ALTRONIC SPARK UNUSUAL CONDITIONS UNDERWATER TEST

NEXT-GEN IGNITION TURBOMACHINERY VARIABLE-SPEED DRIVE

APRIL 2018
A KHL Group publication

WWW.COMPRESSORTECH2.COM/SUBSCRIBE/ ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

COMPRESSOR 2018
Specs-At-A-Glance COMPRESSOR
Specs-At-A-Glance

COMPRESSOR
Dedicated To Gas Compression Products & Applications

REINJECTION
In The Barents Sea
REVAK KEENE
Reunion 201804CT_E4929_SpecsAtAGlance.indd 1
SPONSORED BY

3/13/18 8:35 AM
We’ve Joined Forces.
Elliott Group and
Ebara Cryodynamics

We turned to each other to provide

enhanced capabilities and a superior customer
experience in liquefied gas applications.
From reliable refrigeration compressors to submersible cryogenic pumps and expanders, Elliott Group
and Ebara Cryodynamics have supported the LNG industry for decades with proven experience and
matchless expertise. Integrating the two businesses will provide a key advantage for our liquefied gas
customers. Who will you turn to?

C O M P R E S S O R S n T U R B I N E S n G L O B A L S E R V I C E The world turns to Elliott.

www.elliott-turbo.com
IS WHO WE ARE
Ariel’s expert technical
service workforce is what
makes us the number one
authority in natural
gas compression.
April 2018

ALTRONIC SPARK UNUSUAL CONDITIONS UNDERWATER TEST

NEXT-GEN IGNITION TURBOMACHINERY VARIABLE-SPEED DRIVE

APRIL 2018
A KHL Group publication

COMPRESSORtech2 is the premier resource for gas compression news and information.

Featured Articles
14 The Power Is In The Details
18 Altronic Finds Spark With New Ignition System
20 Reinjection In The Barents Sea
WWW.COMPRESSORTECH2.COM/SUBSCRIBE/ ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

22 Underwater Test For Variable-Speed Drive

COMPRESSOR 2018
Specs-At-A-Glance COMPRESSOR
Specs-At-A-Glance

COMPRESSOR
Dedicated To Gas Compression Products & Applications

REINJECTION
In The Barents Sea
REVAK KEENE

24 NovaLT16 Turbine Surfs Into Offshore Market

Reunion 201804CT_E4929_SpecsAtAGlance.indd 1
SPONSORED BY

3/13/18 8:35 AM

CT2 April 2018 Cover.indd 1 3/15/18 12:21 PM

30 A Pleasant Reunion
COMPRESSORtech2 (ISSN 1085-2468) Volume
36a Compressor Specs-At-A-Glance
23, No. 3 — Published 10 issues/year (January-
February, March, April, May, June, July, August-
44 Environmental Partnership Forms
September, October, November, December) by Pollutant-Fighting Alliance
KHL Group Americas LLC, 3726 East Ember
Glow Way, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA. Subscription 46 Maintain & Gain: John Crane Nets
rates are $85.00 per year/$10.00 per copy world-
wide. Periodicals postage paid at Waukesha, WI Texas Refinery Service Contract
53186 and at additional mailing offices. Copyright
© 2018 KHL Group Americas LLC. All Rights 48 Screw-Compressor-Driven Refrigeration Packages
Reserved. Materials protected by U.S. and inter-
national copyright laws and treaties. Unauthorized 51 NGPL Production Hits New Annual Record
duplication and publication is expressly prohib-
ited. Printed in the USA.

Canadian Publication Mail Agreement # 40035419.

TECHcorner
Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:
P.O. Box 456, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6V2, Canada.
32 Issues Regarding Unusual Conditions
Email: ssmith@dieselpub.com. POSTMASTER: In High-Speed Turbomachinery
Send address changes to: Circulation Manager,
COMPRESSORtech2, 20855 Watertown Road, Suite
220, Waukesha, WI 53186-1873 USA.
www.compressortech2.com Departments
4 Chapter2
Follow @COMPRESSORtech2 on:
6 Monitoring Government — Trump Proposes
Faster Permitting For Pipeline
8 Gas Lines
10 Events & Meetings
MEMBER OF …
19 Prime Movers
53 Marketplace
53 Ad Index
54 Scheduled Downtime
56 Cornerstones of Compression — Ingersoll Rand
Field Gas Compressors
attacking the industry head on.

rebuilding an industry

w w w. g e n i s h o l d i n g s . c o m
Powered By PC3 Technologies
 Page
PUBLICATION STAFF
PUBLICATION STAFF
Associate Publisher ................... Mark Thayer
Publisher ........................ Michael J. Brezonick
4
Chapter2
Senior Editor ................................... DJ Slater
Senior
Senior Editor
Editor ................................... DJ Slater
................. Michael J. Brezonick
Associate Editor ............................... Jack Silvey
........................... Klinton Burke
Associate Editor ............................Chad
............................... JackElmore
Burke
Associate
Vice EditorSales
President ............................Chad Elmore
...............Alister Williams
Copy Editor Manager
Advertising ............................... Jerry
.................. Karpowicz
Katie Bivens
Digital Publishing Manager ........... Paul Damon
Graphic Artist ...........................Brenda Burbach
Advertising Manager .................. Katie Bivens
PUBLICATION
Circulation Manager HEADQUARTERS
...................... Sue Smith
Graphic20855
ArtistWatertown
...........................Brenda
Road, Suite 220 Burbach BY DJ SLATER

Y
Graphic Artist .................................Carla
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186-1873 USA Lemke
ou can always count on life to spectrum of communications chan-
Graphic Artist754-4100
Tel: (262) ............................... Alyssa Loope
Fax: (262) 754-4175
dole out its share of lessons. nels. More will become evident as
PUBLICATION HEADQUARTERS
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS One of the more prevalent time goes on, so stay tuned.
20855 Watertown Road, Suite 220
Norm Shade – Cambridge, Ohio
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186-1873 ones is change. At the same time, a lot won’t change.
Mauro Belo Schneider
Tel: (262) 754-4100– Rio
Fax:Grande do Sul, Brazil
(262) 754-4175 There’s no way around it: Life You’ll see COMPRESSORtech2 per-
Patrick Crow – Austin, Texas
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS changes, everything can change, sonnel out and about at trade shows
GERMANY
Norm Shade – Cambridge, Ohio sometimes in a fraction of a second. and in the field, doing what we’ve al-
MauroGabriele
Belo Schneider
Dinsel, – Rio Grande
Advertising do Sul, Brazil
Manager When KHL Group officially ac- ways done — working hard to keep you
Patrick Crow – Austin, Texas
Tel: +49 711 3416 7471 quired Diesel & Gas Turbine and everyone else in the gas compres-
Niemöllerstr.
HOUSTON, USA9 Publications, the parent company sion industry informed about what’s
Mark Thayer,
73760 Associate
Ostfildern, Publisher
Germany
of COMPRESSORtech2, on Feb. 1, new and what’s happening around
Tel: +1 (281) 890-5287
UNITED KINGDOM
9597 Jones Road #924
our staff knew that change was in- this fascinating business and do it in a
Ian Cameron, Regional
Houston, Manager/Editor
TX 77065-4818 evitable. As expected, change arrived timely, readable, reliable manner.
Linda Cameron, Advertising Manager in early March. It wasn’t easy, but COMPRESSORtech2 will remain
GERMANY
Tel: +44 20 31 79 29 79
Lisa Hochkofler, Advertising Manager these types of things never are. The the same trusted news source that
40 Premier Avenue
Tel: +49 711 5062 4982 structure has been realigned; some you’ve come to appreciate for the
Ashbourne,
Gabriele Derbyshire,
Dinsel, Advertising Manager
familiar faces are no longer part of past 22 years. You’ll still have a vari-
DE6
Tel:1LH, United
+49 711 Kingdom
3416 7471
Niemöllerstr. 9
the mix and others — including some ety of platforms to access the indus-
ITALY that were there at the beginnings of try’s top stories. But now we’ll have
73760 Ostfildern, Germany
Roberta Prandi, Regional Manager/Editor
UNITED KINGDOM
COMPRESSORtech2 — are once the help of a very strong, global or-
Tel: +39 0464 014421
Ian Cameron, Regional Manager/Editor more involved. ganization behind us. And if KHL’s
Via Cerere 18
Linda Cameron, Advertising Manager One chapter of the continuing his- history is any indication, there will
38062 Arco, Italy
Tel: +44 20 31 79 29 79 tory of COMPRESSORtech2 has be plenty of stellar days ahead for
40 Premier
SWEDEN Avenue
ended and a new one is being writ- COMPRESSORtech2 and its growing
Ashbourne,
Bo Svensson,Derbyshire,
Field Editor
DE6 1LH, United Kingdom ten. Like the start of any new chapter, base of subscribers.
Tel: +46 70 2405369 Fax: +46 122 14787
there are an abundance of questions. We have plenty to learn from
ITALY
Dunderbacksvagen 20
Roberta612-46
Prandi,Finspong,
Regional Sweden
Manager/Editor Some of the answers present them- KHL, and how they have operated
Tel: +39 0464 014421 selves immediately, while others take so successfully in so many industry
ViaKOREA
Cerere 18 time to materialize. segments and in so many regions.
D. S.38062
Chai, Sales Manager
Arco, Italy
Often, change breeds fear, but But this isn’t a one-sided show. Our
Dongmyung Communications Inc.
SWEDEN that’s not the sensation we have as knowledge, combined with theirs, is
Tel: +82 2 391 4254 Fax: +82 2 391 4255
Bo Svensson, Field Editor/Business Manager
82 Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro,
our company continues to be trans- a strong pairing of minds and talents.
Tel: +46 70 2405369 Fax: +46Jongno-gu
122 14787
Seoul, 03011 Korea20
Dunderbacksvagen formed. And transformation was And again, the focus of it all is to ben-
612-46 Finspong, Sweden necessary, since publishing isn’t the efit you, our readers.
JAPAN same business it was 22, 10 or even So now, we move on in the same
Akiyoshi Ojima, Branch Manager five years ago. And of course, neither way everyone else does when faced
KHL
Tel: +81 GROUP
45 624 3502AMERICAS
Fax: +81 45LLC
624 3503 is the gas compression landscape. with a changing world —one step at
51-16-301
CHIEFHonmoku Sannotani,
EXECUTIVE Naka-ku
OFFICER One thing has already become clear: a time. Uncertainty can make change
Yokohama, 231-0824
James King Japan
KHL brings to COMPRESSORtech2 difficult to embrace, but I have my
CHIEF FINANCIAL
KOREA OFFICER
PaulSales
BakerManager
a range of new possibilities and ex- arms wide open. I’ve found that’s the
D. S. Chai,
PRESIDENT
Dongmyung & COO Inc.
Communications
panded capabilities that will allow us best way to handle the start of each
Tel: +82 2 391 Trevor
4254 Pease
Fax: +82 2 391 4255 to serve even more readers in more new chapter.
82 Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro, Jongno-gu
3726 E, Ember Glow Way regions through a much broader Let’s all enjoy the ride together. CT2
Seoul, 03011
Phoenix, Korea
AZ 85050 USA
KHL GROUP
Tel: 480 AMERICAS
659-0578 LL
Fax:
President & CEO 480 659 0678
.................... Michael J. Osenga
Executive Vice President
email: ....Michael J. Brezonick
americas@khl.com
 STASSFURT HOUSTON
GERMANY USA
SEALING EXPERTS SINCE 1920

LESS Zero Emission Sealing Solution

A new concept for a clean environment
Minimal leakage when compressor is not in process

www.stasskol.de
Monitoring Government
Trump Proposes Faster Permitting
For Pipeline Infrastructure
Fallout from tax reform pits gas producers against pipeliners
BY PATRICK CROW
P
resident Donald Trump’s infrastructure strategy
would use US$200 billion in federal funding to lever-
age US$1.5 billion of local, state and corporate in-
vestments in transportation and public works projects.
The initiative would accelerate the federal permitting pro-
cess for energy projects such as pipelines, compressor sta-
tions and liquefied natural gas facilities. The proposal would
allow federal agencies only 21 months to complete their en-
vironmental reviews and three months more to decide on the
final permits.
It would establish a “one agency, one decision” principle.
A single agency would be responsible for the environmental
review and it could accept money from private sources to
expedite the study.
The Trump administration explained that infrastructure proj-
ects often need National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
permits from multiple federal agencies with discrete decision-
making powers and often with conflicting viewpoints.
“These many hoops affect the ability of project sponsors to
construct projects in a timely and cost-effective manner,” it said.
Also, under current law the Interior Secretary can grant
electric, water and communications companies rights-of-
way across national parklands — but Congress must autho-
rize pipeline crossings. The strategy would give the Interior
Secretary the authority to certify pipelines too.
“Obtaining congressional approval for each pipeline
crossing and facilities necessary for the production of en-
ergy is time consuming and delays construction of needed
natural gas pipeline facilities,” the administration said.
Judicial elements of the infrastructure plan would ex-
empt certain actions or issues from legal challenges, limit
injunctive relief and shrink the statute of limitations for
challenges to permits.
The proposal also would put more pressure on states to
issue timely Clean Water Act (CWA) Sect. 401 certificates
for pipelines.
The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America
(INGAA) applauded the regulatory reform proposals.
“Roadblocks and delays are becoming commonplace at
Patrick Crow is an Austin, Texas, writer and a former COMPRESSORtech2
editor. He has reported for oil and gas publications since 1967
and has written extensively about energy issues before Congress,
federal agencies and the courts.
6 APRIL 2018
federal and state permitting agencies. We hope this is the
first step toward more comprehensive permitting reform,”
said President and Chief Executive Officer Don Santa.
He said the CWA Sect. 401 changes would clarify the role
of state permitting authorities. “We respect the rights of states
in protecting the resources within their borders and support
the cooperative federalism of the Clean Water Act. However,
that concept requires participants to act within the scope of
their authority. Actions that abuse this authority trample the
rights of other states and disrupt interstate commerce.”
Although infrastructure improvement is a popular sub-
ject in the halls of Congress, the administration’s scheme
may encounter significant problems. Some legislators have
questioned if the federal investment would be substantial
enough to be effective. The Clean Air Act, NEPA and the
CWA have broad bipartisan support just as they are now.
And Congress would be pressed to raise US$200 billion so
soon after passing a major tax reform act.
That particular law has sparked an unusual public contre-
temps between gas producers and pipeliners.
The Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA), which rep-
resents producers, and the American Public Gas Association
(APGA), which speaks for gas distribution companies, have
petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) to roll back interstate pipeline tariffs.
They said the new law cuts the pipelines’ corporate tax
rate from 35 to 21%. Income taxes are a component of
pipeline tolls, so APGA said pipeline tariffs should be re-
duced by 5 to 9%.
NGSA noted that it has worked “shoulder to shoulder” with
pipelines in the past to help them get projects approved. But
it said this “new market condition” could allow the long lines
to substantially exceed their FERC-approved rates of return.
Of course, lower pipeline tariffs across-the-board
could mean cheaper gas for consumers and increased
sales for producers.
INGAA cautioned FERC against contemplating a “one-size-
fits-all” rate rollback. It said any tariff revisions should be ex-
amined pipeline-by-pipeline and should take into consideration
factors such as offsetting cost increases, changes in a pipeline’s
overall contract portfolio and recent market developments.
The association observed that FERC’s role is not to de-
termine if the individual components of a rate are “just and
reasonable,” only if the overall rate is. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
LOWER YOUR TOTAL
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Magnetic Bearing Efficiencies Are Within Your Reach

Waukesha Magnetic Bearings introduces

an industry-first on-skid controller.

For more than 30 years, Waukesha Magnetic Bearings® has

provided life-cycle cost savings for turbomachinery – by
eliminating auxiliary equipment, lowering energy consumption,
minimizing maintenance, and maximizing reliability.

Our Automated Commissioning function and remote

connectivity have allowed customers to speed up
commissioning, monitor and tune machine performance, and
reduce specialist services, all while spending less time on-site.

Now, our continued technological advances are increasing

the scalability of magnetic bearing systems and making these
savings available to more customers than ever before. www.waukeshabearings.com/tco
 Gas Lines
China LNG Imports On The Rise Baker Hughes Rig Count

C
hina is second to none when it comes to LNG imports. 1400
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration 1200
(EIA), China edged out South Korea in 2017 for the 1000
second-place designation, producing an average of 5 Bcfd 800
600
(0.14 X 109 m3/d). Japan remains on top with imports of 11
400
Bcfd (0.31 X109 m3/d).
200
LNG isn’t the only resource that’s seen a surge in China. Nat- 0
ural gas imports have grown to meet the country’s rising domes- Feb-16 Feb-17 Feb-18
tic natural gas consumption, fueled by the country’s move away
Series2 Series1
from coal-fired electricity generation, the EIA said.
Source: Baker Hughes
Despite these increases in China’s domestic production and
in pipeline imports, northern China imported record levels of
LNG during the 2017 winter due to natural gas shortages, ac-
Henry Hub Natural Gas
cording to the EIA. Natural gas imports accounted for 40% of
Spot Price (US$/MMBtu)
China’s 2017 natural gas supply, with LNG comprising more
than half of those imports. $4.00

$3.00

$2.00

$1.00
Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18
Source: EIA

Brent Crude Oil Price

(US$/barrel)
$75.00

$65.00

$55.00

$45.00

$35.00

$25.00
Jan-16 Jan-17 Jan-18
Source: EIA

U.S. Natural Gas Storage (bcf)

5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
January December

2018 FIve-year high Five-year low

Source: EIA

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

8 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2

Information for Reliability and Instrumentation Engineers

INTELLIGENT
machine monitoring

Within 200 milliseconds

everything can change
bbb
prognost.com/savings

The meaning of SIL and Functional Safety

prognost.com/safety
bbb
Detection of abnormal wear conditions
prognost.com/wear bbb
Events & Meetings
Boldface indicates shows and conferences in which COMPRESSORtech2 is participating

APRIL April 30-May 3 June 12-14

April 10-12 Offshore Technology Global Petroleum
Global Oil & Gas Atyrau Exhibition 2018 Conference(OTC) Calgary, Canada
Atyrau, Kazakhstan Houston, Texas
+1 (888) 799-2545
+1 (972) 952-9494
+44 (0) 207 596 5161 globalpetroleumshow.com
2018.otcnet.org
oil-gas.kz/en

MAY June 19-21

April 15-18 May 22-24 Electrify Europe
GPA Midstream Convention Eastern Gas Compression Vienna, Austria
Austin, Texas Roundtable +1 (888) 299-8016
gpaconvention.org Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
electrify-europe.com
+1 (412) 372-4301
April 23-25 egcr.org
June 25-29
Gulf South Rotating
Machinery Symposium JUNE World Gas Conference
Baton Rouge, La. June 11-15 Washington D.C., USA
+1 (225) 578-4853 ASME Turbo Expo +44 20 7978 0019
gsrms.org Oslo, Norway wgc2018.com
asme.org/events/turbo-expo
April 29-May 3
June 26-28
Sour Oil & Gas Advanced June 11-15
Sensor + Test
Technology (SOGAT 2018) ACHEMA
Abu Dhabi, UAE Frankfurt, Germany Nürnberg, Germany
+971 2 697 9000 + 49 69 7564-750 +49 (0)5033 9639-0
sogat.org achema.de sensor-test.de

10 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2

EGCR_2018Show.indd 1 3/9/18 1:13 PM
For a complete listing of upcoming events, please visit our website at www.compressortech2.com/events/

SEPTEMBER Sept. 18-20 NOVEMBER

Sept. 13-14 Turbomachinery and Nov. 12-15
EFRC ADIPEC
Pump Symposia
Madrid, Spain Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
Houston, Texas
recip.org +971 2 444 4909
+1 (979) 845-7417 adipec.com
Sept. 17-20 tps.tamu.edu
Gastech Exhibition & Conference Nov. 14-16
Barcelona, Spain 20th Korea Rotating Machinery
Sept. 30-Oct. 3
+44 (0) 203 615 5914
Symposium
gastechevent.com Gas Machinery Conference
Seoul, South Korea
Kansas City, Missouri
+82-2-579-6271
Sept. 18-20 +1 (972) 620-4026 krmea.or.kr/engmain/main.php
Gas Compressor Short Course
gmrc.org +1 (918) 831-9160
University of Oklahoma
asiapowerweek.com
+1 (405) 325-0673
pacs.ou.edu/gas-compressor/ OCTOBER
DECEMBER
Oct. 28-30
Sept. 18-20 Dec. 4-6
Syngas Technologies Conference
Power-Gen Asia Power-Gen International
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Jakarta, Indonesia Orlando, Florida
+1 (918) 831-9160 +1 (703) 276-0110 +1 (888) 299-8016
asiapowerweek.com globalsyngas.org power-gen.com
HYDROGEN
COMPRESSION FOR
MULTIPLE NEEDS

THE NEA 360° PORTFOLIO TO BOOST

HYDROCRACKERS
Hydrocrackers comprise the heart of the refinery. Inside the giant reactors, heavy waxy feedstock is
converted into lighter products such as jet fuel, kerosene and diesel fuel. Today’s crackers need large
quantities of hydrogen to convert high-sulfur material into low-sulfur fuels for vehicles and airplanes
under high temperatures of up to 800°C/1,500°F.
As hydrocrackers require major invests, reliable equipment such as reciprocating compressor packages
are mandatory. The NEA heavy-duty hydrogen compressor is named as the best-in-class solution
for hydro- crackers due to its tailor-made design and flexibility in driving high volume flows of up to
100,000 Nm³/h at some hundred bar discharge pressure and up to 30 MW power. As reliability counts,
no single installation is left unattended. From start-up to maintenance and professional diagnostics,
the service provider NEAC Compressor Service keeps the compressor running. Worldwide, with full
life-time support.
Authorized OEM supplier for reciprocating compressor lines:
 GROUP

HOFER manufactures diaphragm and hydraulically

driven piston compressors, and offers high-pressure
piping systems with threaded connections. Perfectly
tight even under vibrations from hydrocrackers.
STASSKOL supplies sealing elements such as inter-
mediate packings as well as guide and piston rings
based on in-house materials for lubricated and non-
lube hydrogen piston compressors. PEEK materials
are ideally suited for high gas pressures and thus high
mechanical loads during the hydrocracking process.
NEA X connects engineering and digital technology.
Its solution provides Condition Management with
OEM expertise, transferring intelligent service and
diagnostics to tangible values: optimized assets
availability, more time to plan right actions, and
improving profitability.

NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP

www.neuman-esser.com
The Power Is In The Details
GE launches Waukesha VHP Series Five engines
for natural gas applications
n GE’s Waukesha L7044GSI S5 engine is in service at Antero Midstream’s Tamela compressor station in Doddridge County, West Virginia.
BY DJ SLATER
T
here’s something different about two of GE
Distributed Power’s Waukesha VHP gas engines.
When glancing at the spec sheets for the
L7042GSI S5 and L7044GSI S5, a few statistics stand
out: both engines have more power, better fuel flexibility
and efficiency, lower life-cycle costs and longer service
intervals than previous versions. Yet, the configuration,
displacement, bore and stroke, and even the dimensions
and weight all remain the same.
The secret lies in the components, which GE Distribut-
ed Power has improved substantially on these two engine
models to extract more power and performance without
changing the structure of the engine.
The move has left GE Distributed Power with its latest
engine series, the Waukesha VHP Series Five. These two
engines are similar to their Series Four counterparts, albeit
with enhancements for better production.
“We’ve added power without adding additional stress to
the engines,” said Ryan Krafcheck, senior product manag-
14 APRIL 2018
er of GE’s Distributed Power business. “Even though the
horsepower has increased, the temperatures and pressures
within the engines have not gone up, and in many cases,
are actually going down. We’ve been able to improve per-
formance across the board, even things that typically op-
pose each other, like more power and better fuel flexibility.”
The Waukesha VHP Series Five gas engines are best
thought of as an enhancement rather than a new model, us-
ing the same core components as the Series Four, includ-
ing crankcase, crankshaft and connecting rods. Cylinder
heads are nearly identical, with both using a newly released
version that keeps the internals of the head cooler.
The only difference is in the intake valve springs and
spacers. The Series Five variant is designed for Miller
Cycle combustion. A few enhanced components are key
in allowing the increased performance of the engine, nota-
bly the cylinder head, piston, turbocharger, ignition power
module, spark plugs and intercooler.
The Series Five 12-cylinder L7044GSI S5 gas engine
COMPRESSORtech2
is rated 1900 hp (1417 kW) at 1200 rpm and can operate
down to 900 rpm. The Series Four version of the same
engine is rated 1680 hp (1253 kW). The Series Five en-
gine features fuel consumption of 7063 Btu/bhp-hr and oil
change and spark plug intervals of up to 4000 hours each.
Comparatively, the Series Four counterpart has fuel con-
sumption of 7919 Btu/bhp-hr. and oil change and spark plug
intervals of 2000 hours each.
The Series Five 12-cylinder L7042GSI S5 gas engine’s
biggest improvement is its ability to function in almost any
environment without derating due to fuel quality. The engine
is rated at 1500 hp (1119 kW) at 1200 rpm. A comparable
Series Four gas engine (the 5794GSI) is rated 1380 hp
(1029 kW). The L7042GSI S5 features fuel consumption
of 7209 Btu/bhp-hr and the same maintenance intervals as
the 7044GSI.
“The L7042GSI S5 version uses the exact same hard-
ware as the L7044GSI S5,” Krafcheck said. “Fleet op-
erators can install that engine wherever they like and
not have to worry about it derating on fuel. By adding a
catalyst, we can help meet emissions and make 1500 hp
pretty much anywhere.
“And because it’s the same hardware, should the need
for additional compression arise, the L7042GSI S5 can be
uprated to a 1900 hp L7044GSI S5,” he said. “Your power
needs can grow with you.”
The L7042GSI S5 creates its power with displacement
instead of speed and BMEP, offering more flexibility. Its
full power capabilities are possible up to 120°F (49°C)
ambient temperature and up to 4000 ft. (1219 m) or up to
100°F (38°C) up to 4800 ft. (1463 m).
“The Series Five engines use a different combustion
cycle, which is similar to that used on our 16-cylinder
P9394GSI engine,” Krafcheck said. “We’re shifting work
from the piston to the turbocharger. Manufactured in-house, our
“By doing that, we’re reducing the exhaust temperatures
and the fuel consumption. We’re stressing the components
cylinders are Engineered to…
less but making more power.” Customer Specifications
The cylinder heads are another essential component up- Maximize Compressor Flow
grade that has paid dividends for the Series Five engines. Solve problems
The new version, informally referred to as the “H” cylin-
der head, has been modified to allow better heat trans-
fer away from the valve guide. This has led to up to 40%
cooler guide temperatures with less variation across the From problem definition
guide. Cooler temperatures in the cylinder head makes oil to final product our
buildup less likely and decreases the chances of the ex-
haust valve sticking. Cooler cylinder heads also improve
capabilities are unmatched!
the head reliability and allow for up to 30,000-hour life,
Krafcheck said.
An enhanced piston design also plays a major role in the
Series Five’s increased output. The new design ensures
more complete combustion by reducing crevice volume,
which also reduces carbon deposits from oil. Also, the new
design has led to a reduction of up to 100°F (38°C) in the
component’s critical area, meaning the fuel/gas mixture is www.aciservicesinc.com
less likely to pre-ignite (knock), improving fuel flexibility. Oil (740) 435-0240
continued on page 16

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 15

ACI Services_#1.indd 1 3/6/18 2:15 PM

 n GE’s Waukesha L7044GSI VHP Series
Five engine sits among 12 other L7044GSI
VHP gas engines at Antero’s Tamela site.

also won’t break down as easily, Krafcheck said.
Another key element is the Series Five’s Ignition Power
Module with Diagnostics (IPMD2), which serves as the
brains for the spark plugs. The spark plugs are made with
a non-precious metal, which reduces operating costs and
ensures durability, with up to 4000 hour demonstrated life.
The ignition power module tells the plugs when to spark
and enhances the spark profile as plugs age to maintain
engine performance and meet the plug life target. Because
of this improved profile, the nonprecious metal spark plugs
can outlast more expensive varieties.
“We can help you to increase the life of the spark plug
with the IPMD2, because the ignition module fires it more
efficiently,” Krafcheck said.

Spreader Beams

Adjustable Lifting/
Experts in the design Spreader Beams
and manufacture of
standard and engineered Load
lifting products within Monitoring
the oil and gas industry Spreader
Trunnion
Beams
● Modular Spreader Beams up to 400t in stock Spreader
and available worldwide for distribution Beams
● Experts in engineered lifting products and
projects requiring high QA standards
● Adjustable Lifting/Spreader beams stocked
as a boxed product for immediate shipping
● Load Monitoring Spreader Beams with an Spreader
integrated Load Cell giving you instant & Lifting
wireless data logging Frames
● In house rig design team building the ideal
solution for your lifting needs For more information contact
● Reduce your rigging weight and health & Head Office: +44 (0) 1202 621511
safety concerns by using the shackle-free Email: sales@modulift.com
Trunnion Spreader Beam system www.modulift.com

APRIL 2018
16Modulift_SpreaderBeams.indd 1 COMPRESSORtech
1/11/18 11:28 AM
2
 The Series Five engines also come equipped with the up-
graded Engine System Manager (ESM2). The ESM2 features
a 12 in. (304.8 mm) touchscreen interface that displays
all operating parameters, alarms and shutdowns, faults
and step-by-step troubleshooting directions. It comes
standard with exhaust and main bearing temperature
sensors, with the ability to alarm and shutdown on these
values. Additional features from the previous model in-
clude user-modifiable oil pressure permissive for lubrica-
tion control and ignition timing control.
“Waukesha VHP Series Five gas engines are suited for
natural gas and oilfield power generation applications,”
Krafcheck said. “Operators can upgrade existing units in
the field to Series Five as long as they have a Waukesha
VHP gas engine from 1980 or later.”
Because the connection points, footprint, and location
of crankshaft are the same as the previous version, skid
modifications are not required to change out the engine.
In addition, an optional shallow sump pan is available to
simplify retrofitting.
“It’s exciting for us to offer a product that improves upon
the Waukesha tradition,” Krafcheck said. “Customers have
told us this is one of the most important updates we’ve
made to this technology in recent memory.”

Field experience
Antero Midstream Partners, based in Denver, Colorado,
is a midstream company with operations focused in the
Marcellus and Utica shales of the Appalachian Basin. They
own and operate 117 L7044GSI engines in Ohio and West
Virginia, so the opportunity to run GE’s Waukesha VHP
L7044GSI Series Five engines “made a lot of sense,” said
Derek Hughes, senior operations foreman for Antero.
“Our Waukesha gas engine fleet is currently operating at
above 99% reliability,” he said. “We’re always interested in MODULAR
RELIABLE
improving and reducing our cost of operation.”
Hughes stated that reducing unplanned downtime and
extending service intervals were key to reducing his cost

EFFICIENT
of operation.
“Series Five brings together improvements that will help
our business,” Hughes said. “We’d had cylinder head is-
sues in the past, but the new head design has fixed those In an economy where it is important to reduce operational
issues on our Series Four engines and we are happy to see costs, the ZVI unloader does so by reducing down time, reducing
that head design carry over to the Series Five. We’re seeing maintenance costs and improving efficiency. The ZVI piston-style
reliability numbers above 99% on the Series Five — higher unloader valve can be used in all brands of compressors, at any
than our fleet average — and higher than we’d expected.
speed, for both lubricated and non-lubricated applications
We run hot gas, about 1250 to 1300 Btu, and these Series
Five engines are handling it well.”
Mike Roy, facility operations manager for Crestwood Mid-
stream Partners and another Waukesha VHP Series Five
user, had similar thoughts. Crestwood has been using GE’s
Asset Performance Management system to monitor the en-
gine. Thus far, they’ve seen better than 99% reliability and
the engine is averaging a month between forced outages.
“The Waukesha VHP Series Five gas engine keeps run-
ning and only shuts down when we want it to,” Roy said. CT2 WWW.ZAHROOFVALVES.COM
SALES@ZAHROOFVALVES.COM
COMPRESSORtech2 +1 713.554.2678
Altronic Finds Spark With
New Ignition System
NGI-1000 is first of company’s next-generation ignition apparatus

BY DJ SLATER

A
new Altronic product looks to keep the spark alive
in industrial engines with up to 16 cylinders. The
Hoerbiger company has released the NGI-1000
ignition system, designed for natural gas or biogas en-
gines in compression, power generation and pumping
service applications.
The NGI-1000 is the first of Altronic’s generation-four
ignition systems, established to succeed existing ignition
products in the company’s portfolio, such as the Altronic
CD1 and CD200, as well as legacy DIS/DISN systems for
original equipment manufacturer, packager and retrofit-
driven applications, said David Bell, senior vice president,
Altronic. The NGI-1000 is also able to replace mechanical
ignition systems in currently operational applications.
“This (product) was driven by a strong desire to provide a
solution for small- and medium-sized gas engines — inclu-
sive of lean-burn engines — operating on both natural gas n Altronic’s NGI-1000 digital ignition system ensures that engines
and biogas in the U.S. and internationally,” Bell said. in difficult environments will power on and stay running, thanks to
The NGI-1000’s most notable feature is its controlling the product’s spark control features.
the engine’s ignition dynamics, specifically the spark. Us-
ers can control the spark current and duration externally which has a range of 25 to 2500 rpm, a 4 to 20 mA or up to
through Modbus RTU, ensuring that engines will always 5 Vdc analog input range and a maximum voltage output
power on and stay running in difficult ignition environments. of 40 kV. The circuit boards are custom manufactured and
Spark current is selectable from 50 to 200 mA with dura- conformally coated to ensure longevity in any environment.
tions up to 1000 µS. The NGI-1000 accepts magnetic, Hall effect and pow-
“The dynamic control of the spark energy, inclusive of ered-inductive-style pickups, making it suitable for retro-
Modbus-based control, is the key deliverable,” Bell said. fitting with existing Altronic or third-party ignition systems.
“This assures optimized performance under a wide range of The system, which processes angular pickup input signals,
operating conditions and minimized spark plug wear rates. senses drilled reference holes, magnets and protrusions on
Both are key customer requirements.” a steel disc. During installation, this allows for consistent
The spark control feature also grants the user the ability timing inputs that reference directly to the engine’s crank-
to maximize the engine’s efficiency and minimize combus- shaft or camshaft.
tion-related misfire, Bell said. While the spark is imperative The NGI-1000, which officially debuted in November
to engine performance, it’s not the only adjustment avail- 2017, will not be the only new ignition product from Altronic
able to operators. Through the NGI-1000’s Windows-based in the near future. The company plans to release additional
terminal program, operators can adjust several engine pa- generation-four ignition products and platforms in 2018
rameters, such as overspeed setpoints, analog/rpm timing and beyond.
adjustment curves and system diagnostics. “This will continue across all product lines on an on-going
A die-cast aluminum enclosure houses the NGI-1000, basis,” Bell said. CT2

18 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2

Prime Movers
FW Murphy working for E-Chem. Exline will handle the Pacific West and Gulf Coast regions. He
FW Murphy has announced a full has spent the past four years as an application engineer for CPI.
training roster for its emissions con-
trol systems. Topics covered include GCS
engine basics; AFR operations; EICS Governor Control Systems (GCS) has become a distributor for Basler, which
operations; and IntelliSpark ignition. designs and manufacturers automatic voltage regulators, generator set and
The engine basics class is a prereq- engine controls, protective relay systems, excitation systems and custom trans-
uisite to attend other air-fuel ratio formers. GCS’ distribution territory includes Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and
classes, so participants have a solid South America, excluding Argentina and Uruguay.
base understanding of these systems. The distributorship allows GCS, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to offer
All classes are held at the San Anto- continued on page 27
nio, Texas, office.
Dates and enrollment can be
found at fwmurphy.com/training.
See all our products online
BelGAS FM klsummit.com
The Marsh Bellofram Group of Com-
panies has announced the creation
of a new flame management division
dubbed BelGAS FM (Flame Manage-
ment). The new BelGAS FM division
will serve the needs of the oil & gas
industry with a range of flame arres-
tors, tank venting accessories, burners
and specialty fabrication services.
BelGAS FM will specialize in flame
arrestors, which inhibit or prevent
flame transmission while allowing
gases and liquids to pass through.
Because of the unique and critical
nature of these products, BelGAS
FM will offer custom fabrication ser-
vices to industries including oil & gas,
refining, pharmaceuticals, power gen-
eration, mining, and more.
The new BelGAS FM division will
be headquartered in Claremore, Expertise +
Oklahoma.
Service =
Exline Results
Exline has hired two new account
managers: Brent David and Will Exline.
David will serve as the new central
region manager and has 27 years in the
compression industry, most recently Fix Problems. Reduce Downtime.
Summit’s specialty gas compressor lubricants
succeed where conventional lubricants fail. Our
customers have discovered that using the right
lubricant, backed by our experience and technical
expertise, results in significant decreases in
lubricant-related operating and maintenance
costs.

( 800.749.5823
info@klsummit.com
B. David W. Exline Klüber Lubrication NA LP

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 19

Summit_Experience+Service.indd 1 3/7/18 11:26 AM
Reinjection In The Barents Sea
Siemens to deploy SGT-750 gas turbine in its first offshore application
BY BO SVENSSON
T
he resource base of Statoil’s Johan Castberg field
development project consists of the combination of
three oil discoveries: Skrugard, Havis and Drivis,
all located in the Barents Sea. Johan Castberg is located
between Skrugard and Havis at a depth of 1180 to 1280
ft. (360 to 390 m).
The field will be developed with a floating production, stor-
age and offloading (FPSO) vessel with additional subsea so-
lutions. At sealevel, the FPSO will be visible, but it is below
the water that the true size of the project can be seen.
To improve project economics given the fall in oil prices
in 2014/2015, Statoil and its partners had to change the
design concept by developing new solutions in order to
achieve a satsifactory return on the project. Compared with
the original solution, project costs have been reduced from
approximately €10 billion to €5 billion (US$12.2 billion to
US$6.1 billion).
The subsea production system will consist of 30 wells
with vertical subsea trees, wellheads, control systems, 10
templates and manifolds, two satellite structures and tool-
ing. The system was ordered by Statoil as part of a frame-
work agreement awarded to Aker Solutions. Besides the
subsea production system, Aker Solutions will also design
the topside of the FPSO facility, which the company said is
to be the largest of its kind offshore Norway. Aker Solutions
has begun work in Norway and India. The detailed design
is set to be complete in 2019.
Siemens has received the contract to engineer, manu-
facture and commission a SGT-750 gas turbine-driven
compression train for the FPSO vessel to be located at
the Johan Castberg oil field. The high-pressure com-
20 APRIL 2018
n The Siemens SGT-750 gas turbine to
be installed on an FSPO is manufactured in
Finspong, Sweden.
pressor train will reinject associated gas into the oil field.
The equipment includes a 41 MW SGT-750 industrial gas
turbine, which will drive two Dresser-Rand DATUM compres-
sors operating in a tandem arrangement. The nominal speed
of the gas turbine is 6100 rpm and will allow for a direct drive
of the compressor train without gear boxes. Equipment de-
livery is anticipated mid 2019 with first oil planned for 2022.
The two DATUM compressors run at the same speed
without any gear box in the shaft line. The train will inject
gas with a pressure in excess of 2900 psi (200 bar), where
the first compressor lifts the pressure from 188 psi to 840
psi (13 bar to 58 bar), and the second compressor raises
the pressure up to the maximum injection pressure. Both
compressors have a radially split casing to cope with the
high pressures.
n The SGT-750’s external
combustor cans with their
transition ducts provide
for easy maintenance and
interchangeability without
casing dismantling.
COMPRESSORtech2

n The Johan Castberg field is located between in Barents Sea at a
water depth of 1180 to 1280 ft. (360 to 390 m).
DATUM centrifugal compressors are available in 15 dif-
ferent sizes with discharge pressures ranging up to more
than 14,500 psi (1000 bar) and maximum flow rates from
325,000 scfh (9200 m3/h) to 4.23 x 107 scfh (1,200,000 m3/h),
and power ratings to more than 90 MW. Cases can be split
axially [60 bar] max.) or radially (14,500 psi [1000 bar]
max.). The compressors are generally available in a variety
of configurations and connection orientations. The DATUM
compressors have been delivered for gas reinjection for a
number of offshore installations.
Siemens will also supply a waste-heat recovery unit to
recover gas turbine exhaust heat, that will be distributed as
heated liquid to prevent ice buildup on key surfaces of the
CUT YOUR COST ON IGNITION COILS, EXTENSIONS AND SPARK PLUGS
600, G CM34
G 340 0, G3500, G3
RPILLAR
®
le for CATE
■ Availab ractive price
ality at att
■ High qu s
r your need
■ Call us fo
MOTORTECH Americas, LLC
Phone: 1-504-355-4212 | www.motortech.de | www.motortechamericas.com
superstructure. The heat exchanger, which will be manufac-
tured by Halvorsen TEC, Oslo, Norway, is located on top of
the gas turbine’s exhaust duct. During a base case the re-
covery unit will receive the liquid at a pressure of 200 psig
(13.5 barg) with the pressure of the liquid leaving the unit at
150 psig (10.5 barg). The heat exchanger is to raise the tem-
perature of the liquid from 212° F (100° C) to 302° F (150° C).
The SGT-750 gas turbine consists of a 13-stage axial
air compressor with an electron beam welded rotor. Two
stages of variable compressor guide vanes allow for
an optimized performance at a wide range of operating
conditions. The eight-can combustion system with eight
transition ducts provide for easy maintenance and inter-
changeability without casing dismantling. A two-stage,
high-pressure turbine drives the gas turbine compressor.
The free, two-stage power turbine has a nominal shaft
speed of 6100 rpm and can run from 50 to 105% speed
directly coupled to the DATUM compressor train.
“This project represents the first offshore application for
the SGT-750 gas turbine,” said Anna-LottaHaglund, product
family owner, Siemens Power and Gas. “Our company has
so far sold and delivered 40 industrial gas turbines in the
medium-sized gas turbine range for operations offshore.”
After string testing of the complete gas turbine/compressor
train in Siemens test facilities in Le Havre, France, the train
will be shipped to Norway for installation onto a common
single lift base skid. The complete skid will be placed in one
lift on the upper deck of the FPSO. CT2
All trademarks, logos and symbols are exclusive objects to the right of their owners and are used for reference purpose only.
ORTECH
OT
M
O
SEE ALS
S a l e s Flyer
Underwater Test For Variable-Speed Drive
Solution for all-electric subsea processing facility
successfully tested in water
n A subsea variable-speed drive by ABB was tested for three weeks in a sheltered harbor in Vaasa, Finland, as part of the Joint Industry
Project between Statoil, Total, Chevron and ABB that aims at developing transmission, distribution and power conversion systems for
subsea pumps and gas compressors.
A
BB tested a subsea variable-speed drive (VSD)
in a sheltered harbor in Vaasa, Finland, within the
framework of the Joint Industry Project (JIP) start-
ed in 2013 between Statoil, Total, Chevron and ABB.
The JIP aims to develop transmission, distribution and
power conversion systems for subsea pumps and gas com-
pressors operating at depths of 9800 ft. (3000 m) and over
vast distances.
According to ABB, a VSD in a subsea processing facility
is needed to boost process productivity, improve energy ef-
ficiency and cut maintenance costs of electrical gear.
The full-scale prototype of the VSD features a pressure-
compensated design with all power components cooled by
being submerged by oil. The water test — carried out over
three weeks in November 2017 — demonstrated that the elec-
tronic and power components meet the necessary thermal
performance. For the test, the VSD was operated in a back-to-
back configuration directly with the grid, without motor loads.
Prior to the water test, the main drive sub-assemblies and
components were pressure tested at 4350 psi (300 bar) in
Statoil’s research and development facility in Trondheim,
Norway, to demonstrate that the unit can tolerate a pres-
surized environment.
“The water test was carried out successfully and achieved
22 APRIL 2018
all the set targets,” said Bazmi Husain, ABB’s chief technol-
ogy officer. “We have demonstrated the successful and reli-
able operation in a number of high-stress conditions.”
ABB said that taking power distribution from onshore to
the seabed, with up to 134,000 hp (100 MW) capacity be-
ing transmitted some 370 mi. (600 km), frees up the lim-
ited space on topside installations. Operational costs are
reduced, while CO2 emissions and marine pollution are cut
as well. And looking at the end of the subsea processing
facility’s life, decommissioning is simplified, too.
“We have to prove to our customers that the entire in-
stallation is going to be ultrareliable because pulling up
equipment from 3000 m costs a lot of money,” said Per
Erik Holsten, managing director of ABB’s Oil, Gas and
Chemicals business. In order to be cost competitive, the
subsea processing facility needs to be compact and low-
weight with simplified logistics.
Following the successful test, the JIP is preparing for a
3000 hour, shallow-water test of a subsea power system
with two variable speed drives in parallel, combined with
subsea switchgear and controls. The target is to start the
new test in late 2018, and the first installation of the new
subsea power systems in offshore production sites is ex-
pected to begin in 2020. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
www.globalcompressorparts.com

Ariel Gemini

Ajax Ingersoll Rand

Chicago Pneumatic Joy

Clark Knight

CB Knox Western

Dresser-Rand Superior

Gardner Denver Worthington

24/7/365 Your order has been shipped.

Global Compressor takes the alarm out of compressor breakdown.

With 28,000 inventoried OEM parts, 24/7/365 customer service, Potemkin’s
specialty design & engineering and same day shipping, our rapid response team
is ready at a moment’s notice.
From piston rods to crossheads to con rods to valves, new or refurbished,
domestic or international, Global Compressor is your single source for natural
gas compressor parts.
Pull the alarm today, visit www.globalcompressorparts.com.

Your single source for natural gas compressor parts. 713-983-8773

NovaLT16 Turbine Surfs
Into Offshore Market
Four years after launch, gas turbine for mechanical drive and
power generation market enters offshore industry
n BHGE developed the NovaLT16 gas turbine in Florence, Italy, where the first machine completed an endurance test in a dedicated power
generation station connected to the public electric grid.
BY ROBERTA PRANDI
A
fter the 2014 launch of its NovaLT16 gas turbine —
the flagship of the NovaLT turbine family — Baker
Hughes, a GE company (BHGE) has developed
a new application for the 22,600 hp (16.5 MW), 7800 rpm
unit. With a targeted power range under 20 MW, the NovaLT
family now includes the NovaLT16 (16.5 MW), NovaLT12
(12.6 MW), and NovaLT5 (5 MW).
Originally designed for mechanical drive in pipeline compres-
sion and oil and gas plant compression applications — where it
can deliver 89% or higher compressor efficiency — as well as
for power generation, the NovaLT16 has demonstrated its value
in offshore compression as well, with the recent signing of an
order with Vietsovpetro to supply a NovaLT16 to be deployed
for the first time in an offshore environment in Vietnam.
The country continues to have significant levels of oil and
24 APRIL 2018
gas development both onshore and offshore, with increas-
ing demand from power plants, refineries and petrochemical
plants. The NovaLT16 provides an efficient solution with a
strong emphasis on high availability and reliability, while re-
ducing operating costs, BHGE said.
It will be combined with the gas compression platform’s ex-
isting gas engine-driven reciprocating compressors to expand
gas compression capacity at Block 09-1.
Luca Maria Rossi, vice president, Industrial & Product
Management, Turbomachinery & Process Solutions at
BHGE, explained that the offshore market is a tough one,
and this first order represents a demonstration of how this
gas turbine is a fit for offshore applications. “Offshore is
a difficult market for the introduction of new products, but
we have been able to show that the NovaLT16 gas turbine
continued on page 26
COMPRESSORtech2
 S T I N
BE SS!
CLA

#1 in Emissions Testing & Tuning

• Most dependable Portable Emissions Analyzers

• Longest calibration stability & highest accuracy
• Best network for training and support
• Specially configured for rich and lean burn applications

Find out more, visit: www.testo350.com


has all the key characteristics required by these appli-
cations,” Rossi said. “First of all, it has extended main-
tenance intervals and an excellent ratio between power
output and footprint.”
According to Rossi, maintenance intervals for the NovaLT16
are the longest on the market in this power range: up to 35,000
hours mean time between maintenance, or about five years in
operation until the first overhaul, which is carried out by swap-
ping the engine — an operation carried out in 24 hours. “The
actual engine swapping is done in eight hours, but the plant
needs cool down and ramp up, so one full day is necessary
from stopping production until resuming it.”
The rated output power of 16.8 MW in a compact foot-
print makes this turbine suitable for offshore installations
where space is usually tight. Its mechanical efficiency of up
to 37.3% is also competitive among existing products in the
10 to 20 MW range, the company said.
“One other key aspect of this turbine is the utilization of tested
and proven components, along with improvements in technolo-
gies and materials,” Rossi said. “It is a tradition within BHGE to
rely on extensive testing and proven components with refer-
ences in the field before the release of any new product.”
The very first NovaLT16 machine completed an endurance
test of 8000 hours in a dedicated power generation station
connected to the public electric grid in the BHGE plant in Flor-
ence, Italy, under the supervision of the engineering company
Pöyry, which issued the certification.
The NovaLT16 features a two-stage, low-pressure turbine
with a variable-geometry, first-stage nozzle and a two-stage
high-pressure turbine with single crystal buckets to provide
best available metallurgy for higher efficiency and availability.
Variable area turbine nozzles (VATN) in the low-pressure
turbine maximize engine performance. “This solution is usu-
ally utilized in larger units, such as frame 5. VATN in a gas tur-
bine of this power class is rather unique,” said Rossi. “This is
a very important characteristic in compressor applications, as
the variable inlet guide vane (VIGV) allows the unit to follow
the compressor’s performance curve much better compared to
solutions with fixed geometry.
“Even in power generation, and especially in combined
heat and power plants (CHPs), variable geometry is capa-
ble of better balancing between electrical and steam pro-
duction, so that the operator can select the most efficient
operation according to its current needs.”
26 APRIL 2018
n With 16.8 MW power output, the NovaLT16
gas turbine is used for mechanical drive appli-
cations in pipeline compression, in oil and gas
plant compression, in power generation and
now in offshore compression.
The VIGV is electronically controlled with a system based
on GE’s MarkVIe platform. Rossi said that a digital suite is
currently under development, meant especially for industrial
customers and aiming at evaluating the best operational pro-
file for optimized plant efficiency. This would be beneficial for
CHP customers as well, in order to be capable of balancing
electricity and steam output better.
The NovaLT16 has built-in systems for remote monitoring
and diagnostics through BHGE’s predictivity software.
Combustion was one important area in the development for
the NovaLT16. Rossi said BHGE has a cooperation with the
combustion specialist SestaLab in Italy, which has supported
the development of innovative combustion systems.
The turbine utilizes a ruggedized, single-annular combus-
tor and a 360° combustion casing. “The NovaLT16 reaches
15 ppm of NOx emissions, and our target is to reach single-
digit levels,” Rossi said.
“This is the first time that BHGE has targeted the offshore
market with a gas turbine in this power range. The last tur-
bine offered for offshore applications under 20 MW by our
company was a frame 3 — the G10 — manufactured by Nu-
ovo Pignone in the ’60s. The offshore market has a capacity
of about 100 gas turbines in this power class sold every year
and we aim at increasing our market share here.”
Rossi said Southeast Asia, China and India were potential
markets for the NovaLT16 to be used in power generation,
and that it would find more application in pipeline compression
in North America, Mexico and China. He added there are in-
teresting prospects in Europe for decentralized power genera-
tion, very much driven by IT and online commerce giants like
Amazon for their data centers, logistics hubs and warehouses.
Additive manufacturing (AM) is also a key strategy in the
development and production of the NovaLT gas turbine fam-
ily, Rossi said. Fuel nozzles were the first components in the
engine to be produced with AM technology, and BHGE said it
will progressively introduce other components.
“Components produced with AM will bring advantages in
productivity and in the timing for new products’ introduction
on the market,” Rossi said. “Our plant in Florence has its own
AM research and testing department, while we produce the
components using AM in our facility in Talamona, in Northern
Italy. However we also rely on the whole BHGE and wider GE
network, which includes the experiences in the aerospace and
energy businesses.” CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
Prime Movers
continued from page 19
Basler products, parts, support and
service. GCS designs, services and
repairs rotating and reciprocating
equipment control products to the
power generation industry.
Cook Compression
Cook Compression Ellesmere Port
(U.K.) is moving to a new facility. The
move is scheduled to be complete in
mid-April. The new location is 26,000
sq.ft. (8000 m2) and is brand new and
purpose-built for Cook.
Those offerings, which will now be available through Altronic’s distribution part-
ners, consist of natural gas engine emissions control and flow monitoring products.
Specific products include the ECV5 air/fuel ratio control system, the GV1 electronic
control valve, the FM50 fuel flowmeter and the venture carburetor inserts
CSI Compressco
CSI Compressco has appointed Owen Serjeant as president. Serjeant
has more than 35 years of experience in global management in the energy
industries including compression, subsea production and hydrocarbon pro-
cessing. Most recently, he served as group vice president, global operational
support for Cameron, a Slumberger Ltd. company.

Halton
The Trans Anatolian Natural Gas
Pipeline (TANAP) in Turkey will be
outfitted with gas-tight fire dampers
and shut-off dampers by Halton.
The 1150 mi. (1850 km) pipeline
will use 2000 ATEX-certified fire
and shutoff dampers.
The TANAP runs west from the
Turkish-Georgian border, through 20
Turkish provinces to the Greek border.
The pipeline includes seven compres-
sor stations, four measuring stations,
11 pigging stations, 49 block valve sta-
tions and two off-take stations.

McDermott
McDermott International has
received an engineering and pro-
curement services contract from BP
Trinidad & Tobago (BPTT) for the
Cassia C Compression platform. The
platform sits above the Columbus
basin 40 mi. (65 km) southeast of
Trinidad and Tobago.
The Cassia C compression project
is BPTT’s third platform in the Cas-
sia complex, which will be unmanned.
A bridge will connect the platform to
Cassia B.
McDermott will also develop a digital
twin of the complete system using its
project life-cycle management (PLM)
module from its Gemini XD platform.

Hoerbiger
Hoerbiger has signed an agree-
ment with Continental Controls Corp.
(CCC) to take control of its aftermar-
ket offerings.

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 27

GEA Refrigeration_Global Oil & Gas.indd 1 1/5/18 8:50 AM
Metallic Plates|Thermoplastics|Springs|Buttons|Poppets|Kits|Center Bolts|Pins|Lift Washers|O-Rings
 24
7hrs

days

www.kbdelta.com
800-632-3994
310-530-1539

Torrance, California USA

info@kbdelta.com
sales@kbdelta.com
A Pleasant Reunion
Revak, Keene form new turbomachinery service company

n As president and chief engineer, Lynn Revak is hands-

on when it comes to modifying equipment for clients.

BY KLINTON SILVEY

S
eventy-seven might be the perfect age to start a new prayed about it and decided, ‘Well, I’ll do this,’ and here we
business; or perhaps, more accurately, restart an old are.” Hoerbiger still has a reciprocating compressor business
one. That is what Lynn Revak is doing along with building on the RKT campus.
other familiar names in turbomachinery: Linda and Lendell Revak also bought Keene Turbomachinery Services
Keene. The newly formed Revak Keene Turbomachinery (KTS) in Baytown, Texas, from Linda and Lendell Keene
(RKT) specializes in not only the repair and service of, but and combined the former Revak-turned-Hoerbiger-turned-
also the re-engineering of turbomachinery to fit into new ap- Revak-again business with the Keene’s business to form
plications. While this particular company is technically new, RKT. The Keenes started KTS after Hoerbiger bought the
it feels more like the return of a familiar, established one. Revak companies.
Revak began his journey in turbomachinery more than 48 The combination is a nice fit by any measure, as the Keenes
years ago. He went on to work for Hickham Industries (now and Revak have a long history together. Both were employees
Sulzer) in 1972, eventually becoming general manager. of RTS.
In 1982, Revak left Hickham and started his own busi-
ness, Revak Turbomachinery Services (RTS).
In 2008, Hoerbiger approached Revak with a generous
offer to buy RTS.
“I was 67, so I figured I might as well go ahead and sell it to
them,” said Revak, who is chief engineer and president and
owns 90% of RKT.
After the 2008 sale, Revak started Revak Engineering. He
did some consulting here and there for companies looking to
reapply existing equipment into new applications. By his own
admission, Revak said he wasn’t working “too hard” during
the past decade.
“Retirement didn’t sit well with me,” Revak said. “I was
bored silly.” However, a second offer from Hoerbiger last year
has made Revak a busy man once again. n Revak Keene Turbomachinery (RKT) will find, modify — some-
“A year ago they approached me about buying [the tur- times drastically — and package turbines and compressors for
bomachinery services business] back,” Revak said. “So I refiners’ and petrochemical companies’ very specific needs.

30 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2


n The RKT facility in La Porte, Texas, features a large inventory of
steam turbines and surplus gearboxes as well as a machine shop,
weld shop, mechanic shop and balance departments.
Industry response to the formation of RKT has been en-
thusiastic, according to Justin Moody, who is in charge of
business development at RKT. Moody sent an email blast
officially announcing the company in early March (even
though RKT has been in operation since Dec. 1, 2017) and
has received 100-plus responses welcoming the Revak
name back.
Revak and Moody say things are already moving in a
good direction when it comes to project volume. And if
business continues to progress, Revak might just con-
tinue to be a staple figure in the turbomachinery industry
at 87. CT2

Lendell Keene started at RTS as a

millwright and eventually became vice
president and general manager — ti-
tles he now holds at RKT. Linda Keene
heads the accounting and personnel
department.
“He (Keene) showed terrific promise
and held several high-responsibility
positions over a period of 25 years,
and he ended up running the place for
me,” Revak said. “And he did a bang-
up job, too.”
RKT is a company with a broad
range of services including sales, re-
pair and field servicing of steam and
gas turbines and associated parts, pri-
marily serving refiners and petrochem-
ical plants. But where Revak says the
company really sets itself apart is its
engineering services.
“Our realm of expertise has always
been in fixing peoples’ real troubles,”
Revak said. “We modify machinery so
it doesn’t break anymore and change
the performance of machinery. We’ve
done some really neat stuff.”
One example of these services is in
process as of the writing of this story:
A customer is building a natural gas-
to-liquids plant in Louisiana. A syngas
compressor was needed at the heart API 617 We, at BORSIG ZM
Compression GmbH,
of the process. Revak found a nine-
Integrally Geared design and manufacture
stage compressor with specifications
very close to what the client needed, Centrifugal Compressors tailored compressors for
innovative process gas
but modifications were necessary.
compression solutions.
RKT has destaged that machine from API 618
nine stages to six stages, with as-
sistance from Concepts NREC. Re- Reciprocating Compressors
vak also found a turbine to drive the
compressor, which RKT modified to
achieve the correct speed. The ready- To learn more, please visit www.borsig.de/zm
to-use package is expected to ship in BORSIG ZM Compression GmbH
early May.

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 31

Borsig_API 617-API 618.indd 1 3/7/18 11:56 AM

 techc
Issues Regarding Unusual Conditions
In High-Speed Turbomachinery
Examining the effects of various situations on
hydrodynamic bearings
Editor’s Note: This paper was presented at the fifth EDF
& LMS Poitiers Workshop in Futuroscope, France.
BY SCAN DECAMILLO
T
he hydrodynamic bearing is an extraordinary device.
There are 118 in. (3000 mm) diameter bearings sup-
porting loads of 101 psi (7 MPa) at less than 1 rpm
and, 1.1 in. (30 mm) bearings supporting rotors that operate
at tens of thousands of rpm. Moreover, these bearings can
run for decades with little or no wear. Unfortunately, there
is also an extraordinary number of factors that can affect
and cause bearing problems. Lubricant contamination, mis-
alignment and other adverse operating conditions degrade
thermal performance. Vibration must also be considered,
as the bearing contributes to system dynamics.
This paper contributes four cases of unusual behavior that
have been encountered in high-speed turbomachinery where
few references were found in literature, and toward which
Kingsbury has devoted effort and time in tests and studies.
The first case addresses offset pivot journal bearings.
Pad temperatures are reduced by offsetting the pivot.
However, some machines can experience reverse rota-
tion under temporary or adverse conditions. Tests were
performed to determine if offset pads could accommo-
date reverse rotation without damage. The other three
cases are different in that the unusual behavior occurred
at conditions that would typically be considered normal.
The phenomena include low-amplitude broadband ra-
dial vibration, sub-synchronous axial vibration, and high
thrust bearing temperatures under low loads. These
cases were reported in working machinery and caused
sufficient concern to stop production. Laboratory tests
were able to duplicate these phenomena, which allowed
investigation and design of a solution for all three cases.
Results are presented with some theory, hypothesis or
discussion. The intention is that this information will be of
value to researchers and other personnel involved with
Scan DeCamillo is manager of research and development at
Kingsbury Inc. Contact him at: scan@kingsbury.com.
32 APRIL 2018
orner
design and prediction of hydrodynamic bearings in high-
speed turbomachinery.
The effect of reverse rotation on offset pivot
journal bearing pad temperatures
Pad temperatures are significantly reduced by off-
setting the pad pivots in the direction of rotation [1-5].
Unfortunately, reverse rotation can occur in certain types
of machinery and applications by intentional design or in
the case of adverse conditions. This is a concern when de-
signing an offset pivot bearing for an application, because
the offset is in the wrong direction during the reversal. As
pad temperatures improve going from a center to an offset
pivot design, it is logical that the reverse rotation will run
worse, and so it becomes important to assess if the offset
design can withstand the reverse rotation operating condi-
tions without damage.
Reverse rotation test information
Test data were acquired on a test rig developed by
the National Research Council Institute for Aerospace
Research. A full description is given in Reference 5. The
rig is capable of applying a range of loads and speeds to a
single test bearing assembled around a shaft.
The test bearing is a conventional five-pad flooded bear-
ing with a nominal diameter of 6 in. (152.4 mm) and a pad
axial length of 2.6 in. (66.7 mm). The pads have a 60° arc
and is steel with a Babbitt surface. The assembled diametric
clearance is 0.009 in. (0.23 mm), and the nominal preload is
0.25. The pivots are offset 60% of the pad angle in direction of
shaft rotation. Pivots are rolling contact with radii of curvature
in the circumferential and axial directions. The circumferential
curvature permits each pad to change its tilt to accommodate
changing operating conditions. The axial curvature allows the
pads to align with the shaft. The pads are instrumented with
an array of thermocouples with the tip of each thermocouple
located 0.02 in. (0.5 mm) below the Babbitt surface.
Lubricant is fed to the pads through five radial holes that di-
rect oil from an annulus on the outer diameter of the bearing
continued on page 34
COMPRESSORtech2
2018
COMPRESSOR
Specs-At-A-Glance

COMPRESSOR
Dedicated To Gas Compression Products & Applications

SPONSORED BY
 2018 COMPRESSOR
Specs-At-A-Glance

100,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
PSI

0
ABC Compressors Arizaga, to 2465 psi (170 bar)
Bastarrica Y Cia

Aerzen USA to 750 psi (52 bar)

Ariel Corp. to 10,000 psi (689 bar)

to 3000 psi (205 bar)

Atlas Copco Gas and to 6961 (480 bar)
Process Division
to 3625 psi (250 bar)

to 14,500 psi (1000 bar)

Baker Hughes, to 50,760 psi (3500 bar)
A GE Company to 6500 psi (448 bar)

Bauer Kompressoren to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Blackmer to 1000 psi (69 bar)

Borsig ZM to 2176 psi (150 bar)

Compression GmbH to 14,500 psi (1000 bar)

Burckhardt to 50,760 psi (3500 bar)

Compression AG
to 319 psi (22 bar)
Comoti
to 435 psi (30 bar)

to 10,000 psi (690 bar)

Elliott Group
to 725 psi (50 bar)

Emerson Process to 400 psi (0 to 28 bar)

to 4061 psi (280 bar)

FIMA to 870 psi (60 bar)

FLSmidth to 300 psi (20 bar)

FS-Elliott to 450 psi (31 bar)

Garo to 1305 psi (90 bar)

GEA 0 to 913 psi (63 bar)

to 1305 psi (90 bar)

Hanwha Techwin
to 728 psi (50 bar)

Haug Sauer to 4351 psi (300 bar)

Kompressoren AG
to 10,000 psi (689 bar)
Hitachi Ltd.
to 35,300 psi (2413 bar)

Hofer to 90,000 psi (6000 bar)

Howden BC Compressors to 43,500 psi (3000 bar)

Howden BC to 870 psi (60 bar)

Compressors Ltd.
Howden Process to 29 psi (2 bar)
Compressors
Howden Thomassen to 8700 psi (600 bar)
Compressors B.V.
Hycomp Inc. to 1500 psi (103 bar)

Centrifugal
Reciprocating/Rotary
Turboexpanders
 COMPRESSOR
Dedicated To Gas Compression Products & Applications

100,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
PSI

0
to 1450 psi (100 bar)
Ingersoll Rand
to 1500 psi (103 bar)

Kobelco Compressors to 5000 psi (345 bar)

America Inc. to 15,000 psi (1034 bar)

Knox Western to 6000 psi (413 bar)

L.A. Turbine to 3000 psi (206 bar)

LeROI-RCT to 2500 psi (172 bar)

LMF to 10,150 psi (700 bar)

to 14,500 psi (1000 bar)

MAN Diesel to 725 psi (50 bar)
& Turbo SE to 348 psi (24 bar)

Mayekawa to 750 psi (52 bar)

Mehrer to 14,504 psi (1000 bar)

Compression GmbH
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to 7250 psi (500 bar)
Compressor Corp.
Mitsui Engineering to 9400 psi (648 bar)
& Shipbuilding to 21,200 psi (1462 bar)

Natural Gas to 3050 psi (210 bar)

Services Group/SCS
Neuman & Esser to 90,000 psi (6000 bar)

Pedro Gil S.A. to 29 psi (2 bar)

RIX Industries to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Ro-Flo Compressors to 150 psi (10 bar)

RotorComp to 247 psi (17 bar)

Verdichter GmbH
SAFE S.p.A. to 4351 psi (300 bar)

Sauer Compressors to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Sertco to 500 psi (34 bar)

Siad Macchine to 8700 psi (600 bar)

Implanti S.p.A.
to 15,000 psi (1034 bar)
Siemens to 12,500 psi (861 bar)
Dresser-Rand Business
to 300 psi (21 bar)

Solar Turbines to 3750 psi (259 bar)

to 7252 psi (500 bar)

Sumy NPO, PJSC
to 3626 psi (250 bar)

to 4000 psi (275 bar)

Sundyne
to 16,750 psi (1115 bar)

Vilter Manufacturing LLC to 950 psi (66 bar)

to 600 psi (41 bar)

York/Frick (JCI)
to 348 psi (24 bar)

SPONSORED BY
LEADING COMPRESSOR
TECHNOLOGY AND
SERVICES
www.burckhardtcompression.com
WE ENGINEER. WE EXECUTE.
YOU PROFIT.
Turnkey Compressor
Project Implementation

From revamps and reapplications to emissions reductions

and reliability improvements, large-scale compressor
projects require wide-ranging expertise.

North America +1 877 266 5226

Get it all with Cook Compression.
Europe +44 151 355 5937
Middle East +971 2 5575250
We provide turnkey management, together with financial China +86 21 24112600
and operational control, to achieve your goals on time,
safely, and cost-efficiently. cookcompression.com/project
 Load (MPa) Speed (m/s) Flow (L/min)
29 8
46 17
0.35
62 29
72 39
29 11
46 22
2.2
62 34
72 45

n Table 1. Oil flow rates.

to the spaces between the pads. Oil exits through the clear-
ance between the shaft and labyrinth seals on either side of n Figure 1. Pad temperatures, 2.2 MPa, forward rotation.
the bearing, such that the bearing cavity is flooded and at a
slight positive pressure. The lubricant was an ISO VG 32 tur-
bine oil supplied at 120°F (49°C). Oil flows were set for each
operating condition (Table 1). Tests were first performed with
the bearing installed in the proper direction of rotation. Pad
temperatures were recorded for each load and speed com-
bination after steady-state conditions were attained. The test
bearing was then removed and installed for reverse rotation
and a second set of data recorded, in which case the pivot
offset is 40% of the pad angle in the direction of rotation.

E8500 PLUS
Emissions Analyzer
Now with VOC Sensor
n Figure 2. Pad temperatures, 2.2 MPa, reverse rotation.
O , CO, NO, NO
Total NOx
VOC
CxHy(HC), CO
Up to 9 Gas Sensors

• For Lean & Rich Burning

Gas & Diesel Engines

• Real-T
Real-Time
- ime Software with Bluetooth
-T
• Chiller with Auto Condensate Removal
MADE IN USA

www.E-Inst.com
215-750-1212
Built with Quality
Qualit IIn Mind n Figure 3. Maximum pad temperatures, forward and reverse
rotation.

34 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2

E Instruments_E8500 Plus.indd 1 10/16/17 10:08 AM
Reverse rotation test results Details are beyond the scope of this presentation, but two observations are
The data in Figures 1 and 2 are noteworthy:
pad temperature profiles obtained by First, the codes were able to predict the large variation between 60 and 40% off-
plotting centerline thermocouple tem- set temperatures within reasonable accuracy (approximately 9°F [5°C]). Second, it
peratures against their relative angu- is interesting to note that the calculated pressure cavitation at 80 to 100% of the pad
lar position in the bearing. The loaded arc correlates with the significant drop in the measured trailing edge temperature
pad pivot is at an angular position of (Figure 4). Cavitation is a plausible explanation for the pronounced temperature
270°, bottom dead center. Figure 1 drop and also affects the reverse rotation pad equilibrium position. In other words,
shows pad temperature profiles for the pad is behaving somewhat like a center pivot pad of shortened arc length.
the bearing running in the correct, continued on page 36
forward direction of rotation. Figure 2
shows corresponding pad tempera-
ture profiles for reverse rotation.
Some common trends for forward
and reverse rotation can be ascer-
tained from Figures 1 and 2. The
temperatures of every pad increase in
direction of rotation and with speed. It GENUINELY
RELIABLE.
is noted that the loaded pad tempera-
tures increase in direction of rotation
to a maximum and then decrease
to a lower level toward the trailing
edge. The decrease is more dramatic Day in, day out performance. Year after
in the case of reverse rotation. It is year. That’s what matters in a pump.
also noted that reverse rotation maxi- And that’s why we engineer every
mum temperatures are much hotter,
Gorman-Rupp rotary gear pump to be
reaching 277°F (136°C) compared to
the most reliable and durable solution
228°F (109°C) for forward rotation at
the most extreme conditions tested. for your lubricating and cooling needs.
Figure 3 compares maximum mea-
sured temperatures for various op-
erating conditions. Reverse rotation
maximum temperatures ran 1° to 49°F
(1° to 27°C) hotter depending on op-
erating conditions. The pad surfaces
were examined after tests and found
to be in excellent condition, with no
wipes or any indications of distress.

Reverse rotation discussions

Unlike the heavy array of thermo-
couples afforded in laboratory tests,
field applications have only one or two
detectors toward the trailing edge of
the loaded pad. Should an adverse Visit Gorman-Rupp at:
reverse rotation event occur, the de- The Offshore Technology
Conference
tectors are then in the cooler leading
edge region and provide no informa- Booth #7007
April 30 - May 3, 2018 • Houston, TX
tion on maximum Babbitt tempera-
tures encountered during the event.
It is therefore helpful to have a model GRpumps.com
that accurately predicts reverse rota- 574 © 2018 The Gorman-Rupp Company.
tion pad temperatures. Toward this
end, the author has evaluated some
computer models against these data.

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 35

Gorman-Rupp_OTC Tag.indd 1 3/5/18 9:09 AM
n Figure 4. Loaded pad pressure and temperature.
It is intended that sufficient information be provided here
to allow other researchers a means to compare and evalu-
ate models against data on offset pivot journal bearings in
reverse rotation. Note that while inspection found no indica-
tions of distress, local pressures under reverse rotation at
236 fps (72 m/s), 320 psi (2.2 MPa) approach ASTM B23
Grade 2 Babbitt yield points, so there is little margin of safe-
ty beyond this operating condition. Reference 6 contains
additional information on the tests.
Broadband radial sub-synchronous vibration
Figure 5 was provided by an equipment manufacturer to
point out an unusual vibration signature encountered dur-
ing spin tests of a high-speed compressor. As reported, the
unique signature is characterized by low amplitude, broad-
band, radial sub-synchronous vibrations (SSV). The ampli-
tudes are of the order of 9.8 x 10-5 in. (0.0025 mm) peak
to peak and fluctuate randomly. There are no discrete fre-
quencies. The manufacturer first noticed the SSV using an-
other vendor’s direct-lube bearings, but similar signatures
have been encountered with other bearing designs and in
other types of machines. The frequencies and amplitudes
are low and do not appear capable of causing problems.
Even so, purchasers may not accept the machine until tests
n Figure 6. Test vibration signature, 11.4 L/min, evacuated.
36 APRIL 2018
n Figure 5. Unusual vibration signature.
show the issue has been resolved. The resulting test-stand
delay backs up production and delivery. Additional time,
effort, and money are expended in modifications and sub-
sequent tests. In other words, this small signature has the
potential to cause significant repercussions.
Broadband radial sub-synchronous
vibration test information
The issue prompted a research project performed on
Kingsbury’s high-speed test rig described in Reference 7.
The rig has a test shaft driven by a variable-speed gas
turbine through a flexible coupling. The test shaft is ap-
proximately 5 ft. (1.5 m) long and 5 in. (127 mm) in diam-
eter, supported at either end by a pivoted shoe journal
bearing. Two orthogonal probes are mounted near each
journal bearing to record radial shaft vibrations. A Hewitt-
Packard Spectrum Analyzer was used to acquire FFT vi-
bration signatures.
Parametric tests of a variety of journal bearing configura-
tions and operating conditions were studied over the course
of the project. Data presented here are for pivoted five-pad
LEG journal bearings at a shaft speed of 10,000 rpm and a
low, 20 psi (0.14 MPa) projected load. LEG is a direct lube
bearing design that provides cool oil directly to the leading
n Figure 7. Test vibration signature, 22.8 L/min, flooded.
COMPRESSORtech2
n Figure 8. 11.4 L/min, evacuated pad modification.
edge of the pads, thereby reducing oil flow requirements,
power loss and pad temperatures [4]. An important feature
is evacuated operation, accomplished by removing side oil
seal restrictions. The bearings have a nominal diameter of
5 in. (127 mm) and a pad axial length of 2.2 in. (57 mm).
The pads have a 60° angle, a 60% offset, and are steel-
backed with a Babbitt surface. The assembled diametric
clearance is 0.009 in. (0.23 mm) and the nominal preload
is 0.15. Tests were run with ISO VG 32 turbine oil supplied
at 120°F (49°C).
Broadband radial sub-synchronous
vibration (SSV) test results
It was possible to duplicate the unusual vibration signa-
ture in the test rig with the bearings described earlier. Figure
6 was recorded for an oil flow of 3 gpm (11.4 L/min), a typical
flow for a direct lube bearing at these operating conditions.
(The y-axis plots peak-to-peak amplitudes in mils. One mil
is equal to 0.0254 mm). Increasing the flow reduced the
amplitudes for this configuration, but did not entirely elimi-
nate the low-frequency SSV. Complete elimination required
installation of floating oil seals to obtain a flooded configura-
tion, and an increase in oil flow to 6 gpm (22.8 L/min). The
resulting signature is shown in Figure 7. Some vendors use
this solution. Unfortunately, the solution is essentially a typi-
cal flooded bearing design that has higher flows, power loss
and pad temperatures.
Further study of other parameters suggested that the low
frequencies might result from air entering the oil film. Based
on this hypothesis, a design was conceived that might elimi-
nate the SSV while maintaining some direct lube benefits.
Pads from the test bearing were modified with narrow cir-
cumferential grooves cut in the Babbitt near the edges of
the pad, to capture and redirect side leakage toward the
leading edge of the next pad [8]. In this way, additional oil is
made available to the leading edge without increasing the
oil flow to the bearing. The modified pads were reinstalled
and tested in an evacuated condition (no oil seals) with re-
sults shown in Figure 8 for 3 gpm (11.4 L/min) and tested
COMPRESSORtech2
n Figure 9. Speed ramp, 50 to 200 Hz, 0.31 mm clearance.
as low as 2 gpm (7.5 L/min) with negligible low-frequency
SSV. Of some 26 test configurations, this was the only low-
flow evacuated design that reduced SSV to levels typically
experienced in flooded designs at high flows. Power loss
and pad temperatures increased slightly, but were still lower
than corresponding flooded designs.
Broadband radial sub-synchronous vibration discussions
Based on tests, field experience and correspondence with
manufacturers, this signature has been observed in other
bearing designs and different types of machines. The signa-
ture is more pronounced in light rotors and when using direct
lube bearings. It is important to note that low-frequency SSV
can also occurs in flooded designs. The tests indicate that
the bearing not only needs to be flooded, but that the oil flow,
seals and exit restrictions have to be properly sized to pro-
vide positive back pressure in the bearing cavity.
It is also important to note that direct lube bearings have
been used for many years and there has been no docu-
mented evidence that this type of low-frequency SSV poses
any threat to safety or longevity of the machinery. An ideal
solution would be to accept the signature as normal behav-
ior but this does not seem likely. Tests and studies to better
understand the cause and consequences of the phenom-
enon are being pursued. In the meantime, the direct lube
bearing with modified pads has been successful in elimi-
nating low-frequency SSV in several field applications for
compressors, turbines and high-speed gearboxes.
Axial sub-synchronous vibration
There is little, if any, published literature on axial sub-
synchronous vibration (SSV) in turbomachinery. Reference
9 studies vibrations in slack side thrust pads, which produce
audible noise and tends to damage the pad pivots. The
paper has been referenced regarding axial vibration, but
does not actually measure or note any vibration response
of the shaft. Another behavior unrelated to the topic is axial
continued on page 38
APRIL 2018 37
n Figure 10. Speed ramp, 50 to 200 Hz, 0.48 mm clearance. n Figure 11. 200 Hz, 30 to 150 to 30 L/min flow.
shuttling where the shaft drifts randomly in the set axial clearance when thrust bearings. The vibrations are often re-
loads are neutral. References were found that present nonlinear transient flected in the radial probes. When this
axial response analysis for a fixed geometry bearing system [10, 11], which is axial SSV shakes the foundation of a
closer to the topic but do not present test data and are focused on ultrasuper powerful machine, there is no doubt
harmonic response. that a dangerous situation exists. The
The axial SSV under consideration here is a discrete, sub-synchronous vi- problems have been few in past expe-
bration of very high amplitude, sometimes traveling the full set clearance of the rience but seem to be occurring more
frequently. This may be due to the
trend for faster machines, but some
engineers suspect the high pivot off-
sets and direct lube bearings often
used in high-speed applications.
This axial SSV usually occurs in
MAKE THE CONNECTION no-load situations, which is the case
encountered during mechanical spin
tests. Successful solutions have
been to increase the oil flow, to pre-
load the bearings by reducing clear-
ance, to create asymmetry by using
different loaded and slack bearings,
The global leader in flexible couplings for pump & to reduce the pivot offset and to
compressor applications. Trust the innovator-trust CENTA. modify the balance piston thereby
Over 20 unique designs | Torsional Vibration experts applying some load. A problem is
that these solutions are not always
reliable or repeatable.

Axial sub-synchronous vibration

test information
The inconsistent solution results
CENTAX-Series N/NL CENTAFLEX-Series A and the more frequent occurrences
For reciprocating compressors For compressors & pumps prompted a research project, also
performed on Kingsbury’s high-speed
CENTA POWER TRANSMISSION test rig described in Reference 7. An
L E A D I N G B Y I N N O VAT I O N axial probe was mounted to record
vibrations for the shaft described in
2570 Beverly Dr. #128, Aurora, IL 60502 T 630.236.3500
the preceding section. Data were ac-
Catalog downloads at www.centa.info | Email inquiries to ct@centacorp.com
quired using National Instrument data

38 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2

 n Figure 12. Speed ramp, 50 to 200 Hz, with device.
acquisition equipment and LabView software. A double-ele-
ment thrust bearing is tested, one bearing on either side of
the test shaft’s thrust collar. Parametric tests of a variety of
thrust bearing configurations and operating conditions were
studied over the course of the project. Data presented here
are for pivoted six-pad equalizing thrust bearings. The bear-
ing pad surface has an outer diameter of 10.4 in. (266 mm),
an inner diameter of 5.2 in. (133 mm), a 51° angle, and a
60% offset pivot. Tests were run with ISO VG 32 turbine oil.
n Figure 13. Pad temperatures, no tapers.
Axial sub-synchronous vibration test results
The axial SSV was successfully reproduced on the test
rig. FFT signatures plotted against record number, repre-
senting time in seconds, produce a map of frequencies
and amplitudes (The y-axis plots peak rms amplitudes in
mils). Figure 9 shows data for a 50 to 200 Hz speed ramp
for a set bearing clearance of 0.012 in. (0.31 mm). Axial
SSV is noticeable at speeds above 200 Hz. Figure 10 is
continued on page 40

When it comes to lubrication,

MORE ISN’T ALWAYS BETTER.

an EnPro Industries company

When you fine tune your lubrication usage you can maximize profitability and
performance. CPI can help you optimize your lubrication to the exact right amount,
saving both time and money.

Contact our lubrication experts for a free inspection at cpicompression.com

 High Performance
Industrial Piston Rings
and Engine Valves
 Fuel Injection Valves
 Fuel Cartridges and Housings
 Hydraulic Lifters
 Aluminum Roller Rocker Arms
Most common valves, replacement
rings and engineered
ring sets are available from stock
Safety Seal Piston Ring Co.
Wesco Valve & Manufacturing Co.
PO Box J, Marshall, TX 75671
1-800-525-0143 | sales@sswesco.com
www.sswesco.com
MADE IN THE
40 APRIL USA SINCE 1951
2018
n Figure 14. Pad temperatures, with tapers.
a duplicate with the same bearings,
except that the set bearing clearance
was increased to 0.019 in. (0.48 mm).
SSV occurs at a speed of 150 Hz, and
drops out at 200 Hz.
It can be envisioned that if this
were some machine that was de-
signed for a maximum design speed
of 175 Hz, there would be no indica-
tion of an axial SSV problem (Figure
9) until a slight increase in clearance
shifts the SSV into range (Figure 10).
More complex behavior is captured
in Figure 11 for a constant speed of
200 Hz, where bearing oil flow is var-
ied from 8 to 40 and back to 8 gpm
(30 to 150 and back to 30 L/min) over
the course of the recording. The peak
near record #2100 occurred at a flow
of 26 gpm (100 L/min). Again, if this
were a production machine on tests,
it can be concluded that the SSV may
be eliminated by either increasing or
decreasing the oil flow to the bearing.
Axial sub-synchronous vibration
discussions
The figures show only a few of the
parameters studied. Test parameters
included load, speed, flow, clear-
ance, offset, direct vs. flooded lubrica-
tion, inlet temperature and geometry.
Results clarified some apparent in-
consistencies in solutions mentioned
earlier. Specifically, it is not correct to
generalize the effect of a parameter.
An increase or decrease can eliminate
or cause axial SSV depending on how
the SSV shifts in relation to the particu-
lar operating condition.
Test results support field expe-
rience that axial SSV is unlikely
under load, but further indicate that
the load must be of some significant
magnitude, as SSV was observed in
some tests at low loads. The solu-
tion to apply a slight load by modi-
fying the balance piston therefore
may or may not resolve the problem
during spin tests. This is not a good
solution in any case because the
machine may encounter a neutral
position and subsequent axial SSV
in the field. Solutions involving in-
creased oil flow and tightened clear-
ance are supported by tests, which
further indicated that the converse,
decreased oil flow and looser clear-
ance, might also successfully shift
SSV out of range. If clearance is
used to eliminate axial SSV symp-
toms, it is important to account for
possible clearance change over time.
The tests did appear to support
reduced SSV levels for lower off-
sets. It was not possible to generate
any significant axial SSV in center
pivot tests. However, it is again un-
wise to generalize because the test
shaft is not as heavy or complex as
COMPRESSORtech2
 n Figure 15. Moment schematic.

a machine rotor, and axial SSV has been encountered
in center pivot applications in field units. The solution to
reduce offset also has consequences of higher bearing
temperatures and lower load capacity.
The belief that evacuated operation (direct lube) causes
axial SSV is refuted by the tests. This is another case where
SSV was noted in both flooded and evacuated operation
and where either configuration just shifts the SSV to other
frequencies. The belief that asymmetric bearings (different
geometries on either side of the collar) disturb the tendency
for axial SSV is also refuted by the test data. The project
is presently in a phase to develop a model to predict the
complex behavior. In the meantime, there existed a need
to solve the problems more precisely. Toward this end, a
device was conceived and tested. It consists of a simple
groove and seal installed in one of the bearings [12] and
has successfully eliminated dominant and lower-frequency
SSV in tests and in field applications for various manu-
facturer compressors. Example test results are shown in
Figure 12, which is a duplicate run of Figure 9 conditions,
but with the device installed.
High-speed / low-load
Another unusual phenomenon was discovered while in-
vestigating higher than expected thrust bearing pad tem-
peratures during mechanical spin tests of a high-speed com-
pressor. A low-pressure spin test produces low thrust loads
that are expected to give low pad temperatures. The high
temperatures therefore raised doubt that the bearing would
be able to withstand loads in actual operation without failure.
High-speed / low-load test information
The situation was investigated on Kingsbury’s high-speed
test rig. Details of the rig and complete test results are docu-
mented in Reference 7. Various double-element thrust bear-
ings were tested, including center pivot and offset pivot,
flooded and LEG designs. Data presented here are for piv-
oted eight-pad equalizing LEG thrust bearings. The bearing
pad surface has an outer diameter of 10.4 in. (266 mm), an
inner diameter of 5.2 in. (133 mm), a 38° angle, and a 60%
offset pivot. Tests were run with ISO VG 32 turbine oil sup-
plied at 120°F (49°C). Thermocouples are imbedded in the
continued on page 42

No one knows your

Cooper-Bessemer™ like
the manufacturer.
Since 1929, Cooper-Bessemer has been one of the most
reliable and efficient methods for gas compression.
Baker Hughes, a GE Company is the original equipment
manufacturer of Cooper-Bessemer providing full-service
support, overhauls, repairs and upgrades for this
workhorse in the industry.
Trust only genuine BHGE parts and service for your
Cooper-Bessemer reciprocating engines and compressors.
Call our 24-hour hotline for
service support, parts and new Install

unit sales at +1 844-RECIP-GE or

Upgrade Train

visit engageRecip.com Overhaul

MYA

for more information. Repair & Operate &

Remanufacture Monitor

Field Predict

engageRecip.com
Service
Babbitt metal of each thrust-bearing
pad, positioned within 0.03 in. (76 mm)
of the surface. Average 75/75 temper-
atures are compared in figures (75/75
represents a location on the pad sur-
face 75% of the pad arc from the lead-
ing edge and 75% of the radial width
from the inner diameter). Pad tem-
peratures were recorded for each load/
speed combination after steady-state
conditions were attained.
High-speed / low-load test results
Figure 13 is a plot of data recorded
for various loads and speeds tested.
Of interest are the pronounced tem-
perature humps at low loads. The lev-
els are similar to those experienced on
the compressor manufacturer’s test
stand, except that the spin test setup
did not have the capability to increase
the thrust load. As load is further in-
creased, the temperatures are noticed
to reduce until they begin to steadily
rise in an expected fashion.
A separate study of temperatures
Experience, Reliability, Integrity...
over the pad surfaces indicated that
the high temperatures extended
across most of the pad from leading
to trailing edge for the low-load peaks.
The excessive leading edge tempera-
tures suggested a restriction of flow
in the film and prompted the design
and trial of a leading-edge taper [13].
A duplicate set of tests was performed
with modified pads that effected a dra-
matic reduction in the high-speed/low-
load temperatures. Results are plotted
in Figure 14. Again, there was a ten-
dency to suspect the direct lube design
and high offsets, but flooded designs
and different offsets were tested and
showed similar behavior. Complete re-
sults of these tests are documented in
Reference 7.
High-speed / low-load discussions
In summary, the effect of this phe-
nomenon is higher than expected pad
temperatures in pivoted pad thrust
bearings operating at high speeds
and low loads. Excessive oil drain
temperatures accompany the high
pad temperatures. The phenomenon
becomes apparent at mean sliding
velocities above 295 fps (90 m/s) and
at unit thrust loads between 0 and 100
psi (0 and 0.7 MPa). A taper modifica-
tion applied to the leading edge dra-
matically reduces the temperatures in
this region.
It is suspected that the phenomenon
is caused at low load when the mo-
ment due to viscous drag F on the pad
surface (Figure 15) is larger than the
counter moments W created by hydro-
dynamic film pressures. If so, the pads
may operate with little or no tilt result-
ing in restriction of oil and high temper-
atures, consistent with the hot leading
edge temperatures recorded in tests.
Film forces begin to dominate as high-
er loads are applied, a hydrodynamic
tilt is formed and the pad temperatures
behave as expected.
The low-load notation is important
because zero-load temperatures are
typically cool (Figure 13). In a pure
zero- load case, the collar can be
centered in the set clearance and rel-
atively far away from the pads on ei-
ther side. A separate study suggests
some closer proximity is required for
the phenomenon, which is provided
when a low load is initially applied to
shift the collar closer to one of the
bearing faces.
Based on this hypothesis, the lead-
ing edge taper was designed to pro-
vide a hydrodynamic force at the
leading edge with a counter moment
sufficient to overcome the frictional
drag. Designs have been successfully
applied in actual compressor spin tests
for different manufacturers, and are
running well in the field.

Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to the
National Research Council of Canada
for their test rig and effort in acquiring
The AXH manufacturing complex consists of data regarding the effects of reverse
six plants, totaling 559,100 SF on 67 acres. rotation on offset pivot journal bearing
pad temperatures, and to Kingsbury
Inc. for permission to publish the re-
sults of these four projects. CT2
(918) 283-9200 Fax (918) 283-9229 www.axh.com See references at: ct2.co/references

42 APRIL 2018 COMPRESSORtech2

47 TURBOMACHINERY & 33RD PUMP SYMPOSIA
TH 47 TH TURBOMACHINERY & 33 RD PUMP SYMPOSIA
H O U S TO N , T E X A S | 17- 2 0 S E P T E M B E R 2 01 8
Petrochemical G| Oil
E ORefining
R G E |ROil. &BGas
R OProduction
W N C O| N VEN
Utility TION
| Power C E N T E| R
| Aerospace Related Industries

Symposia & Exhibition: George R. Brown Convention Center Short Courses:

September 18-20, 2018 Houston, TX September 17, 2018

The Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia is a vital industry event, offering a forum for the exchange of ideas among
rotating equipment engineers and technicians worldwide. The expert-selected technical program combined with an
international exhibition is the perfect platform for networking and learning new problem-solving methods and technologies.
Environmental Partnership Forms
Pollutant-Fighting Alliance
Initiative aims to reduce emissions through collaboration
n An operator uses an optical gas-imaging camera to scan a natural gas site for leaks. One of the Environmental Partnership’s guidelines
is for companies to examine their equipment and work sites for leaks.
BY DJ SLATER
M
ajor players in the oil and natural gas industry are
taking part in a voluntary program in the name of
decreasing harmful emissions.
The program, known as the Environmental Partnership,
provides its participants with several standards that aim to
further reduce methane and volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) across the United States. The American Petroleum
Institute (API) created the program to bring companies to-
gether under a common goal.
“For decades, the industry has developed new practices
and identified new technologies that improve environmental
performance,” said Matt Todd, program director of the En-
vironmental Partnership. “This effort is a continuation of a
lot of good work that’s been done by the industry over the
years to improve emissions. This opportunity will allow us to
expand on that and take additional measures.”
Participating companies officially began implementing
the program on Jan. 1. It has three guidelines that focus
on reducing air emissions, especially methane and VOCs.
The first covers leaks from natural gas and oil production
services. Participants must use monitoring technologies to
detect and repair leaks at their sites. Detection methods
44 APRIL 2018
and technologies include, but are not limited to, Method 21
or optical gas imaging cameras.
The second calls for participants to replace, remove or
retrofit high-bleed pneumatic controllers with low- or zero-
emitting counterparts. The third guideline asks participates
to minimize emissions when removing liquids from aging
natural gas wells.
“We’ve identified emissions reduction as an important is-
sue for our industry,” Todd said. “If you look back historically,
emissions from our industry have decreased over time. We
want to continue that trend and we hope these companies’
participation will do just that.”
As of mid-January, 28 companies have signed up for
the Environmental Partnership, including BP, Chevron,
ConocoPhillips, Shell, XTO Energy, Apache and Mara-
thon Oil. Because these participants are stretched out
across the country, it ensures that emissions-reduction
efforts are taking place in every major U.S. natural gas
and oil basin, API said.
In its first year, Todd said the program would focus pri-
marily on cutting air emissions. The program didn’t set spe-
cific emission-reduction targets, Todd said, opting to focus
on bringing in as many companies as possible to the cause.
COMPRESSORtech2
 “This year, our big focus (aside from emissions) is addi-
tional recruitment,” he said. “We’ll be spending a lot of re-
sources to get more companies signed up. Right now, we
Environmental Partnership
have fantastic participation with our current companies, participating companies
which represent about 30% of U.S. gas production.”
With more companies comes the added benefit of collabo- (as of Jan. 11, 2018):
ration. Todd foresees companies working together and shar-
ing research to further improve their environmental-friendly
efforts. Those interested in joining do not have to be a mem- n Anadarko n Marathon Oil
ber of API, which is a national trade association with more n Apache n Murphy
than 625 members that represents the oil & gas industry. n BHP n Newfield
While the Environmental Partnership only has three ini-
n BP n Noble Energy
tiatives in 2018, Todd said that would likely expand as the
program evolves. n Cabot n Occidental Petroleum
The first year will be telling. In early 2019, all participat- n Chesapeake Energy n Pioneer
ing companies will report into the program to record their n Chevron n Repsol
level of participation for each of the emissions-reduction
n Cimarex n Seneca Resources
programs they implemented. Using that data, the Envi-
ronmental Partnership expects to develop an annual re- n ConocoPhillips n Shell
port that will be available to the public. The report will n CrownQuest n Statoil
provide a look at each company’s environmental efforts in n Devon Energy n SWN
2018. From there, Todd expects the program’s participa-
n Encana n Total
tion to grow and its initiatives to evolve, with emissions
decreasing every year thereafter. n EOG Resources n Western Gas
“This issue for our industry is very important,” he said. n Hess n XTO
“We welcome all companies to participate. I’m looking for-
ward to its future and how it evolves from here.” CT2
Maintain & Gain: John Crane Nets
Texas Refinery Service Contract
Company to inspect, make recommendations on compression equipment
n John Crane’s staff will not only provide maintenance services for a Texas oil refinery, but also will also train refinery employees and
retain its support after the two-year contract expires.
BY DJ SLATER
J
ohn Crane Asset Management Solutions has received
a two-year contract to provide condition-based main-
tenance services to a major oil refinery in Texas. The
company will develop a maintenance strategy for the refin-
ery’s equipment to serve a two-fold purpose: save money
and increase performance.
John Crane will inspect the vibration and lubrication of
the refinery’s equipment, as well as evaluate the conditions
and data and make recommendations. The company will
also generate alerts for scheduled repairs and make rec-
ommendations for continued maintenance, equipment re-
pairs and inspection frequency.
The refinery’s equipment includes centrifugal and recipro-
cating compressors, centrifugal and positive displacement
pumps, centrifugal and axial air blowers, and steam turbines.
“This is the first significant contract that utilizes our ex-
tended reliability services offered by our Asset Manage-
ment Solutions division,” said John Morrison, manager
director, John Crane. “Within six months, we expect to
begin delivering visible value on problematic equipment
and continue this within the two-year period.”
With John Crane’s presence, refinery personnel can fo-
cus on critical tasks to ensure operations are running at
optimal levels, the company said. John Crane, meanwhile,
will actively manage asset monitoring, measure equipment
46 APRIL 2018
performance and handle advanced machinery diagnostics.
John Crane will also train the refinery’s staff on its con-
dition-based maintenance services, ensuring that they are
well versed in data collection, maintenance strategies, per-
formance trends and leadership.
“This is significant on many fronts, but mainly because
we can deliver additional value to our clients by delivering
a condition-based monitoring program that underpins their
preventative maintenance program,” Morrison said. “The
contract allows us to be flexible with our clients, but also
recommend the best solution when required.”
While the contract has a two-year span, Morrison said
John Crane would continue to offer its reliability services
beyond the agreement. In the immediate term, the com-
pany’s Asset Management Solutions personnel will travel to
the refinery from its operational offices in Aberdeen, Scot-
land, and Pasadena, Texas.
The Texas refinery project is one of two additional or-
ders John Crane recently received, both of which deal with
projects in the North Sea. In August, the company net-
ted a contract to supply data services to Maersk Oil for
its maintenance strategy at a new offshore development.
John Crane also obtained a five-year contract to provide
condition-based maintenance services with a major oil
and gas operator. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
 Come See
EICS – now mapped
On The Road & On Your Site for 11 engines

MLS-TF – redesigned
with preventative
Education is key in today’s fast-moving market. In response to our customers’ needs, maintenance in mind
FW Murphy Production Controls provides in-depth educational opportunities with our
Training Trailer. Packed full of FW Murphy products, our experts show real-world CENTURION – flexible
configuration tool with
applications and how our products can transform businesses.
expanded capabilities
Our people and products work to increase customers’ efficiency and boost their bottom
line. By engaging our clients and reaching out to all levels of their business, we teach how
to maximize efforts and utilize our products in the best way possible.

Our 2018 Training Schedule is now available, and class registration is open on our website.
Custom training opportunities also are available to address specific needs.

Team Up With FW Murphy to Transform Your Business.

Find us at:
w w w. f w m u r p h y. c o m / t r a i l e r
1815209 04-2018
Screw-Compressor-Driven
Refrigeration Packages
Key to navigating the waters toward offshore success
n Figure 1. 3-D model and photo of the refrigeration package and the compressor inside the noise enclosure.
BY CRISTIANA GUASTAROBA
Introduction
T
he selection, design and installation constraints sur-
rounding offshore, compressor-driven refrigeration
packages involve unique challenges and require in-
novative solutions. In addition, increasingly stringent regu-
lations and restrictions regarding the use of CFC, HCFC
and many HFC refrigerants imposed by the new European
F-Gas Regulation (EC) 517/2014 — which went into effect
at the start of 2015 — have forced many companies to con-
duct retrofit studies and activities in order to comply with the
new standards. By carefully defining their key requirements
and being a meaningful contributor in the design, testing
and installation phases of these complex projects, opera-
tors can ensure a successful outcome.
Fluid choice — a key element
The purpose of an offshore platform refrigeration pack-
age is to chill the operator’s stream in order to reach the
required specification. Since the type of refrigerant has a di-
rect effect on the frequency of mandatory, periodic checks,
the choice of the right refrigerant is vital.
On the other hand, the refrigeration fluid has to be ap-
plied in a circuit where some external constraints play an
important role. This means that the refrigerant has to be
selected after its thermodynamic characteristics have been
evaluated. As a refrigeration system works between two
pressure levels — the evaporation level and the conden-
Cristiana Guastaroba is proposal manager, GEA Global Oil & Gas.
Contact her at: cristiana.guastaroba@gea.com.
48 APRIL 2018
sation level — the aim is to keep the compressor suction
pressure above the atmospheric value to prevent the pos-
sibility of air influx into the refrigeration circuit and to limit
the discharge pressure. Considering that the cooling media
can be a constraint at the site, and in order to minimize the
design pressure of the equipment (vessels heat exchang-
ers, piping and piping fittings), preventing the influx of non-
condensables into the refrigeration system is critical.
Screw compressor benefits for refrigeration
The oil-flooded screw compressor provides many advantag-
es for refrigeration. It may be that for some applications — par-
ticularly those at a high flow rate — a centrifugal compressor
is the only solution to a particular compression requirement.
Nevertheless, within the limits of its normal operating param-
eters, the screw compressor — particularity the oil-injected
type — offers numerous technical and/or commercial benefits.
Screw compressors typically have a small footprint and
lower installation costs. A single-stage compressor doesn’t re-
quire an intercooler, and avoids the problems associated with
condensate. The bare screw compressor installed in a pack-
age may also be replaced with a spare one in just a few hours,
limiting the length of time the refrigeration system is off line.
The rotary screw compressor is usually equipped with step-
less control from 100 to 10%. Oil-flooded screw compressors
have an unloader called a slide valve and can provide step-
less turndown (typically 100 to 10%) with a corresponding
reduction in power. This helps screw compressors be flexible
and more tolerant to variations in operating conditions.
COMPRESSORtech2
A case study CV AND KN SERIES
In the case of one North Sea platform, R-410a refrigerant INDICATOR VALVES
was selected in accordance with the operator’s specifica-
tion requiring a nonflammable fluid and with a global warm-
CV-72
ing potential (GWP) lower than 2500.
R-410a is a zeotropic mixture of HFC-32 and HFC-125. KN-22-90

It has been developed as a long-term replacement for R-22

in a variety of new air conditioning and cooling equipment.
R-22 is an HCFC, or hydrochlorofluorocarbon, which means
that it contains chlorine, an element that is damaging to
the ozone layer. Because R-410a contains no chlorine, its
FOR MAXIMUM ACCURACY, BOTH OFFER . . .
ozone depletion potential (ODP) is zero. Considering that
the glide temperature of this mixture is less than 0.3°C, R- • resonance,
Short, straight-through flow path minimizes channel
maximizes accuracy.
410a exhibits a behavior of a pure refrigerant, simplifying its
• Compact design. Fits tight locations.
management in the system.
• 90-degree and 316 stainless steel versions available.
The refrigeration package has been designed for the
dehydration and dew-point control of the gas being sent • Designed specifically for compressors.
to export and to gas lift. The new unit was installed as CV-Series valves have a quarter-turn handle for
fast operation. Safety locking handle option
a replacement of the existing one, which was based on
available.
R22 refrigerant — a fluid banned by the new regula-
WKN-Series valves now offer pressures
NE to 6000 PSI, temperatures to 500° F
tion. The duty of 3078 hp (2295 kW) has been covered
by the use of a refrigeration system with an oil-flooded
compressor in place of a centrifugal compressor and a CONTACT US NOW FOR INFORMATION
flooded evaporator (Figure 1). The GEA compressor,
manufactured in Germany, is designed and equipped
according to the API 619 5th Edition.
Website: www.kienediesel.com Telephone: 1-800-264-5950
The application of flooded technology is relatively new in e-mail: info@kienediesel.com Fax: 630-543-5953
this field because the classic application with R-410a was
See Us At GMC #613
based on the use of a direct expansion evaporator. However,
in this case, since the design pressure of the gas process side
Kiene.indd 1
Contaminated Cooling System Costing You $$$?3/5/18 8:40 AM
was quite high — 870 psi (60 bar) — and the requested mate-
Internal & External
rial of construction was stainless steel, the best solution was a
Professional Cooling System Restoration
configuration where the tube side is dedicated to the process
stream and the shell side is dedicated to the evaporation of
the refrigerant. For this application, this configuration has been
considered as more economical. The use of R-410a is com-
mon in the air conditioning market, however, its application in
the oil & gas refrigeration market is a new innovation.
continued on page 50 The Best & Safest Cooler Cleaning Available
Restore Internal Cooling SAFE SIMPLE CLEAN
System “Onsite & In Watch Your Temps Drop.
Place” To Optimal Improve Cooling System
Operating Level We Efficiency, Maximize
Dissolve Extreme System Output, And
Buildup Of Burnt Reduce Downtime
Glycol, Silicate, Carbon With The Most Effective
& Mineral Deposits, Aluminum Safe Cooler
And Oil. (405) 703-2771 Cleaning Available.

Get The Most Hours With Less Downtime

n A string test was performed prior to shipment of the unit to the Tired of replacing heads, exhaust manifolds, and turbo housings?
offshore platform. Nationwide Sales & Service
UltimateChemicals.com
n Figure 2. The process flow diagram for the RAM and FMECA analysis.
Meeting mandatory, complex requirements — AVM,
RAM & FMECA
From the beginning phase of the project, and during the
proposal preparation, it was clear that several limitations
and special requirements for this offshore application were
necessary. These included: the space limitation on the ex-
isting module of the platform; the weight limitation for lifting
activities and for the existing structures; and the require-
ment of a special anti-vibration mount system (AVM) based
on a three-point support designed to suppress vibration
transmission into the supporting structure. The mechanical
design was supported with a 3-D model.
The proposed solution was customized according these
requirements during both design and transportation logis-
tics development. In order to meet the high safety standard
target of the operator, the design phase focused heavily on
this aspect. The design includes the use of a double me-
chanical seal on the compressor in order to reduce leak-
ages to the atmosphere, and double block and bleed isola-
tion valves in the pressurized lines where a potential repair
would occur.
As the offshore application may imply many difficul-
ties related to supplying spare parts and components,
especially during the harsh winter season when helicop-
ters and ships face navigational challenges, the operator
requested an accurate and deep study on the reliability,
availability and maintainability (RAM) and failure mode,
effect and criticality analysis (FMECA) of the plant as a
basis for the selection of the appropriate spare parts, for
both two years of operation and for capital spare parts. As
result of this study, a complete spare parts list suitable for
50 APRIL 2018
the specific application, as well as awareness of a broader
set of spare parts, was supplied. The model of the study
applied is represented in Figure 2. The results from this
study show that the availability of the refrigeration pack-
age exceeds 99%.
The string test
As a final check, the operator requested a complete
string test. The test was performed at a workshop before
shipment. A process-specific procedure was prepared and
a dedicated, customized test bench was set. A complete
test was conducted with the project-specific compressor,
motor and lube-oil circuit. The facility was equipped with
the required test bench suitable for the compressor motor
power and for the provision of the utilities needed for the
test (cooling water, electricity, nitrogen, air).
The string test consisted of the refrigeration package
compression unit’s test and came after specific tests on
the equipment. The test involved the compressor, elec-
tric motor and auxiliaries together. Testing of the unit
comprised four hours of continuous operation at design
speed. This ensures the mechanical integrity of the unit
and system functionality. During the test, the noise and
vibration levels were monitored. The test was performed
with air in a closed-loop configuration, the unit controlled
through the project UCP and monitored through the proj-
ect MMS. An ESD Simulator was used to provide ESD
functionality. The unit was then shipped to Peterhead,
Scotland, then transported to the offshore platform
where it was installed on the existing module and suc-
cessfully commissioned. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
NGPL Production Hits New Annual Record
EIA expects production growth to continue into 2050
N
atural gas plant liquids (NGPL) production has
been on a growth streak for more than a de-
cade, increasing every year since 2005. That
didn’t change in 2017, with production reaching a record
3.75 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Energy
Information Administration (EIA).
Total NGPL production in the United States last year
grew 6.4% over 2016 levels and doubled the amounts
posted in 2007. The trend is expected to continue well
into the century, with the EIA forecasting a 15% increase
in NGPL production this year, which would be the sec-
ond-highest annual increase ever; NGPL production saw
a 16% increase in 2014.
After 2018, the EIA anticipates NGPL production will hit
5.57 million barrels per day in 2050, but it will reach that
mark at an average pace of 0.9%. The EIA expects gross
natural gas withdrawals to slow after 2022, with the com-
position of the gas becoming progressively drier as damp
areas are slowly depleted.
NGPL production is dependent on gross natural gas with-
drawals, the wet and dry composition of the gas and the
amount of ethane retained in the dry gas stream, which is
limited based on pipeline specifications, according to the
EIA. After 2022, the EIA foresees the market for ethane ex-
panding due to NGPL production increases. This expansion
will make ethane recovery more economic and decrease
COMPRESSORtech2
the volumes rejected or retained in the natural gas stream.
Last year, the first three of a series of new ethylene
crackers on the Texas Gulf Coast were constructed. The
crackers allow ethane consumption capacity to increase
to 210,000 barrels per day. By the end of 2019, ethylene
plant capacity is expected to reach 380,000 barrels per day,
with three more ethylene crackers set to come online, the
EIA said, which is why the administration anticipates stark
NGPL production increases in the near term.
The shifting geography of natural gas production, how-
ever, will alter the composition of raw natural gas produced
in different regions of the United States. The East region,
which includes the Appalachian Basin and the Utica and
Marcellus shale formations, is expected to see more than
70% of NGPL production growth up to 2050. An additional
42% of NGPL production growth will likely come from the
Southwest region, which includes the Permian Basin, ac-
cording to the EIA. Production declines are anticipated in
the West Coast and midcontinent regions.
The projected growth of NGPL production also varies
when considering products extracted at gas processing
plants. Nationally, the EIA projects ethane will contribute
56% of the 1.84 million barrels per day in total NGPL pro-
duction growth up to 2050, with propane production grow-
ing by 25%, normal and isobutane production growing 6%
each, and natural gasoline production growing by 7%. CT2
APRIL 2018 51
2016 EDITION XX WWW.CTSSNET.NET CTSS
 Marketplace

Custom
Engineering Service Austart Turbine Air Starters
Vibration Analyses of Drive Systems ATEX Certified Class I, Div 2

Reprints
• Torsional Vibration Analysis Air/Gas Usage - Worldwide Availability
• Rotordynamics & Bearing Analysis Universal Starter Inc.
• Complete Driveline Analysis (motors, (713) 957-9515 x 801
engines, compressors, gears, couplings) From
Sales@UniversalStarter.com
• Steady-State & Time-Transient Simulation COMPRESSORtech2
• Support of ARMD Software
Specialists In Low Horsepower
• 35 Years Experiences
U.S. EnergyLaschet
Corp Consulting
1k x 1" GmbH,
3/11/03
Perfect Page
11:06 AM
For 1 Brochures, Compressor 1& Blower Packages
Universal Starter_Classified.indd
• Fuel Gas Boosters
2/22/18 3:13 PM

Germany Web Attachments • Vapor Recovery Units

www.laschet.com • Specialty Gas Compressors

& Bragging Rights • Biogas And Syngas Compressors

• Instrument Air Compressors
EXPLOSION PROOF (just in case they missed it)
• Air Start Compressors
AC&DC ENGINE STARTING SYSTEMS
Laschet Consulting_Classified.indd 1 1/25/18 9:34 AM Applied
• STARTER MOTORS • ALTERNATORS
• SWITCHES • CLASS I, DIV. 1&2, GROUP D
Contact Mary Graesing Compression
UNITED STATES ENERGY CORPORATION for pricing and details Systems
1600 MISSILE WAY, ANAHEIM, CA 92801 Phone: 262-754-4147 Ph: (855) 417-2396
(714) 871-8185 • (714) 871-9229 FAX
WWW.USENERGYCORPORATION.COM E-mail: mgraesing@dieselpub.com www.appliedcompression.com

CT_ReprintAd_BW_three inches.indd 1 Applied

3/13/18 Compression_Classifed_1KX2.indd
10:28 AM 1 12/12/17 3:37 PM

Advertisers’ Index
*Further information on this company’s products can be found in the 2017 Edition of the Diesel & Gas Turbine Sourcing Guide
(at www.Dieselandgasturbineguide.net) and/or 2018 Compression Technology Sourcing Supplement (at www.CTSSnet.net).

ACI Services Inc. ......................................................... 15 Global Compressor Parts/Potemkin .......................... 23

Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers ...................................... 42
Applied Compression Systems Ltd. .......................... 53
*ARIEL Corporation ........................................................ 1
Austart Turbine Air Starters ....................................... 53
BHGE Reciprocating Compression ........................... 41
*Borsig ZM Compression GmbH ................................. 31
*Burckhardt Compression AG
........................ Compressor Specs-At-A-Glance Insert
CECO - Compressor Engineering Corp. ................... 11
Centa Corporation ....................................................... 38
Compressor Products International .......................... 39
*Cook Compression ..................................................... 33
E Instruments International ........................................ 34
Eastern Gas Compression
Roundtable (EGCR) .................................................... 10
*Elliott Group ............................................Second Cover
Exline Inc. ..................................................................... 45
FW Murphy Production Controls ............................... 47
*GEA .............................................................................. 27
Gorman Rupp Pumps ................................................. 35
KB Delta Compressor Valve Parts, Mfg. ..............28-29
Kiene Diesel Accessories ........................................... 49
Laschet Consulting ..................................................... 53
*Man Diesel & Turbo .................................. Fourth Cover
Modulift ........................................................................ 18
MOTORTECH GmbH ................................................... 21
*Neuman & Esser Group .........................................12-13
PC3 Technologies LLC ................................................. 3
Philadelphia Gear ........................................Third Cover
PROGNOST Systems GmbH ........................................ 9
Safety Seal Piston Rings Co. /
Wesco Valve & Mfg. ................................................. 40
STASSKOL GmbH ......................................................... 5
Summit Brand - Klüber Lubrication NA LP ............... 19
Turbomachinery/Pump Symposia ............................. 43
Testo Inc. ...................................................................... 25
Ultimate Chemicals LLC ............................................. 49
United States Energy Corporation ............................. 53
*Waukesha Bearings ...................................................... 7
Zahroof Valves Inc. ..................................................... 17

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 53

 Marketplace
U.S. Energy Corp 1k x 1" 3/11/03 11:06

Custom
Engineering Service EXPLOSION PROOF
Vibration Analyses of Drive Systems AC&DC ENGINE STARTING SYSTEMS

Reprints
• STARTER MOTORS • ALTERNATORS
• Torsional Vibration Analysis • SWITCHES • CLASS I, DIV. 1&2, GROUP D
• Rotordynamics & Bearing Analysis UNITED STATES ENERGY CORPORATION
• Complete Driveline Analysis (motors, 1600 MISSILE WAY, ANAHEIM, CA 92801
engines, compressors, gears, couplings) From (714) 871-8185 • (714) 871-9229 FAX

COMPRESSORtech2
WWW.USENERGYCORPORATION.COM
• Steady-State & Time-Transient Simulation
• Support of ARMD Software
Specialists In Low Horsepower
• 35 Years Experiences
Laschet Consulting GmbH, Perfect For Brochures, Compressor & Blower Packages
• Fuel Gas Boosters
Germany Web Attachments • Vapor Recovery Units
www.laschet.com • Specialty Gas Compressors

& Bragging Rights

Austart Turbine Air Starters
ATEX Certified1
Class I, Div 2
Laschet Consulting_Classified.indd
Air/Gas Usage - Worldwide Availability
Universal Starter Inc.
(713) 957-9515 x 801
Sales@UniversalStarter.com
(just in case they missed it)
• Biogas And Syngas Compressors
• Instrument Air Compressors
• Air Start Compressors
1/25/18 9:34 AM Applied
Contact May Hyde Compression
for pricing and details Systems
Phone: 262-754-4100 Ph: (855) 417-2396
E-mail: mhyde@dieselpub.com www.appliedcompression.com

Universal Starter_Classified.indd 1
For The Latest News Go To:
2/22/18 3:13 PM
CT_ReprintAd_BW_three inches.indd 1 Applied2:05
3/15/18 Compression_Classifed_1KX2.indd
PM 1 12/12/17 3:37 PM

www.compressortech2.com

Advertisers’ Index
*Further information on this company’s products can be found in the 2017 Edition of the Diesel & Gas Turbine Sourcing Guide
(at www.Dieselandgasturbineguide.net) and/or 2018 Compression Technology Sourcing Supplement (at www.CTSSnet.net).

ACI Services Inc. ......................................................... 15 Global Compressor Parts/Potemkin .......................... 23

Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers ...................................... 42
Applied Compression Systems Ltd. .......................... 53
*ARIEL Corporation ........................................................ 1
Austart Turbine Air Starters ....................................... 53
BHGE Reciprocating Compression ........................... 41
*Borsig ZM Compression GmbH ................................. 31
*Burckhardt Compression AG
........................ Compressor Specs-At-A-Glance Insert
CECO - Compressor Engineering Corp. ................... 11
Centa Corporation ....................................................... 38
Compressor Products International .......................... 39
*Cook Compression ..................................................... 33
E Instruments International ........................................ 34
Eastern Gas Compression
Roundtable (EGCR) .................................................. 10
*Elliott Group ............................................Second Cover
Exline Inc. ..................................................................... 45
FW Murphy Production Controls ............................... 47
*GEA .............................................................................. 27
Gorman Rupp Pumps ................................................. 35
KB Delta Compressor Valve Parts, Mfg. ..............28-29
Kiene Diesel Accessories ........................................... 49
Laschet Consulting ..................................................... 53
*Man Diesel & Turbo .................................. Fourth Cover
Modulift ........................................................................ 18
MOTORTECH GmbH ................................................... 21
*Neuman & Esser Group .........................................12-13
PC3 Technologies LLC ................................................. 3
Philadelphia Gear ........................................Third Cover
PROGNOST Systems GmbH ........................................ 9
Safety Seal Piston Rings Co. /
Wesco Valve & Mfg. ................................................. 40
STASSKOL GmbH ......................................................... 5
Summit Brand - Klüber Lubrication NA LP ............... 19
Turbomachinery/Pump Symposia ............................. 43
Testo Inc. ...................................................................... 25
Ultimate Chemicals LLC ............................................. 49
United States Energy Corporation ............................. 53
*Waukesha Bearings ...................................................... 7
Zahroof Valves Inc. ..................................................... 17

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 53

Advertisers’ Index
*Further information on this company’s products can be found in the 2017 Edition of the Diesel & Gas Turbine Sourcing Guide
(at www.Dieselandgasturbineguide.net) and/or 2018 Compression Technology Sourcing Supplement (at www.CTSSnet.net).
ACI Services Inc. ......................................................... 22
Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers ..................................... 33
Airtec Filtration Ltd. .................................................... 34
Altronic LLC ...........................................................10-11
Angi Energy Systems LLC ......................................... 53
Applied Compression Systems Ltd. ......................... 53
* ARIEL Corporation ........................................................ 1
The BG Service Co. Inc. ............................................. 15
BHGE Reciprocating Compression ........................... 46
Compression Elements LLC ........................................ 3
Compressor Products International .......................... 47
* Cook Compression ....................................................... 7
* Cozzani, Dott.Ing. Mario Cozzani S.r.l. ...................... 41
E Instruments International ....................................... 44
* Elliott Group ............................................Second Cover
Exline Inc. .................................................................... 18
* FLSmidth Inc. Pneumatic Transport ......................... 27
FW Murphy Production Controls ............ Fourth Cover
Global Compressor Parts/Potemkin ......................... 39
Gulf South Rotating Machinery Symposium ............ 56
HOTSTART .................................................................. 51
* Howden ........................................................................ 21
KB Delta Compressor Valve Parts, Mfg. ..............28-29
Laschet Consulting ..................................................... 53
Modulift ........................................................................ 23
MOTORTECH GmbH ................................................... 45
* Neuman & Esser Group .............................................. 31
New Way Air Bearings ................................................ 42
PC3 Technologies LLC ...............................Third Cover
PROGNOST Systems GmbH ...................................... 17
Reynolds French ......................................................... 14
Sloan Lubrication Systems ........................................ 43
Safety Seal Piston Rings Co. /
Wesco Valve & Mfg. ................................................. 32
SOGAT 2018 ................................................................ 54
* Solar Turbines Incorporated ........................................ 9
STASSKOL GmbH ......................................................... 5
Summit Brand - Klüber Lubrication NA LP .............. 19
Testo Inc. ..................................................................... 25
Ultimate Chemicals LLC ............................................. 44
United States Energy Corporation ............................ 53
World Gas Conference 2018 ...................................... 49
Zahroof Valves Inc. ..................................................... 48
 2
3 Scheduled Downtime DJ SLATER, PUZZLEMASTER

4 Visit www.compressortech2.com/scheduled-downtime/ for answers

7 5 Miss Me?
6
Miss Me? Abandoned Lonely
Absent Longing
Abandoned Left
G J P E R I S H Q Q U O A E N AW A Y R Aching Lonely
Absent Lost
X E A F G Q EW Z U D T Q F V A V C S A Astray Longing
Aching Loved
O O S P F K D G O E L N I T C O A E V E Avoid
Astray Lost Misplaced
A M S B N J B O N T G X I V I S MW I U Away
Avoid LovedMissing
B A I I D F H N R A A R T D T U L E F T AwayChange MisplacedNeglect
Crave
Change Obsessed
Missing
S N O S A M U E D T H B E R V Y T B R D
Decision Neglect
Crave Omission
E M N B S H F P I R J C A V N A H Q R G Decision
Departed Obsessed
Overlooked
N O I S S I M O S N A Y G N I G N O L T Departed
Desire Omission
Passion
T C E L G E N U A L F G N V D D V I O R Desire Overlooked
Deviate Perish
Deviate Passion
A Q X P F L S G P W U A E E L O E O S U Disappear Pining
Disappear Perish
K L Z T E K F S P K E D T R V C N V T H Disregard
Disregard
Recede
Pining
A L N O I S I C E D V R T U S A K E O W Diverge Recede
Diverge Rejected
C A A P W M C H A D A G O Q A I E R D L EschewedRejected
Eschewed Remove
FadeFade Shunned
Remove
W V P I F A T H R P R E G H G T D L Q I
Fixation Shunned
Fixation Skipped
A E G N I N R A E Y C F R N U Z I O D A ForgottenSkipped
Forgotten Vanish
D S J I T O C D L W QW O I H N E O V L GoneGone Wane
Vanish
C Q E N W H E E H N E R F L S B G K N W Hunger
Hunger Wane Want
E R J G I C N E E T E D E T C E J E R F HurtHurt WantWish
Ignore
Ignore WishWithdraw
C Q I N E O D X H S I W A K P E D D R R
Infatuation
P H G R L X N H G K MW I F T M Q Y S R InfatuationWithdraw
Yearning
Leave Yearning
Leave
Left
Cornerstones Of Compression story continued from page 56

Model Frame Drive Stroke Rated Speed Maximum Rod Year

Throws
Number Type Type in. (mm) rpm Load lb. (kg) Introduced
ES Horizontal Belt 1 7 (178) 450 Not Available 1933
Straight-line 9 (229) 360
11 (279) 327
13 (330) 300
ESH Horizontal Belt 1 5 (127) 675 Not Available 1956
Straight-line 7 (178) 514
Belt-driven 9 (229) 450
11 (279) 400
5HHE Balanced Direct 2, 4, 6 5 (127) 1000 13,000 (5896) 1958
Oposed Connected
5RDH Balanced Direct 2, 4, 6 5 (127) 1000 27,500 (12,472) 1962
Opposed Connected
5RDL Balanced Direct 2 5 (127) 1000 11,000 (4989) 1963
Opposed Connected
5.5RDS Balanced Direct 2, 4, 6 5.5 (140) 1000 38,500 (17,460) 1969
Opposed Connected
6HOS Balanced Direct 2, 4,6 6.0 1000 60,000 (27,211) 1981
Opposed Connected

n Ingersoll Rand models as of 1986, just prior to the merger that formed Dresser-Rand.
this day. IR also developed larger and more compact direct-
connected, high-speed separable gasfield compressors. In
1962 it introduced the 5 in. (127 mm) stroke model 5RDH,
which was produced with two, four and six throws rated at
27,500 lb. (12,472 kg) rod load. In 1963, it introduced the
model 5RDL, a lighter, lower-priced unit with 11,000 lb.
(4989 kg) rod load. It was only built as a two-throw unit, and
few were sold.
In 1969, the 5.5 in. (140 mm) stroke 5.5RDS was de-
veloped, and it gradually replaced the 5RDH in the 1970s.
Built in two-, four- and six-throw configurations, the 5.5RDS
initially had a 35,000 lb. (15,873 kg) rod load rating, later
being uprated to 38,500 lb. (17,460 kg).
Southwest Industries, Inc. of Houston, Texas, had become
a packager of IR integral and separable gas compressors
in 1962. In 1964, IR purchased Southwest Industries and
became a direct packager of IR integral and separable com-
pressors, although Beaird and Wilson continued to package
IR compressors as well.
In 1969, IR Drilling Services was renamed IR
Compression Services, entering the gas compressor
rental business in addition to air compressor rentals. In
1972, it entered the contract compression business, provid-
ing rental operation and maintenance of the compression
equipment for a monthly fee. These mobile compressors
became known as the Big Red Fleet.
In 1980, IR purchased Knight Industries Inc., including
Knight’s Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, packaging facility, its
K-Line compressors, and its rental fleet. In 1983, IR phased
out the Southwest Industries facility in Houston and com-
bined packaging and rental operations into a single entity
using the Broken Arrow facility for its headquarters and for
packaging.
In 1981, the model 6HOS (heavy oilfield service) com-
pressor was introduced, expanding its direct-connected gas
field compressor lineup to 6000 hp (4474 kW) and 60,000 lb.
(27,211 kg) rod load. This model, built in two-, four- and
six-throws had the highest rod load rating available in the
industry at the time.
In 1987, the compressor businesses of IR and Dresser
Industries were combined to form Dresser-Rand (D-R),
which operates today as a Siemens business unit. CT2

n This c.1960 Wilson Supply Co. gas plant package in-

cluded a four-throw, three-stage IR 5HHE reciprocat-
ing compressor driven by a 300 hp (224 kW), 900
rpm, Superior 6G510 gas engine.

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2018 55

 Cornerstones Of Compression
Ingersoll Rand Field Gas Compressors
Company among the first to supply skidded,
packaged compressors for upstream applications
BY NORM SHADE
B
y the time of World War II, Ingersoll Rand (IR) was
the acknowledged world leader in the production of
reciprocating air compressors of all types, and also
among the leaders in the production of integral reciprocat-
ing natural gas engine-compressors.
Well before the war, IR’s Class ER, introduced in 1915, and
Class ES, introduced in 1933, found their way into field gas
compression applications. These straight-line, heavy-duty
compressors, covering a range from 15 to 125 hp (11 to
93 kW), were belt-driven by various gasoline, oil or diesel, and
natural gas engines. ES models were built with strokes of 7,
9, 11 and 13 in. (178, 299, 279 and 330 mm).
However, most of the natural gas compressors up to
that time were horizontal, right-angle or vee-type integral
engine-compressors. After the war, the need arose for
portable compressor units that could be quickly installed
at producing fields in remote locations. Manufacturers re-
sponded with the development of smaller, higher-speed
versions of their reliable integral engine compressors. IR
introduced its model JVG (“junior vee gas”) in 1947, follow-
ing Clark Brothers’ MA in 1945 and Cooper-Bessemer’s
GMX in 1946. These “smaller” units were packaged on a
steel skid with a cooler, auxiliary equipment and intercon-
necting piping and wiring.
Also c.1947, Wilson Supply Co. of Houston, Texas, and
J.B. Beaird Co. of Shreveport, Louisiana began packaging
skidded ES and JVG frames. Wilson had been purchasing
and block-mounting ES compressors as early as the 1930s.
In 1956, IR introduced the ESH horizontal, straight-line
compressor. It had forced lubrication and was built with
56 APRIL 2018
n This c.1957 Wilson Supply Company
sales-gas compressor package included
a 9 in. (229 mm) stroke, single-stage IR
ESH-1, straight-line, reciprocating com-
pressor, belt-driven by a 100 hp (75 kW)
Waukesha 145GZBU gas engine.
strokes of 5, 7, 9 or 11 in. (127, 178, 229 or 279 mm), cor-
responding to speeds of 675, 514, 450 and 400 rpm. The
ESH is still in production for process applications.
Over time, Wilson Supply packaged over 650 units of
various ES and ESH sizes and models with Waukesha,
Superior, Caterpillar and Roiline gas engines and other
drivers. At the height of ESH production, various sizes of
frames and cylinders were stocked in IR’s Painted Post,
New York, factory and at other IR and packager locations
for field gas compression applications.
In the 1950s and 1960s, most of the gas engines op-
erated at 1000 rpm, and the industry began a dramatic
change in 1957 when Dresser Clark introduced the first
direct-connected, separable gas compressor that matched
1000 rpm (high-speed) engines. IR introduced a smaller
5 in. (127 mm) stroke, 13,000 lb. rod load (5896 kg) model
5HHE, which could be direct-driven by 1000 rpm gas en-
gines. The first 5HHE packaged unit was delivered in 1959.
This series was produced with two, four and six throws.
The direct-driven, high-speed compressor concept made
gas compressor packages more compact, portable and
economic. It quickly gained acceptance in the natural gas
industry as well as in the air compression industry, which
had long been IR’s primary market. In 1961, Ingersoll Rand
Drilling Services was formed. Known as the Little Red Fleet,
it rented trailer-mounted 5HHE compressors with operations
and maintenance for air drilling and process air applications.
In the early 1960s, a number of companies followed
Dresser Clark and IR with development of ever-larger high-
speed separable compressors, a trend that continues to
continued on page 55
COMPRESSORtech2
 YOU WOULDN’T
SETTLE FOR
PART OF A
HOTEL ROOM.

A hotel with no beds isn’t worth your time. Neither is a service

provider with only partial drivetrain coverage.

Get the complete solution with Philadelphia Gear. As part of

Timken Power Systems, we provide inspections, upgrades, and
repairs to every component of your drivetrain.

And with 24/7 on-site assistance from a proven network of ISO

9001-certified service centers, our solution means you’ll never lose
sleep over partial drivetrain coverage again.

ELECTRIC MOTORS n GENERATORS n CONTROLS n SWITCHGEAR n BEARINGS n COUPLINGS n GEAR DRIVES

SEE THE FULL SOLUTION AT TIMKENPOWERSYSTEMS.COM/COMPLETE

Service with passion.
Driving your performance

Marine Engines & Systems Power Plants Turbomachinery After Sales

As your worldwide service solution provider, we are able to drive your success through proactive,
personal customer service and expertise, in a solution-oriented approach prioritizing ongoing innovation
in first-rate technical support for your business. Harnessing the benefits of new technologies with an
eye to the continuous optimization of the performance levels of your equipment, our digitalization solutions
help address and resolve the issues you face in daily operations, keeping you one step ahead of the
game. Find out more at: primeserv.man.eu