RIDER RINGS

INTRODUCTION
Rider rings/bands are provided to prevent contact of the compressor piston with the cylinder wall. Such contact could cause problems such as scuffing or more serious and costly problems such as piston and/or liner replacement. Rider rings/bands are normally made of a low friction material such as a Teflon(tm) blend but they can also be supplied in bronze and/or PEEK(tm) for harsh applications with high temperatures. Solid Rider bands can be manufactured to "on-size" or "oversized" dimensions. Oversized dimensions give the customer the ability to install and recut rider bands to specified clearances.

RIDER RING FAILURE

REASONS
Excessive loads usually cause premature fatigue failure of the contact surfaces due to repeated loading of the rolling elements on the races Overheating. Brinelling occurs when loads exceed the elastic limit of the ring material. Brinelling is the material surface failure caused by contact stresses that exceed the elastic limit. Fatigue failure. Fatigue is the progressive and localized structural damage that occurs when a material is subjected to cyclic loading. Lack of proper lubrication. Improper lubrication leads to excessive heat generation and friction between the piston and cylinder walls.

SYMPTOMS
A distinct knocking noise from the compressor which occurs when the piston reciprocates making direct contact with the cylinder wall. Excessive vibration of the compressor parts due to wear of the rider ring. Overheating

MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE FOR PISTON RING AND RIDER RING REPLACING

The following steps are to be followed to remove the used rider ring and install a new replacement ring: 1. Remove the piston and rod from the cylinder and carefully cut the worn rider rings from the piston. 2. Clean the rider ring grooves in the piston and smooth out any nicks or burrs 3. A rider ring expander cone, follower ring and pusher ring are furnished in the tool kit for the unit and follow the instructions below: a) Prepare the tools and assembly area so that the rider ring can be quickly installed after heating b) Set the expander cone on a flat surface and place three spacers that are approximately 1/4 inch thick under the base of the cone. This will permit overhanging the rider ring slightly on the con to aid in starting in onto the piston. c) Heat the rider ring for at least 30 mins to approximately 350 to 4000 F. An oven is recommended but other suitable means such as a wide flame torch or electric heater can be employed to heat the ring. d) Using asbestos gloves and taking all necessary safety precautions to prevent burns, place the heated rider ring over the small end of the cone and force it over the taper to the cone base. Continue pushing the ring over the cone until at least 1/8-inch of the ring extends past the cone base. e) Quickly place the cone and ring assembly against the piston. f) Push the ring over the end of the cone onto the piston and into its groove

4. Check to be certain the band rider rings are tight in their respective grooves before reinstalling the piston in the cylinder.