Tech Support @ Rotation Solutions

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    Hi gents!

    A common issue across the board. Operators have so much they need to know, the process often takes priority (as it should), though machinery faults cause the biggest headaches, especially if export or delivery machines!

    Control systems are complex, difficult to teach and are a world of hurt for the inexperienced technician. Not knowing how to read code, logic or understand the control / systems drawings causes more issues for Operators. We have dealt with the same issues at Rotation Solutions, and see systems and processes as the best method for training and competency.

    To give you an example, we had our experienced control engineers interrogate machine logic, note down the faults, what exactly all the causes could be, steps to take to rectify and then built an in-house software specific to the alarms and shutdowns the turbo machinery we support often generate. We have removed the need to know complex logic equations, read code or interpret ladder, and provided a simple structure and text that any of our technicians can read and interpret, allowing them to efficiently and consistently find the root cause and return the machine to operating condition with least possible downtime.

    This software is available on all our field tablets for all our technicians. We also provide this service to the customers we support, tailored specific to their machines so their operators in the control room can look up the alarm or shutdown in the app, and know exactly what to do!

    Send us an email and we can discuss further. It’s technology we want to share with the world!

      Steve Rotating Equipment Engineer - Rotation Solutions Pty. Ltd. E: Support@rotationsolutions.com.au

    Hi there,

    Good question! A topic that most operators would not have to deal with over time.
    Firstly, a few key pieces of information are needed. I’ll do my best to outline below:
    – Machine type / OEM
    – Current oil viscosity/grade (mineral / synthetic)
    – Bearing types
    – Environmental conditions (temp, humidity)
    – Expected duration of preservation
    – Any other preservation activities planned

    This will give a good base of information to assess best fluid type/spec.
    Thanks.

      Steve Rotating Equipment Engineer - Rotation Solutions Pty. Ltd. E: Support@rotationsolutions.com.au

    Hi there,

    Never good to find liquid in a dry gas seal, but something we have definitely seen before!
    Few immediate causes of liquids in dry gas seals can be:
    – Seal Gas is flowing with free liquids,
    – Seal Gas is insufficiently filtered,
    – Seal Gas is insufficient temperature to remain above dew point from pressure drop over seal faces,
    – Reverse flow from compressor case across labyrinth seals.

    If you can check the above and feedback some data then that would be great! Data/trends on temperatures of seal gas, gas analysis for dew-point and compressor pressures / setup are a good start. Also a seal gas schematic for review.

    Interesting topic we can definitely assist with!

      Steve Rotating Equipment Engineer - Rotation Solutions Pty. Ltd. E: Support@rotationsolutions.com.au

    Hi there,

    Interesting question that will divide a lot of technicians, engineers and operators!
    The manual bridging of a switch has some key risks associated that when ineffectively controlled, put the machine and personnel at risk. A few questions to ask yourself before proceeding, which I’ve summarised below.
    1) Does this comply with my company inhibits / overrides policy?
    2) What does the switch monitor / system installed on?
    3) Why is there switch present – what is it protecting the machine from?
    4) If I installed the manual bridge, what would be the result if:
    – The switch was activated during start-up?
    – The bridge was left in and forgetting and the switch was activated during normal operation?
    – The switch was removed completely?
    5) Is there risk to personnel if the bridge is installed and machine is operated?
    6) What is the duration of the bridge?
    7) Is there a defined policy to ensure the bridge does not remain installed (if just for a start permissive) or until such a time that the issue is further explored, i.e. Procedure or Implemented WO to remove?

    Number of item to consider here that are not always easy to answer. Just for my opinion, we tell our technicians that the switch has been installed for a specific reason, whether to protect the machine from adverse conditions during start-up, operation or periods of instability. The most effective override is a software override, complying with relevant company policies to ensure it is removed. Too many times have overrides been left in place (physical) damaging the machine or impacting personnel. If the switch is causing constant repetitive issues, it is best to explore the underlying root cause (e.g. incorrect switch, other system factor). Production is important, but the health of the machine and safety of your people is paramount – just something to consider. We are here to help! Send us an email of the issue switch in question with some drawings and our Engineering team can advise checks / recommendations.

    Hope this helped!

      Steve Rotating Equipment Engineer - Rotation Solutions Pty. Ltd. E: Support@rotationsolutions.com.au

    Hi Brendan,

    Firstly, let’s start with your compressor OEM, model and design specs?
    Some key data here to assess accurately would be to review the compressor curve, understand your process conditions (suction/discharge pressures and flows) and confirm how long the compressor has been in service?

    Have you had any issues similar in the past? When was the last time the compressor was borescoped / stripped/overhauled?

    Thanks!

      Steve Rotating Equipment Engineer - Rotation Solutions Pty. Ltd. E: Support@rotationsolutions.com.au

    Hi there.
    Interested to know how you have come to the conclusion it is not reverse pressure causing premature failure of your API 682 Plan 53B seal system? I’m assuming you are monitoring the pump pressure / chamber pressure and have sufficient margin in the Plan 53B seal system to account for varying load scenarios?

    Can you provide some more details on the pump design, seal system and operating conditions, such as mech seal type (dual, face materials, barrier fluid used, etc.), suction/discharge pressures, pump type, stages, balance arrangement and data to prove it is not reverse pressure?

    Thanks!

      Steve Rotating Equipment Engineer - Rotation Solutions Pty. Ltd. E: Support@rotationsolutions.com.au
Viewing 6 replies - 1 through 6 (of 6 total)