2 .1 Location
NOTE: Compressor must be installed in a well
ventilated area .
Corken compressors are designed and manufactured for
outdoor duty. For applications where the compressor will
be subjected to extreme conditions for extended periods
such as corrosive environments, arctic conditions, etc.,
consult Corken. Check local safety regulations and building
codes to assure installation will meet local safety standards.
Corken compressors handling toxic or flammable gases
should be located outdoors. A minimum of 18 inches
(457.2 mm) clearance between the compressor and the
nearest wall is advised to make it accessible from all sides
and to provide unrestricted air flow for adequate cooling.
Noise:
Corken Horizontal compressors should not exceed an 85
DBA noise level at a distance of one meter (3.3 ft.) when
properly installed.
2 .2 Foundation
The foundation design is the end user’s responsibility.
Local soil conditions can affect the foundation design.
Generally speaking, the larger the foundation, vibration
or shaking problems are less likely. As a rule of thumb,
when preparing the foundation, the mounting slab
should be 8 to 10 inches thick with the overall length
and width 4 inches longer and wider on each side of the
structural skid.
Grouting the skid helps reduce vibration. An un-grouted
skid flexes and allows the compressor to vibrate.
Secure the skid with 3/4-inch diameter “J” type anchor
bolts embedded in the concrete. Use a sufficient length
and strength and do not skip any holes on the skid.
Expansion bolts and All-thread should never be used.
All anchor bolts should be tightened on a routine basis.
NOTE: Be sure to use all anchor holes on the skid .
2 .3 Piping
Piping design and installation is as important as the
foundation for trouble-free compressor operation.
Improper piping installation will result in undesirable
compressor vibration transmission through the piping to
other parts of the installation.
DO NOT SUPPORT PIPING WITH THE COMPRESSOR.
The compressor must not support any significant piping
weight; therefore, the piping must be fully supported. The
use of flexible connections to the compressor is highly
recommended. Rigid, unsupported piping combined
with a poor foundation will result in severe vibration. In
order to reduce vibration in the piping induced by the
compressor, flex hoses may be installed at the inlet
and outlet. These should be oriented vertically and
not horizontally. Vibration can also be caused by the
pulsating flow of gas inside the pipes.
The pulsating flow is normal and to be expected from
a piston type compressor. If this is a problem, it can
generally be corrected with pipe supports or pulsation
dampeners. In Corken’s size range, generally, a small
vessel in the piping is all that is required to act as a
pulsation dampener. The rule of thumb to size a pulsation
dampener is the volume must be at least ten times the
swept cylinder volume. Please note that this calculation
may vary depending on the application.
Pipe must be adequately sized to prevent excessive pressure
drop between the suction source and the compressor as
well as between the compressor and the final discharge
point. In most cases, piping should be at least the same
diameter as the suction nozzle on the compressor.
Install a strainer at the compressor inlet to reduce the
amount of foreign particles in the gas stream. These can
shorten the effective life of valves, piston rings, cylinder, etc.
Never install a shut-off valve in the discharge piping
unless a safety relief valve is placed in the line between
the shut-off valve and the compressor. Remember to
consider future expansion when sizing piping and layout.
If a restrictive device such as an isolation valve or check
valve is to be installed in the compressor’s suction line,
care must be taken. The suction line volume between
Chapter 2—Installation of the Compressor
Figure 2.2
Main beam (C-beam or W-beam)
Cross beam (H-beam)
3/4" diameter “J” bolt
Hex nut
and washer
Concrete foundation
Ground level
Note: The depth of the concrete foundation will
vary based on local soil conditions .
6
