If a compressor takes a slug of liquid ammonia and is hydraulically pounding, what should the operator do?

When a compressor experiences hydraulic pounding due to receiving a slug of liquid ammonia, it is critical to shut down the compressor immediately and notify management. Hydraulic pounding can cause significant damage to the compressor and related equipment as the highly pressurized system is not designed to handle liquid in any substantial quantity.

By shutting off the compressor, the operator can prevent potential catastrophic failure, which might lead to even more severe hazards, such as leaks, explosions, or extensive damage to the compressor or surrounding systems. Notifying management is also vital, as they need to be aware of the situation to take further steps for safety and repairs, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to address the issue and to prevent it from happening in the future.

While closing the discharge valve, killing power to the entire plant, or shutting the King Valve might seem like options, they do not directly address the immediate need to stop the compressor and assess the situation. Such actions could potentially disrupt operations without resolving the underlying danger posed by the hydraulic pounding incident. Thus, the immediate shut down of the compressor and notification of management represents the most prudent and effective response.