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Turbines

HP Reliability: Upgrade the design of vertical, multistage centrifugal pumps in low-temperature services

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

The overall mechanical design of most API-style vertical-column pumps (Fig. 1) comes close to meeting the expectations of modern pump users. Such pumps are often equipped with self oil-lubricated bear..

HP Reliability: Closed-oil-mist systems and maintenance cost avoidance

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

A recent Hydrocarbon Processing (HP) article conveyed an industry finding that dates back several decades: Oil mist successfully lubricates operating machinery, protects and preserves standby equipmen..

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 70: Twenty rules for troubleshooting

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

In previous Engineering Case History columns, I have discussed checklists and their value in avoiding errors during startups. While the rules cannot replace common sense or a logical and methodical ap..

HP Reliability: Consider best-of-class lubrication practices

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Last month’s column explained that all hydrocarbon processing (HP) facilities use machinery, and these machines require lubrication. Periodically auditing one’s lubrication practices is part..

HP Impact: The modern world of steel

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Thinnes, Billy

The World Steel Association recently published the 2012 edition of “World Steel in Figures.” This study provides essential facts and statistics about the global steel industry, including inf..

HP Reliability: Rethink your auditing of lubrication practices

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

All hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) facilities use machinery, and every one of these machines requires lubrication of some type. Modern, profitability-minded plants thoughtfully manage their lub..

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 69: Heat-up rate and rubs on a steam turbine

Consulting Engineer: Sofronas, A.

This column has suggested using simple analytical models to troubleshoot equipment. However, in some cases, a more detailed solution may be required. The following case histories examine the heat up o..

HP Reliability: Avoid unnecessary developments

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Innovative thinking is appropriate in the hydrocarbon processing industry, and tremendous forward movement has occurred over the past 30 years. Innovation is to be commended, unless we invent or disco..

Use better designed turboexpanders to handle flashing fluids

Energent: Kaupert, K.

New models eliminate vibration problems and improve process reliability

HP Reliability: Selecting steam turbines in a ‘lean’ environment

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

We received a nice compliment recently from a reader in South America. He wrote: “I am a mechanical engineer working on power plant designs at a major corporation and admire your work as a writer..