System and method for monitoring the mechanical condition of a reciprocating compressor

A method for monitoring the mechanical condition of a reciprocating compressor having a pressure-wrapped cylinder, the compressor including a plunger operable to reciprocate within the cylinder to cyclically compress a working fluid, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid, an end assembly attached to one end of the cylinder, and at least one valve operable to facilitate fluid transfer between the cylinder and a source external to the cylinder, the method comprising:

• measuring strain of at least one component of the end assembly as the plunger reciprocates within the cylinder, the at least one end assembly component experiencing a variable compressive force when the plunger reciprocates within the cylinder;
• correlating the measured strain with a parameter related to plunger location, thereby facilitating generation of a strain profile;
• and
• determining first and second pressure values, the first and second pressure values being related to the pressure in the cylinder when the plunger is at first and second locations, respectively, the determination of the first and second pressure values facilitating generation of a cylinder pressure profile based on the correlated measured strain.