Environment & Safety Gas Processing/LNG Maintenance & Reliability Petrochemicals Process Control Process Optimization Project Management Refining

Sofronas, A.

Consulting Engineer, Houston, Texas

Tony Sofronas, D. Eng, was the worldwide lead mechanical engineer for ExxonMobil Chemicals before retiring. He now owns Engineered Products, which provides consulting and engineering seminars on machinery and pressure vessels. Dr. Sofronas has authored two engineering books and numerous technical articles on analytical methods.

Case 51: Phantom failures

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Why some are very elusive

Case 50: Gearbox input shaft failure analysis

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Make sure the same failures are not repeated at your affiliated plant sites

Case 49: Isolating foundations from machinery vibrating forces

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Vibration can be detrimental to nearby equipment

Case 48: Troubleshooting a roller-bearing failure

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Life to failure and design life aren't the same thing

Case 47: Refrigeration system vibration

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

A systematic procedure can identify the vibration source

Case 46: Rotary screw compressor failure

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Most complex equipment can be simplified

Case 44: Cracking due to sudden temperature changes in piping

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

Excessive thermal stresses can be the cause

Case 43: Containing a failed impeller

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

A quick analysis can help direct further efforts

Case 42: Torsional vibration problems can be costly

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

The results are hammering of the gears and fretting of the splines

Case 40: Troubleshooting gear face damage

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

A simple analysis can help in determining the root cause of the failure