sgoel:
Before answering any questions on your query, you should be specific, detailed, and clear on what you mean by "piston failure". You, I, and all the engineers on this Forum know that there are multiple types of so-called "piston failures" and we can't be expected to guess correctly as to which failure you are experiencing. All that your description will generate is the proverbial opening of a can of worms.
From the simplicity of your first question, I can only surmise that you shouldn't experience any problems with the compressor and much less with the piston. You are doing less work with less differential pressure across the cylinder - or is it cylinders? You haven't given us a full, mechanical description of your machine, it's service duration, it's make, age, driver, HP rating, rpm, etc., etc.
One common (& dangerous) cause of a piston failure in a reciprocating compressor is the inclusion of liquids with the inlet suction gas to a cylinder. This is a common case when neophytes or inexperienced persons attempt to install and operate such a machine. If your C3-C4 mixture is a saturated one, I would be very suspicious of liquid inclusion with subsequent piston ring failure, bent crank shaft, busted wrist pin, bent piston rod(s), etc. etc.
Do the correct engineering thing: sit down, think, and detail out your problem as if you were in our position and knew exactly nothing about what you have installed and are operating. Give us the application, the process conditions, the compressor's mechanical details and a full description. Then, and only then can you expect any reasonable, intelligent engineering response and answers. I'll await your response.
Art Montemayor
Spring, TX
