An Independent Refiner's Approach - Practical Solutions To Complex Gear Problems.

Abstract

Numerous failures and near failures spanning the last quarter century have occurred on a 4000 hp, single induction, double helical speed increaser in hydrogen recycle service. A persistent and unexplainable wear pattern, repeating itself consistently on the periphery of this hunting-tooth gear, eluded interpretation and correction until a program of advanced analysis techniques was applied. M odal and impact testing, lateral and torsional critical speed evaluation, as well as component redesign were utilized to mitigate the harmful affects of the complex interactions of the gear elements. The methods used to detect these interactions, and how this information was used to design a new gear will be discussed.