Hi.

I am having a major issue with the directional elbow inside the demister breaking. I do not know the cause of this ( Oil hammer?) . All compressors on 2 skids (4 compressors) have the same problem. A big piece of the elbow is broken off, and sits in the separator between the demister and the dome end. I am aware that these compressors fluctuate on the oil level, between partial and full load- but could this be the cause of the oil hammer/liquid hammer??

Basically, could the full load and the sudden increase in flow give too high oil return via suction line. And, if so- that would mean what? ( design flaw in the pipeline or viscosity problem of the oil?)

BS170 oil
two sided evap with 1 comp. each side, separate condensers...

Much abliged for any responce as Bitzer had not seen this before...IMG_2759.jpgIMG_2738.jpgIMG_2737.jpg