locations

Thrust Bearings:
1. Horizontal
2. Vertical
3. Axial
Jackshaft Bearing (Compressor Side)
4. Horizontal
5. Vertical
Jackshaft Bearing (Engine Side)
6. Horizontal
7. Vertical
8. Axial

FIGURE 3-3: RG AND RG-M CASING MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS

NOTES:

Ariel does not recommend limits for skid piping, separators, and scrubbers. Contact
the distributor for these limits.
If a vibration problem is perceived, a spectral analysis should be performed on the
unit by a qualified vibration specialist.

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