Saving 50% of the purchase price of new capital equipment and having it delivered in less than half the time the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quotes is an attractive proposition. If the equipment can also be made to match existing units, and can simultaneously be customized and upgraded, this may well be the best available option. This case history describes the purchase, refurbishment process, and efficiency upgrade of an integrally geared centrifugal compressor. The lessons learned on this project were later applied with equal success to several other machinery categories. At a plant manufacturing hydrogen peroxide, process air was being supplied by two integrally ― geared centrifugal compressors operating at 7000 scfin and 90 psig. While some hydrogen peroxide manufacturers have used screw and even reciprocating machines, multistage centrifugals are considered ideal in this application. We will describe the methods and rationale behind the steps taken over a four-year period to maximize the reliability of the older machines by 1. Providing improved spares coverage 2. Purchasing a nominal non-installed spare machine (which was later upgraded) 3. Improving operating efficiencies.
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