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Rotating Equipment

Case history: Failure analysis of a syngas compressor

SABIC Technology Centre: van Zyl, G.  |  Al-Zahrani, E.  |  Al-Meshari, A.  |  Al-Haroon, M.

A first-stage impeller in a synthetic gas compressor failed after 20 years of service. The compressor is a six-stage centrifugal compressor driven by a steam turbine. This case history discusses the i..

HP Reliability: Four-stage, low-flow process centrifugal compressor can fill important industry gaps

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

In the 1970s and 1980s, multistage centrifugal compressors in the 3,000 acfm (about 5,000m3/hr) and lower flow ranges were largely confined to instrument and plant air duties. Three stages with interc..

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 74: How to determine impact forces when troubleshooting

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

When troubleshooting failures, it is not unusual for the metallurgical report to indicate that the failure was the result of an impact type of force. The investigator who receives this information mus..

HP Brief

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Thinnes, Billy

Train accident raises concerns on safetyThe train derailment that killed at least 38 people in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, has heightened safety concerns about crude oil shipments by rail. It has been ..

Chevron expands North American compressor oils

Chevron said that Cetus PAO and the rebranded Cetus HiPerSYN (formerly HiPerSYN) have joined Cetus DE to create a family of premium compressor oils formulated for use in a wide range of applications, including portable and stationary rotary screw, rotary vane, and reciprocating compressors.

HP Reliability: Expect adversity, but plan for success

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Consider that a major oil refinery was planning a substantial modernization project in 2008. Energy efficiency gains and the ability to process a more readily available crude slate were key motivating..

HP Reliability: Gain more flexibility with special liners for reciprocating compressor cylinders

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

By changing only the crank-end head, piston and rod assembly, the same cylinder body can be mounted on any of the common 5-in. to 7-in. stroke compressor frames that have been manufactured in the last five decades.

Rerating rotating equipment optimizes olefins plant performance

Elliott Engineered Solutions: Renard, D.

Rerating your installed compressors and steam turbines can become a cost-effective, time-saving solution for increasing throughput without having to invest in new equipment.

Investigate power limitations in a large steam turbine

Fluor Canada Ltd.: Ghaisas, N.

An investigation was carried out to rectify power limitations for a steam-turbine driver of a cracked-gas compressor (CGC) in a world-class ethylene plant.DescriptionThe turbine is a nine-stage, impul..

Seal safety may require going beyond typical standards

AESSEAL plc: Shaw, S.

Top industry professionals believe users must reach beyond typical standards in applying safer mechanical seals when hazardous and toxic chemicals are involved.