CST06 - Influence of Bearing Selection on MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of a Screw Expander in Geothermal Power Generation Service
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Date
[2019]
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Turbomachinery Laboratory
Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Abstract
A geothermal power producer located in New Mexico, USA operates four screw expanders, each rated nominally at 1,000 kW. Chronic, extremely short expander life manifested through catastrophic bearing failure has significantly affected commercial operations. None of the expanders provided more than 4,000 total operating hours before failure. The case study describes a major cause of the repeated bearing failures, the steps taken to identify the cause, and actions taken to improve reliability.
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Case Study