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General • Inspections

Compression Test Fire

This procedure outlines the essential steps for conducting a controlled compression test fire on a compressor unit, including safety checks, valve alignment, startup verification, and performance monitoring. This procedure ensures the unit operates safely and correctly under load, helping identify issues before the equipment is placed into service.
Envent Corporation
12/04/2025

Compression Test Fire

This procedure outlines the essential steps for conducting a controlled compression test fire on a compressor unit, including safety checks, valve alignment, startup verification, and performance monitoring. This procedure ensures the unit operates safely and correctly under load, helping identify issues before the equipment is placed into service.

    Unit Information

    Compressor Unit Number

    Date

    Technican(s)

    Starting Hours on Engine

    Starting Hours on Compressor

    Fire Extinguisher #1 Visual Inspection (Seal, UL, Damage)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire Extinguisher #1 Date Inspection

    Fire Extinguisher #2 Visual Inspection (Seal, UL, Damage)

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Fire Extinguisher #2 Date Inspection

    Power-Off Checks

    Inspect 1st Stage Scrubber for Liquid

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Inspect 2nd Stage Scrubber for Liquid

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Inspect 3rd Stage Scrubber for Liquid

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Inspect Sight Glass on the Oil Catch Tank

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Check Engine Oil via Dipstick

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Check Oil Day (Makeup) Level

    Valve Alignment Verification

    Verify Air is Isolated from Fuel Gas System

    Verify Natural Gas Fuel System Valve Alignment

    Verify Suction Hose Connection

    If a loaded test fire is being completed.

    • Yes
    • No
    • N / A

    Verify Discharge Hose Connection

    If a loaded test fire is being completed.

    • Yes
    • No
    • N / A

    Power-On Checks

    Check Battery Voltage on CAT Panel

    Verify it is less than 24V. Enter Voltage Reading.

    Verify Proper Ignition Timing for Fuel Source on CAT Panel

    Verify Instrument Air Pressure is below 80 PSI

    If it is above this range, adjust the regulator

    • Yes
    • No
    • N / A

    Verify Fuel Pressure to Unit

    Cycle the Manual Recycle (Bypass) Valve

    If loaded test fire is being completed

    • Yes
    • No
    • N / A

    Cycle the Manual Purge Valve

    If loaded test fire is being completed

    • Yes
    • No
    • N / A

    Cycle Through 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Stage

    Verify all automated valved actuate during transition. If one fails, unit will auto-shutdown.

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Starting the Unit

    Manually Set to 1st Stage for Compression

    Inspect Unit for Oil & Coolant Leaks

    Describe leak level and location if applicable

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Inspect Unit for Abnormal Noises

    Describe issue if applicable

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Verify Engine Speed Ramps up to

    Verify Coolant Temps are above 130 F

    Ramp Engine Speed to 1750 RPMs

    Monitor Compressor Vibration

    Record highest vibration readings

    Monitor Engine Vibration

    Record highest vibration readings

    Monitor Cooler Vibration

    Record highest vibration readings

    Loading Unit (If Applicable)

    Verify Recirculation Tank Regulators are set to

    Load Start Time

    Load End Time

    Monitor Cylinder Temps do NOT exceed 300 F

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Parameter Checks

    1st Stage DE Suction Pressure (PSIG)

    1st Stage DE Suction Temperature (F)

    1st Stage NDE Suction Pressure (PSIG)

    1st Stage NDE Suction Temperature (F)

    1st Stage DE Discharge Pressure (PSIG)

    1st Stage DE Discharge Temperature (F)

    1st Stage NDE Discharge Pressure (PSIG)

    1st Stage NDE Discharge Temperature (F)

    2nd Stage Suction Temperature (F)

    Verify Coolant Level is Adequate

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Verify Oil Day (Makeup) Tank Level is Adequate

    • Pass
    • Flag
    • Fail

    Unit Shut Down

    If loaded test fire is being completed

    Ending Hours on Engine

    Ending Hours on Compressor

    Notes about Test Fire

Source: Envent Corporation (Community Member)

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