Drivers

Redesign, simplify and demonstrate facts

Vila Forteza, M., Repsol SA

The Petronor oil refinery is located in northeastern Spain. Recently, the facility converted its last rolling element-equipped machine from liquid oil lubrication to pure (“dry-sump”) oil mist.

Root cause analysis on bearing failure on an induced draft fan

Allah, W. K., Saudi Aramco

This case study aims to provide the root cause analysis behind bearing failure of an induced (ID) fan at a new refinery startup in 2015.

Fueling Alberta oil sands fleets with natural gas

Natural gas for diesel replacement is an excellent opportunity for mineable oil sands operations to realize considerable fuel savings.

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 85: Learnings on hydraulically fitted hubs

Sofronas, A., Consulting Engineer

Hubs connect one piece of machinery to another, usually with some flexible coupling between them. Installers have only limited time to work with the hot hub. When incorrectly positioned, it may have to be removed, which has the potential of damaging the shaft end.

Consider new labyrinth seals to optimize compressor operations

Gresh, M. T., Flexware, Inc.; Whalen, J. K., John Crane Engineered Bearings

Degradation of labyrinth seals in centrifugal impellers can have a significant impact on not only compressor power consumption but also on plant production rate. Upgrading to rub-tolerant seals can be..

Maximize energy recovery with small steam turbines

Kaupert, K., Energent; Krull, R., Iles, R., Energent Corp.

Using smaller turbines (50 kW to 300 kW) can aid system efficiency and help conserve energy. We investigate examples in which the application of smaller steam turbines provided return on investment within two years.

Lubrication update for rotating equipment

Bloch, H. P., Professional engineer

API-610 is the most widely used pump standard in the petrochemical and refining industries. It includes experience-based recommendations for lubricant applications and one of those recommendations rel..

Use new methods to optimize energy efficiency of hydrogen compressors

Vila Forteza, M., Repsol SA

Hydrogen (H2) is a key to efficient operation of refinery desulfurization units (DSUs). Process H2, both pure and recycled from DSUs, must be compressed to pressures up to 85 kg/cm2. Centrifugal compr..

HP Reliability: Consider oil-resistant cable terminations to increase electric motor reliability

Bloch, Heinz P., Hydrocarbon Processing Staff

Most engineers are familiar with adhesive-coated insulating tape used by electricians in the field and maintenance shop. If we use this tape in the engine compartment of an automobile, it will soon be..

HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 83: What are useful questions to ask before starting a vibration analysis?

Sofronas, A., Consulting Engineer

Periodically, this author receives questions from readers throughout the world addressing what performance issues could be wrong with a centrifugal compressor that is vibrating. Note: It is impossible..