AMB Controller Upgrade Optimizes Turboexpander Performance In NGL Recovery
LA Turbine, a Chart industries company, and Waukesha Bearings worked together to upgrade a turboexpander's outdated analog AMB controller for an NGL processing company.
Case Studies
ISFD Technology Eliminates Subsynchronous Vibrations
For a power generation customer in Scandinavia, Doosan Škoda Power engineered a 46 MW steam turbine as part of a combined cycle system. When high subsynchronous vibrations forced a trip in turbine operation at just 27 MW versus the rated 46 MW, the ISFD® design provided rotordynamic stability needed to achieve full power output.
Maxalign Bearings Reduce Spiral Vibration on Turbo-generators
When Alstom Power identified a phenomenon of spiral vibration close to the trip level on a 450 MVa hydrogen-cooled generator, our proprietary predictive tools and extensive industry experience on equipment of this size made Waukesha Bearings the clear choice to design and manufacture a drop-in bearing replacement.
Groningen – 17 Years and 20 Installations Later
Waukesha Magnetic Bearings has played a critical role in extending the life of Groningen, Europe’s largest natural gas field. Our active magnetic bearing (AMB) system, built into the compressors and the motors, has provided over 99.9% availability and has reduced energy costs.
Canned Magnetic Bearings Achieve 99.9% Availability & Zero Emissions
In 2002, a leading oil & gas customer approached Waukesha with the challenge of developing a bearing for a hermetically sealed integral motor compressor. Availability and reliability were the customer’s primary objectives. The end user could achieve a significant cap-ex savings in the installation if the motor compressor could be located outdoors, with no building or enclosure required.
Improved Reliability and Lower Total Cost of Ownership with Magnetic Bearings
At a compression station in West Siberia, a refrigeration process applied to the gas at the plant outlet created a requirement for a highly efficient compressor. That efficiency was achieved with a compressor rotor shaft with a high slenderness ratio, resulting in a very flexible shaft. The industry-leading processing power and advanced control algorithms of Waukesha magnetic bearing controllers were required for the successful operation of these machines.
Magnetic Bearings Exceed 95% Availability in Pipeline
After bitter experience with other compressor stations in frigid locations, Gazprom sought ways to improve compressor operations. Our robust AMB systems were able to increase reliability and availability, as well as improve integration with the compressor station.
Optimized Bearings and Dampers Provide Long-term Solution to Vibrations
Over a 13-year span, a major South American oil company’s maintenance department fought recurring high vibrations in three gas reinjection compressor trains. A thorough analysis of the compressors and an inspection of damaged components pointed to a two-part solution: Flexure Pivot® tilt pad journal bearings and ISFD® technology, an integral squeeze film damper.
