Magnetic Bearings And Dry Gas Seals - A Process Compressor Application.

Abstract

The design considerations and features along with manufacturing and operating experiences encountered on a multistage centrifugal process compressor incorporating a dry gas seal and active magnetic bearings immersed in the process fluid are discussed. Starting with clearly defined process requirements, a close user-manufacturer working relationship was essential to assure that all of the potential operating conditions associated with hydrogen recycle service were evaluated and that the machinery was designed to accommodate them. Although the risks associated with the initial application of advanced concepts to a particular process cannot be totally eliminated, they can be minimized and successfully managed. Problems which occurred at several stages of the project are discussed, along with their solutions. Operating results to date are reviewed to provide a basis for continuing improvement in future installations of advanced centrifugal compressors.