Evaluating the performance of signal processing techniques to diagnose fault in a reciprocating compressor under varying speed conditions

Abstract

An inefficient detection of a fault in a reciprocating compressor (RC) by a signal processing technique could lead to high energy losses. To achieve a high-pressure ratio, RCs are used in such pressure-based applications. This paper evaluates the performance of nonstationary signal processing techniques employed for monitoring the health of an RC, based on its vibration signal. Acquired vibration signals have been decomposed using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and variational mode decomposition (VMD) and compared respectively. Afterward, few condition indicators (CIs) have been evaluated from decomposed modes of vibration signals. Perspectives of this work are therefore detailed at the end of this paper. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd 2019.