Exam Question

A burst interstage air-cooler in a main air compressor is a serious incident, indicating a catastrophic failure of a critical component designed to ensure efficient and safe operation of the compressor. The function of the interstage cooler is to reduce the temperature of the compressed air after the first stage, which in turn reduces its volume, thereby improving the volumetric efficiency of the subsequent compression stage and facilitating the removal of moisture. A logical sequence of events leading to such a burst typically involves a combination of factors that progressively weaken the cooler's structure until it can no longer withstand the operating pressures.
Here is a detailed, point-by-point analysis of a logical sequence of events that could lead to an interstage air-cooler burst:
### 1. Inadequate Cooling Water Temperature Control (Too Low) - Leading to Excessive Condensation and Cold Corrosion
* **Problem**: The temperature of the LT Central Cooling Water supplied to the intercooler is consistently maintained at an excessively low level, often below the dew point of the compressed air after the first stage of compression.