COMPRESSORS PRACTICE EXAM WITH
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ANSWERS, PLUS EXPLAINED
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1.
An ammonia reciprocating compressor is operating at a stable suction
pressure and discharge pressure. The operator notices that the
compressor's suction superheat has gradually increased while suction
pressure remains nearly unchanged. Which condition is the MOST likely
explanation if the evaporator load has not changed?
A. Excessive liquid refrigerant migration into the compressor
B. Reduced refrigerant vapor density entering the compressor
C. Increased condenser subcooling caused by a high liquid level
D. Excessive liquid feed to the evaporator
Answer: B. Reduced refrigerant vapor density entering the
compressor
Rationale: A rise in suction superheat means the vapor entering the
compressor is warmer relative to its saturation temperature. At
approximately constant suction pressure, increased vapor temperature
reduces vapor density. This can reduce compressor mass flow and
refrigeration capacity, even though the compressor's displacement has
not changed. Liquid carryover, by contrast, would reduce superheat
and create a potentially dangerous slugging condition.
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,2.
A reciprocating ammonia compressor begins producing an unusually
loud knocking sound immediately after startup following maintenance.
Suction pressure is low, and the crankcase sight glass shows evidence of
oil dilution. Which condition should the operator suspect FIRST?
A. Non-condensable gases in the condenser
B. Liquid refrigerant entering the compressor crankcase or cylinders
C. Excessive condenser water flow
D. High discharge superheat
Answer: B. Liquid refrigerant entering the compressor crankcase or
cylinders
Rationale: Liquid refrigerant entering a reciprocating compressor can
cause liquid slugging, oil dilution, abnormal knocking, valve damage,
and mechanical damage. A sudden onset after startup is particularly
concerning for liquid migration or an improperly controlled liquid
feed condition. The compressor should be protected and operated
according to the plant's established emergency and shutdown
procedures rather than allowed to continue operating under suspected
slugging conditions.
3.
Why is maintaining adequate suction superheat particularly important
for a reciprocating industrial refrigeration compressor?
A. It guarantees maximum condenser capacity
B. It prevents all refrigerant flashing in the liquid line
C. It helps prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor
D. It increases refrigerant boiling temperature
Answer: C. It helps prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the
compressor
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,Rationale: Compressors are designed primarily to compress vapor.
Liquid refrigerant is essentially incompressible and can produce
severe mechanical loading when it enters cylinders. Appropriate
suction superheat provides a margin against liquid carryover while
still allowing efficient evaporator operation. Excessively high
superheat, however, can also reduce compressor capacity and increase
discharge temperature.
4.
A reciprocating compressor has a cylinder unloading system. When
several cylinders unload, what is the primary effect on compressor
capacity?
A. Compressor displacement per revolution effectively decreases
B. Condenser pressure automatically decreases to zero
C. Refrigerant density at the evaporator increases
D. Compressor oil viscosity becomes independent of temperature
Answer: A. Compressor displacement per revolution effectively
decreases
Rationale: Cylinder unloading reduces the amount of refrigerant that
is pumped during each compressor revolution. The crankshaft may
continue turning at the same speed, but fewer cylinders contribute to
compression. This provides capacity control and helps match
compressor output to system load without repeatedly starting and
stopping the compressor.
5.
An industrial refrigeration plant has several parallel compressors
connected to a common suction header. One compressor is operating
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, with significantly lower suction pressure at its inlet than the other
compressors. Which investigation is most appropriate?
A. Immediately increase discharge pressure
B. Check for a restriction or abnormal pressure drop in that compressor's
suction path
C. Add refrigerant to the receiver without further investigation
D. Close the compressor discharge valve while it is operating
Answer: B. Check for a restriction or abnormal pressure drop in
that compressor's suction path
Rationale: A significant pressure difference between the common
suction header and an individual compressor inlet can indicate a
restricted suction valve, strainer, piping problem, or other abnormal
condition. Excessive suction pressure drop reduces compressor inlet
pressure and can decrease capacity while increasing compression
ratio. Closing a discharge valve on an operating compressor is
hazardous and is not an appropriate troubleshooting method.
6.
What is the primary purpose of compressor oil in a reciprocating
industrial refrigeration compressor?
A. To increase refrigerant pressure
B. To provide lubrication and help seal moving components
C. To eliminate the need for refrigerant
D. To lower condenser water temperature
Answer: B. To provide lubrication and help seal moving
components
Rationale: Compressor oil reduces friction and wear at bearings,
crankshaft components, pistons, and other moving surfaces. In many
compressor designs it also contributes to sealing clearances and heat
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