ED410A

Important Instructions

Compressor Foundation Design

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Compressor Foundation Design Considerations

Before you begin, you should know there are three primary factors that cause vibration and noise within a compressor
mounting. Both factors are inherent in the compressor design and must be considered when selecting a proper mounting
location and foundation for your compressor.
1) Reciprocating Design: The reciprocating design of Corken compressors produces inherent vibration that
must be taken into account when designing an adequate compressor foundation. Most all issues arising
from excessive compressor vibration (e.g., broken anchor bolts) relate to an inadequate baseplate design,
inadequate concrete foundation and inadequate structural steel base and/or inadequate piping supports.
2) Vertical Compressors: Vertical reciprocating compressors, in which one piston goes up while the other
goes down, produce unbalanced forces that inherently result in vibration and tend to rock the machines
back and forth about a horizontal axis through the center of gravity. This is particularly a factor on Corkens
larger vertical machines (Models 591, 691, 791 and 891). These compressors have more mass in the
moving parts and are taller which raises the center of gravity, and therefore vibrate more than smaller
machines. It is imperative to properly secure any vertical compressor and the baseplate or structural steel
base/skid to which it is mounted. Even though the 791 and 891 are double-acting compressors, their size
necessitates the same type of mounting as the other large compressors.
3) Horizontal Compressors: Corkens horizontal compressors (Models HG600) have horizontally-opposed
piston movement and are generally double acting so that they inherently run more smoothly than comparable vertical compressors. However, there are still forces in horizontal compressors that tend to rock them
back and forth about a vertical axis through the center of gravity. For this reason, and because of their
relatively large size, Corken horizontal compressors should be mounted in the same manner as the larger
vertical machines as described in these instructions.
Listed below are other factors that amplify the magnitude of any vibration present and must be considered when selecting a proper mounting location and foundation for your compressor.
1)
2)
3)
4)
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6)
7)

Size of compressor (larger compressors generally vibrate more)

Speed of compressor
Use of undersized flywheel
Height of the compressor (D- and T-style designs are taller compressors)
Engine drives
Baseplate or structural steel skid deflection
Improper anchor bolt selection or unsecured anchor bolts

Noise
Many factors affect the noise level generated by a compressor installation. Several of these, including motor noise,
piping vibration, foundation/skid design, and surrounding structures are outside Corkens control. The use of sufficient
pipe supports, flexible hoses, and proper baseplate/skid support will all reduce noise. Thus, Corken can not guarantee
a particular noise level from our compressors. However, noise levels from a properly installed Corken compressor
typically do not exceed 85dBa at three feet.
Noise testing is not available from the Corken factory. It would not be a reliable indicator of noise generated in the field
once all the variables are established.

Vibration
Compressor users sometimes experience excessive vibration from their compressors. All reciprocating compressors
like Corkens will create some vibration. It is an unavoidable consequence of the reciprocating motion of the internal
parts of the compressor. The compressor itself is essentially a solid piece of iron and does not flex. Thus, if the top of
the compressor is moving, it is because the bottom is moving. Basically, the baseplate or skid deflects slightly and
allows the compressor to vibrate.
The most common causes of vibration are loose or inadequate anchor bolts, or insufficient support under the baseplate.
All bolts should be tight including the bolts that fasten the compressor to the baseplate, and the baseplate to the foundation. The compressors baseplate should be secured along the full length on each side and not at the ends only.
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Small Corken vertical compressors (models 91, 151, 191, 291, 351, 391 and 491) do fine with the baseplate mounted
directly to a solid reinforced concrete foundation. However, as already noted, special attention should be given to the
larger vertical compressors (models 591, 691, 791 and 891). The larger vertical compressors require a very firm foundation due to their vertical height. The HG600 series is a horizontal balanced-opposed compressor, but we recommend
using the foundation guidelines for larger compressors.

Proper Foundation Design

The foundation design is the end-users responsibility. Local soil conditions can affect the foundation design. Generally
speaking, the larger the foundation, the less likely you are to have vibration or shaking problems. As a rule of thumb,
when preparing the foundation, the mounting slab should be 8 to 10 inches thick with the overall length and width 4
inches longer and wider on each side of the baseplate.

Grouting the Baseplate

Grouting the baseplate helps reduce vibration on the larger compressors (models 591, 691, 791, 891 and HG600).
Sometimes, the baseplate or skid itself flexes and allows the compressor to vibrate. On the large compressors (model
591 and up), Corken welds gussets/webs to the underside of the baseplate to help prevent vibration.

Proper Anchor Bolt Selection

Permanent anchor bolts such as J- and I-bolts should be of sufficient size, strength and quantity and embedded in the
concrete. Expansion bolts should not be used. All-thread is too soft for a proper anchor bolt and should never be used.
All anchor bolts must be tightened on a routine basis. All anchor bolt holes in the baseplate should be used.

Proper Flywheel Selection Installation

Corkens standard flywheel is sufficient for most applications. However, certain conditions require an optional oversize
flywheel. An undersized flywheel will cause vibration. In some instances, an improperly installed flywheel or V-belt drive
will result in vibration. In addition, an uneven load caused by a damaged compressor valve can cause vibration.
Problems inside the compressor that cause vibration generally also cause knocking, high temperatures, and reduced capacity.

Isolation Devices
Some Corken customers have used vibration isolating rubber pads or springs with mixed results. Sometimes they work
and other times they do not. Vibration isolating springs generally do not work and can actually magnify the problem.
Corkens recommendation is to bolt the compressor down as solidly as possible to a properly installed concrete foundation as mentioned above.

Proper Piping Supports

The compressor must not support any significant piping weight; therefore, the piping must be fully supported. The use
of flexible connections to the compressor is highly recommended. Rigid, unsupported piping combined with a poor
foundation will result in severe vibration problems. In order to reduce pipe vibration induced by the compressor, flex
hoses should be installed in the piping on either side of the compressor. These should be oriented vertically not
horizontally as shown in Illustration 13. Pipe vibration can also be caused by the pulsating flow of gas inside the pipes.
The pulsating flow is normal and to be expected from a piston type compressor. If this is a problem, it can generally be
corrected with pipe supports or pulsation dampeners. In Corkens size range, generally, a small vessel in the piping is all
that is required to act as a pulsation dampener.
As mentioned previously, a properly engineered foundation should be installed before placing the new compressor into
service. The illustrations on the following pages show some basic guidelines for designing a proper foundation and
installing a baseplate or skid. The mounting variations shown are guidelines only.
NOTE: A special baseplate is required on some of the illustrations. Any proposed isolation mounting arrangement must
be properly engineered. Failure to do so will most likely increase the severity of the problem.
If you have any questions concerning the compressor foundation for your installation, please do not hesitate to
contact Corken.
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Specifications for Baseplate and Skid Mountings

Formed Steel Baseplate Specifications
1) Baseplate thickness should be at least 3/8 inches (1 cm).
2) Maximum height of baseplate is 4 inches (10 cm).
3) Maximum width should not exceed 26 inches (66 cm).
4) Welded internal stiffening gussets/webs must be used on models 591 thru 891 or if the width of the baseplate
exceeds 18 inches (46 cm).
a. Two gussets/webs under the compressor.
b. One gusset/web under an electric motor and two under an engine.
c.

Gussets/webs should be welded to the top and each side of the baseplate.

d. More gussets/webs is always better than not having enough.

5) Baseplate must be mounted to a concrete foundation or welded to a structural steel skid and should never be
mounted on the ground/soil.
6) Mounting bolt holes should be located on the top of each side of the baseplate.
a. The spacing between each bolt hole should not exceed 26 inches (66 cm).

CORKEN

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Formed Steel Baseplate Configuration

Structural Steel Skid Specifications

1) You may use top plates as needed; however, the compressor must be placed directly over the main beams. See
illustrations 10, 11 and 12 on the following pages.
2) Forklift slots are acceptable.
3) Acceptable types of construction are C-section beams, I-beams or wide-flange I-beams.
a. When placing the skid on the soil, I-beams or wide-flange I-beam construction should be used.
i. Filling the skid with concrete is recommended when placing the I-beam or wide-flange construction on the soil.
4) Mounting bolt holes should be located at the bottom flange of the beam and run along each side.
a. The spacing between each bolt hole should not exceed 26 inches (66 cm).

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Structural Steel Skid Configuration

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Illustration 1
FoundationGround Level
Your concrete foundation should be 8 to 10
inches deep and larger than the compressor baseplate. Length and width should be
4 inches longer and wider. Proper depth is
necessary for adequate bolting and stability. The foundation should also be slightly
above ground or grade level as shown.

Illustration 2
FoundationFloor Level
If the existing floor is not thick enough to
support the compressor mounting, cut out
the existing floor and mount a separate
foundation directly on the ground. The top
of the foundation should be slightly above
floor level and 8 to 10 inches deep as shown.

Illustration 3
FoundationFloor Level
Anchors or lags with a shallow foundation
will pull loose. Be sure the existing floor is
solid. Note: Special consideration should
be given to compressors mounted on suspended floors.

Illustration 4
Proper Anchoring
Permanent anchor bolts embedded in the
concrete foundation is a very good installation method. Grouting the baseplate to the
concrete foundation is highly recommended.

Illustration 5
Mounting BaseplateConcrete
The concrete foundation must support the
entire length of the baseplate on each side.
Some shims may be required for unlevel
foundations. The baseplate should be a
maximum of 4 inches high while the foundation should be 8 to 10 inches deep.
Grouting the baseplate to the concrete
foundation is highly recommended for
the small compressors (91, 151, 191, 291,
351, 391 & 491) and is required for the
large compressors (591, 691, 791, 891
and HG600).

Illustration 6
Mounting BaseplateConcrete and
Shims
Do not suspend baseplate with spacers or
shims that allow support at the anchor bolts
only. The baseplate should not be suspended in the air.

Illustration 7
Mounting Baseplate Concrete and
Rubber Mounts
Rubber mounts or pads have mixed results
and generally are not recommended. At
times they can magnify the vibration. The
baseplate should not be suspended in
the air.

Illustration 8
Mounting BaseplateConcrete and Welded Anchor Bolt Tabs
Do not weld anchor bolt tabs to the side of the baseplate. If the tabs should extend beyond the bottom edge of the
baseplate, the baseplate will not be able to rest firmly against the foundation and vibration will occur. Each side of the
baseplate must be fully supported by the foundation.

Illustration 9
Mounting BaseplateSuspended
Note: A special rigid baseplate is required
for this type of mounting. Installing mounts
at the compressors center of gravity is effective on smaller compressors (models
91, 151, 191, 291, 351, 391 and 491).

Illustration 10
Mounting BaseplateConcrete and
Steel Mounting Base
Do not mount the compressor baseplate
across beams without center support as
shown. The baseplate should not be suspended in the air. For a proper installation,
the baseplate should be fully supported on
each long side of the baseplate.

Illustration 11
Mounting BaseplateConcrete and
Steel Mounting Base
When mounting to a skid or structural steel
base, do not mount the compressor baseplate to suspended beams or angle iron as
shown. All main beams and cross
beams should mount flush to the concrete foundation.

Illustration 12
Mounting BaseplateConcrete and
Steel Mounting Base
Mount the compressor baseplate on the
main beams or channels of the steel mounting base. This will give support to the long
sides of the baseplate. NOTE: Crossbeams
should be the same height as the main
beams. The baseplate should be welded
to the steel mounting base directly over the
vertical web of the main support beam.

Illustration 13
Flexible Connections and Piping
Supports
The compressor must not support any significant piping weight. The piping must be
properly supported. The use of flexible connections at the compressor is highly recommended. Flexible connections must be
mounted vertically not horizontally as
shown. Rigid, unsupported piping combined
with an inadequate foundation will result in
severe vibration problems.

Illustration 14
Mounting Steel Base/Skid to a Concrete Foundation
A steel mounting base/skid should be
mounted flush to the concrete base as shown.

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Corken, Inc. A Unit of IDEX Corporation

3805 N.W. 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Phone (405) 946-5576 Fax (405) 948-7343
Visit our website at http://www.corken.com
or e-mail us at [email protected]

Printed in the U.S.A.

July 2009