Reciprocating compressor valve plates material selection

Mining plays an important role in shaping the country's economy, supplying essential raw materials for many industries. Compressed air is an optimal energy source for use in mining conditions for both underground and open-pit mining, due to its significant advantages over other energy sources: reliability, safety and efficiency. Compressors of various types are used to produce compressed air. In the mining industry reciprocating compressors are especially in demand due to their reliability and ability to operate in remote areas where access to electricity is limited. The leading cause of compressor downtime is valve failure. The valve plate in a reciprocating compressor plays an important role in regulating gas flow, providing proper sealing, supporting valve components, and assisting in heat dissipation and overall durability. Valve plates are subject to high cyclic loading, leading to fatigue failure. In order to improve the reliability and efficiency of reciprocating compressor valves, the loads acting on the plates were determined and their impact on strength was assessed. A formula for assessing the fatigue strength limit of steel in a wide range of properties was proposed. A mathematical model has been developed that links the valve design, operating mode and allows for a reasonable choice of plate material. Examples of material selection for PIK valves are given. The compiled nomogram allows for selection of the shut-off element plate material for specific compressor operating conditions.

Khazin M. L., Volegov S. A., Sokerina O. V. Reciprocating compressor valve plates material selection. MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2025;(12-2):112-124. [In Russ]. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2025_122_0_112.

M.L. Khazin¹, Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Professor, e-mail: Khasin@ursmu.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-6081-4474,
S.A. Volegov¹, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Assistant Professor, e-mail: sevolegov2015@yandex.ru, ORCID ID: 0009-0000-2871-6826,
O.V. Sokerina¹, Senior Lecturer, e-mail: olga_vc@mail.ru, ORCID ID: 0009-0003-6663-4719,
¹ Ural State Mining University, 620144, Ekaterinburg, Russia.

O.V. Sokerina, e-mail: olga_vc@mail.ru.

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