ER-108.

1 ECN: 201900907 VER: 3 - 09-13-2019

Installation of Crankshaft Torsional Vibration

Detuners on Ariel Compressors
This document applies only to detuners after part number C-6000.
Torsional vibration in reciprocating compressors is a critical consideration. To avoid resonance at natural fre-
quencies in a given application, a qualified torsional vibration analyst working closely with the packager,
driver manufacturer, and Ariel may determine the drive train requires torsional detuning.
Depending on torsional vibration analysis (TVA) results, the compressor crankshaft may be equipped with
or require the addition of torsional vibration detuners. A torsional vibration detuner is a donut shaped weight
that installs centered on the crankshaft spreader section. Detuners add mass in the appropriate amount and
location to change the crankshaft natural frequency and avoid resonance at operating speed. A given applic-
ation may require one or more detuners. Detuners are sized specifically for the compressor and application,
and custom-bored for installation on a specific compressor crankshaft spreader section. Do not order or
install detuners unless specifically required by the TVA report. Improperly tuned compressor
packages can cause catastrophic failure, major property damage, and personal injury.
When detuners are required, contact the Ariel TABLE 1 Detuner Inertia & Maximum Quant-
Response Center and provide the frame serial num- ities
ber and crankshaft serial/production order number.
WR2 Inertia Max. Quantity per
Frame Model
(lb-in2) Spreader Section
Application Data
JG:A 110 9
Four-throw crankshafts have one spreader section,
while 6-throw crankshafts have two referred to as JGR:W:J 740 8
“Aux End” and “Drive End”. JGH:E:K:T 2500 8

KBK:T 2500 4
Installation
JGC:D:F 4000 7
1. Verify the correct number, type, and mounting
location of detuner(s) for the specific application. JGZ:U, KBZ:U 9900 3
Ariel, the driver manufacturer, the packager,
JGB:V, KBB:V 17,000 5
and the torsional analyst cooperatively develop
this information. The analyst provides a detailed
location in the TVA report.
2. Remove crankcase top cover and locate the crankshaft serial/production order number stamped on a
web or counterweight towards the drive end of the crankshaft .
3. Verify the crankshaft serial/production order number matches the stamping on the detuner(s). Detuners
are interchangeable for use on other crankshafts only if the crankshaft spreader diameter is within the
range stamped on the detuner. If this information is in question or missing, contact Ariel Response
Center before proceeding.

ER-108.1, Ver. 3 888-397-7766 (toll free USA & Canada) or Page 1 of 3

740-397-3602 (International)
www.arielcorp.com | arc@arielcorp.com
 4. Remove capscrews and discard the two shims located
between the joints of the new detuner. Detuner halves are
machined together and stamped as a match-marked set. Do
not intermix halves with other detuners
5. Clean each detuner part thoroughly to remove any dirt or
foreign material.
6. Wipe crankshaft spreader section clean and dry.
7. If an overhead crane is available to install detuners for
H:E:K:T frames and larger:
a. Install a forged steel eyebolt in each detuner half.
b. Using the crane, lift both detuner halves at the same time
using separate straps. The detuners should hang in a
way that allows them to be bolted together once
installed. 1. Capscrew 3. Identification Stamping

c. Lower both halves over the crankshaft. The angle of the 2. Bolt Head 4. Eyebolt Hole
eyebolts allows the halves to rotate around the Notch
crankshaft as they are lowered. FIGURE 1 Typical Detuner
8. If a crane is unavailable, or for smaller detuners without lifting holes:

CAUTION: Detuner parts are heavy. Use enough people to safely lift and position
detuner halves during installation to avoid personal injury or equipment damage.

a. Lower one detuner half onto the top of the crankshaft spreader section and hold.
b. Lower the other detuner half on top of the crankshaft spreader section beside the first half. Position it
in the same direction as the first; the threaded bolt holes for both halves should be on the same side
of the crankshaft.
c. Rotate one detuner half 90° around the crankshaft. Hold this half securely, then rotate the second
half around the crankshaft 90° in the opposite direction.
9. Move one or both detuner halves axially along the crankshaft until the bolt holes align. Lubricate threads
and bolt-head seating surfaces with oil or Lubriplate 630-AA, then install the top capscrew to finger tight.
10. If only one detuner is required, center it
on the crankshaft spreader section. If
two or more detuners are required,
center them in contact with each other
on the crankshaft spreader section, as
shown in FIGURE 2.

NOTE: The TVA report may specify

a different location for the FIGURE 2 Typical Detuner Location
detuner(s).
11. Rotate the detuner 180° and remove lifting eyebolts, if used. Install the remaining detuner capscrew and
tighten it to finger tight.

ER-108.1, Ver. 3 888-397-7766 (toll free USA & Canada) or Page 2 of 3

740-397-3602 (International)
www.arielcorp.com | arc@arielcorp.com
12. Crankshaft temperature must normalize to within 20°F of the detuner temperature before torque
procedure is completed.
13. Snug the detuner capscrews so both gaps are equal within 0.010” measured with feeler stock (gauges).
The gap measurement should be between 0.135” and 0.095”. Otherwise, contact the Ariel Response
Center before proceeding.
14. See Ariel ER-63 to determine required bolt torque.
15. Mark the bolts on each detuner as ‘Bolt A’ and ‘Bolt B’ and follow this torque procedure:
a. Tighten Bolt A to 10% of final torque.
b. Tighten Bolt B to 25% of final torque.
c. Tighten Bolt A to 50% of final torque.
d. Tighten Bolt B to 75% of final torque.
e. Tighten Bolt A to 100% of final torque.
f. Tighten Bolt B to 100% of final torque.
16. Proper installation and fastener torque results in a gap between the detuner halves on both sides.
Confirm the gaps are equal within 0.020” using feeler stock. If there is no gap, determine and correct the
cause prior to starting the compressor.
17. Remove all tools and other materials, then replace crankcase top cover. Lubricate and tighten top cover
capscrews hand wrench tight.
Installation is now complete. See Ariel ER-10.4.01 or ER-10.4.02 for complete start-up information. If the
unit is to remain idle for more than two weeks, protect it according to Ariel ER-25.

Document contents are proprietary and confidential. They are the property of Ariel Corporation and may not be dis-
closed, reproduced, or used for manufacture in part or in whole without written permission from Ariel Corporation.

DATE: VER: ECN: DESCRIPTION:

09-13-2019 3 201900907 Page 1: 4th ¶ - "frame serial number and crankshaft serial/production order number" was "frame
and crankshaft serial numbers". #2 and #3 - “crankshaft serial/production order number” was
“crankshaft serial number”.

ER-108.1, Ver. 3 888-397-7766 (toll free USA & Canada) or Page 3 of 3

740-397-3602 (International)
www.arielcorp.com | arc@arielcorp.com