Magnetic Bearing Operating Experience.

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, magnetic bearings have been making significant changes to the rotating equipment industry. As magnetic bearing systems become more accepted and the numbers of applications increase, so do the operating experience and advancements. Revolve Technologies Inc. (Revolve), formerly the Hardware Applications Group within Nova Corporation of Alberta, has been involved in over 35 magnetic bearing applications from design and installation through operation and trouble shooting. The applications included the world's first compressor operating on magnetic bearings, along with the first power turbine and the first overhung compressor similarly equipped. The experience includes other applications of magnetic bearings including turbo expanders and pumps. Utilizing this background in the technology, three key areas of experience will be presented in order to assist future users and designers in understand the technology. The three areas are: Design and application concerns; Operating experience • Troubleshooting: Design and Applications Concerns Starting with an overview of the different types of applications, some of the unique issues encountered are elaborated on. A few case studies are presented on design and application issues in order for others to learn from these experiences and avoid duplications of potential problems. Operating Experience Reliability and availability data from many of these applications is presented in detail. The experience gained in technology implementation is discussed, along with some points to ensure field acceptance. Understanding and feeling comfortable with any new technology by all parties involved is key to its acceptance. Recommendations on how this can be achieved are presented. Troubleshooting: The different problems encountered in operation, and their resolutions, are reviewed. Many of these problems have been taken into account and eliminated in newer product designs, but as more manufacturers get into the business, these same problems should be understood so they may be avoided. Therefore, understanding these problems and their solutions is key to both the end users and the manufacturers, in order to obtain better reliabilities and for the technology to gain widespread acceptance.