Reciprocating compressor discharge systems create unique demands on check valves, where pulsating flow can lead to chatter, unnecessary cycling, seat wear, reverse flow, and premature failure. These problems can extend beyond the valve, contributing to vibration, pressure fluctuations, equipment stress, increased maintenance, and system reliability issues. This webinar will help attendees understand the causes and effects of these challenges, as well as provide practical guidance for evaluating and selecting check valves for more reliable compressor discharge performance.
Overview
Reciprocating compressor discharge systems expose check valves to rapidly changing pressures and pulsating flow, conditions far different from steady-flow service. If a valve cannot respond effectively, repeated opening and closing can cause chatter, reverse flow, seat damage, and premature failure. The consequences often extend throughout the system, creating vibration, unstable pressure, added equipment stress, unexpected downtime, and higher maintenance costs.
This webinar explores why these demanding conditions develop and how check valve performance influences overall compressor reliability. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of the operating factors that matter when evaluating valves for pulsating service, including how valve dynamics and design features can help control motion, limit damaging impacts, support effective sealing, and improve service life.
Created for engineers, purchasing managers, maintenance technicians, and valve distributors, this session translates technical principles into practical selection and troubleshooting guidance. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, ask better application questions, and compare check valve options with greater confidence. These insights can support more informed purchasing and maintenance decisions, reduce avoidable valve problems, extend equipment life, and strengthen the long-term performance of reciprocating compressor discharge systems.
Key Takeaways
- Learn why reciprocating compressor discharge systems create unique operating conditions for check valves
- Identify how pulsation can contribute to chatter, cycling, seat wear, reverse flow, and premature valve failure.
- Understand the key factors to consider when selecting a check valve for pulsating compressor service.
- Learn how check valve design features can help manage pulsating flow and improve reliability.
- Gain practical insights for extending check valve service life and improving compressor discharge system performance.
Speaker
Tim Matthews is the Director of Sales & Marketing at DFT Inc., a manufacturer of engineered check valves for critical industrial applications. He brings more than 20 years of experience in technical sales, sales leadership, business development, and channel management across the process industries. Tim has worked extensively with customers and partners in markets including oil and gas, refining, chemical processing, power generation, water and wastewater, and other industrial applications. His background includes experience with flow control, process instrumentation, engineered products, and global distribution networks. Tim holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University and combines a technical background with a practical, application-focused approach to helping customers solve operational challenges and improve system reliability.