March 13, 2017 | Success Story, Refinery, North America, Process Gas Compressor
Emergency Rebuild of Dry Hydrogen Compressor
When a compressor for dry hydrogen experienced an emergency shutdown, Burckhardt Compression experts were quickly at the customer's side to investigate the cause and to bring the compressor back to operation – safely and reliably.
Customer Challenges:
- Shutdown through client when a loud noise was noticed and the compressor was vibrating out of normal conditions
- Compressor alarm devices have failed and allowed the compressor to keep running
- Main cause due to bearing sleeve not pinned and allowed to spin
- Reasonable suspicion that something has been broken
Application Description:
| Type | Other brand process gas compressor | Gas | Hydrogen |
| Power | 340 kW / 455 hp | Suction Pressure
Discharge Pressure |
1 bara / 15 psia
13 bara / 195 psia |
| Speed | 600 rpm | Lubrication | Pressure lube system |
Burckhardt Compression Solution:
- A Burckhardt Compression reciprocating specialist was deployed to the site for consultation
- Root cause analysis (RCA) of major crank gear components executed with OEM know-how
- Entire lower frame with crank gear had to be removed and replaced because of severe damage to the crank gear
- Replacement and upgrade of sensor controls
- Transparent and good communication, trust in competencies of Burckhardt Compression
Customer Benefits:
- RCA for clear understanding and future prevention of the failure
- Fast reaction and flexibility to solve the issue in short time
- Close collaboration with customer, Burckhardt Compression stayed on site until the compressor was rebuilt and successfully commissioned
- Put alarm system in reliable function
