Abstract: Based on the Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) methodology, fault mode analysis and risk level evaluation of key components are carried out on the basis of structural information, monitoring data and historical fault records of reciprocating acid gas compressors. Maintenance strategies are proposed in accordance with the assessment results to reduce failure frequency and cut maintenance costs. For major failures such as valve damage, joint detachment and hydrogen sulfide leakage, risk levels are determined from four dimensions covering economy, environment, safety and maintenance. Among these, failures of the sealing gaskets, discharge valves and suction valves are rated as medium risk, for which a periodic replacement maintenance strategy is recommended. All other components are classified as low risk, and an operational strategy combining routine maintenance with vibration condition monitoring is proposed. Meanwhile, corresponding inspection and maintenance strategies are formulated based on the risk reduction principle and logical decision analysis method. This assessment method enables a comprehensive trade-off among the compressor's economic performance, environmental protection, safety level and maintainability, thereby achieving optimal overall performance. It provides an important reference for developing cost-effective maintenance strategies.

Key words: compressor maintenance, Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), risk assessment, maintenance strategies, failure diagnosis