Transferring Custody Of In-Service Turbomachinery - What Sellers And Buyers Should Consider.

Abstract

Purchasing used machinery and custody transfer of in-service turbomachinery opened new vistas in the realm of process and utility industries. Turbomachinery engineers have to gear up to handle the challenges posed in executing such projects and they ought to know a good deal about control and instrumentation systems to eliminate machinery output limitations. This paper deals with how the custodianship of three gas turbines and two air compressors that were in continuous service catering to the utility needs of an oil refinery was accomplished. Details of eliminating the output limitations posed on gas turbines are discussed. Revisiting the basics solved the air compressor capacity discrepancy and intricacy with gas turbine load ramp rate testing. The integrated approach adapted to test the capacity performance and mechanical reliability including a safeguarding system and concepts used from applicable industry standards and code with deviations taken during this project are explained. The experiences derived are combined to formulate generic checkpoints that can be used as a practical tool.