Unloading devices
Cooper's ACI Services division provides volume and bypass unloading devices, along with actuators designed for variable operating conditions, reduced volume demands, and lower discharge pressures.
advanced unloading devices & actuators
Cooper’s ACI Services Division offers a comprehensive line of volume and bypass unloading devices engineered to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of reciprocating compressor operations. These devices are critical for effective capacity control, enabling operators to adjust compressor output to match fluctuating process demands while maintaining optimal performance.
In addition to unloading devices, ACI provides a variety of actuators designed to accommodate reduced volume requirements, variable operating pressures, and lower discharge pressures. These actuators are available in multiple configurations, including pneumatic and hydraulic options, and are built to ensure reliable, responsive control across a wide range of applications. Together, these solutions support improved energy efficiency, extended equipment life, and greater operational flexibility.
Capacity or Load Control Devices for Clearance Volume Pockets
Front head clearance pockets for reciprocating compressors offer an efficient method for managing unit load and low-end capacity as operating conditions fluctuate.
Pneumatic actuators
Properly selected balanced plug actuators enhance the capability of a standard compressor package to meet precise operational requirements. Our performance support enables customization of the compressor package to align with specific needs. The actuating medium and compressor gas are isolated by a double seal and dual venting system, ensuring compliance with API 618 standards by preventing any intermixing between the actuating medium and the compressed gas.
Radial Valve Unloaders
The radial suction unloader valve achieves unloading without compromising flow area, unlike other types of unloader valves. Typically, a single radial unloader offers greater efficiency than two single-deck finger unloaders and is generally more reliable. Additionally, one radial unloader often performs comparably to two plug unloaders in the unloaded mode.
front-head bypass (SimPlexTM & DuPlexTM unloaders)
The ACI Services Division bypass unloaders are suitable for both new O.E.M. cylinders and reconditioned compressor cylinders. Device actuation may be manual or pneumatic, using either air or gas. The gas bypass configuration offers efficiency benefits by minimizing interference with valve performance.
varipocketTM (hydraulic variable volume pockets)
With rapid response to changing field conditions and precise load control, the VariPocketTM optimizes equipment performance to maximize return on investment by generating additional revenue. VariPocketsTM are available for AJAX, Ariel, Dresser-Rand, Gemini, and Superior reciprocating compressor packages, and can be retrofitted on late-modelA JAXx, Superior, Cooper Bessemer, Penn, Joy, and Enterprise reciprocating compressors.
plug-type end deactivator
Finger-type unloaders use small, fragile fingers that exert force directly on the valve plates, whereas plug-type unloaders apply no direct force to the valve plates. This fundamental distinction leads to reduced maintenance requirements in the critical compressor valve area.
Rotavator Unloader
The Rotavator Unloader introduces minimal fixed clearance, making it well-suited for both low and high compression ratio applications. It enhances efficiency in both single-acting and double-acting cylinder end configurations.
AUTOPOCKET VARIABLE VOLUME CLEARANCE POCKET
Reciprocating compressors are among the most efficient gas compression technologies when operating under the optimal conditions for which they were originally designed. However, such ideal conditions are rarely sustained in actual operation. Without capacity control devices, compressors frequently operate well below peak efficiency or become overloaded, often necessitating shutdown.
To address this, many compressors are equipped with manually operated Variable Volume Clearance Pockets (VVCPs). However, due to severe oscillations that occur when these devices are unlocked, they are often not adjusted during operation. The AutoPocket system resolves this issue by automatically adjusting clearance volume while the compressor is running, eliminating the need for station personnel to manually unlock, reposition, and relock the device. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also improves safety by preventing exposure to oscillating components during adjustment.
