Deactivator

A device with an actuator used to prevent the pressure within one end of a reciprocating compressor cylinder from building up to the discharge pressure level, thereby preventing flow out of the cylinder end. This essentially “unloads” the cylinder end, resulting in no flow out of it; however, some parasitic power remains. The unloading may be created by holding compressor valve sealing elements open or retracting a plug over a port in the center of a valve or elsewhere in the cylinder end.