10/03/2008

In close cooperation with the operator, the Ruhr Oel GmbH in Gelsenkirchen, and after a preparation of 12 months, Aerzener Maschinenfabrik carried out a revision on a three-stage process gas unit within a shutdown of the refinery which is effected at regular intervals.

The compressors are used for conveying and pressure increase of a refinery gas. The unit, made in the year 1982, consists of a low pressure-, a medium pressure-, and a high pressure stage as well as a turbo gearbox and a double turbo gearbox. The three compressor stages are driven by an electric motor in special design, a rating of 3.200 kW and two shaft ends.

Prevent mostly expensive standstill periods

In a cycle of six years the compressors are subject to a preventive maintenance. This includes the exchange of the wear parts, such as bearings and seal as well as an inspection of the unit. Furthermore the inspection serves for early recognition of damages, in order to prevent later, possible mostly expensive standstill periods.

The compressor stages were removed from the plant and disassembled completely. Afterwards the findings were taken down including materials testing of the highly loaded components. Using new OEM-spare parts the compressor stages were completed again and reinstalled into the unit.

The following commissioning of the compressor unit as well as its integration into the complex overall process of the refinery could be carried out without any problems.

Considerable commitment

The very tight revision period of three weeks could only be observed thanks to the considerable commitment of the Aerzen service technicians and it could only be carried out thanks to the very good cooperation with the operators of the refinery.

com•press 2/2008