LONGER LIFE ROTATING REVOLUTION STEADY GROWTH OUTLOOK

BEARING MATERIALS THE FUTURE OF SPIN SLOW BUT POSITIVE

APRIL 2017

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n Challenge:
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n Result:
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April 2017

COMPRESSORtech2 is the premier resource for gas compression news and information.

Featured Articles
12 Subsea Compression Technology Surfacing
16 Not-So-Mindless Drones
20 To The Bottom And Back
24 Harsco: A Company On The Move
34 Blackmer Releases NGH100 Series Horizontal Compressors
Cover Designed By 36 Slow And Fast For Oil And Gas
Alyssa Loope
38 Its All About The Layers For Siemens
COMPRESSORtech2 (ISSN 1085-2468)
Volume 22, No. 3 Published 10 issues/year
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(January-February, March, April, May, June,
July, August-September, October, November,
40a 2017 Compressor Specs-At-A-Glance
December) by Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications,
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Email: ssmith@dieselpub.com. POSTMASTER: 6 About The Business A More Positive Outlook
Send address changes to: Circulation Manager, For The Gas Compression Industry
COMPRESSORtech2, 20855 Watertown Road, Suite
220, Waukesha, WI 53186-1873 USA. 8 Monitoring Government Atlantic Bridge Project
www.compressortech2.com
Spans Boiling Political Waters
Follow @COMPRESSORtech2 on: 10 Events & Meetings
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COMPRESSOR
A Member of the Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications Group

Associate
PUBLICATION STAFF
Associate Publisher
Publisher ...................
Senior Editor
Senior
................... Mark
Mark Thayer
Editor ...................................
................................... DJ
Thayer
DJ Slater
Slater
4
Power And Exports
Senior Editor
Senior Editor .................
................. Michael
Michael J. J. Brezonick
Brezonick
Associate Editor
Associate Editor ...........................
........................... Klinton
Klinton Silvey
Silvey
Associate
Associate Editor
Editor ...............................
............................... Jack
Jack Burke
Burke
Associate
Associate Editor
Editor ............................Chad
............................Chad Elmore
Elmore
Copy
Copy Editor
Editor ...............................
............................... Jerry
Jerry Karpowicz
Karpowicz
Advertising Manager
Digital Content ..................
Manager Katie Bivens
...............Catrina Carne
Circulation Manager ...................... Sue Smith
Advertising Manager .................. Katie Bivens
Graphic Artist ...........................Brenda Burbach
Circulation Manager ...................... Sue Smith

A
Graphic
Graphic Artist
Artist .................................Carla Lemke
...........................Brenda Burbach
Graphic
nalysts at ADI Analytics North Pundits have said that President
Graphic Artist
Artist ............................... Alyssa Lemke
.................................Carla Loope
American Natural Gas & NGL Trump is likely to drop the CPP.
Graphic Artist ...............................
PUBLICATION HEADQUARTERS Alyssa Loope
20855 Watertown Road, Suite 220
Forum argued that gas-fired Already, he has proposed reducing the
PUBLICATION HEADQUARTERS
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186-1873 power generation in the U.S. could EPAs budget by 24% and staff by 20%.
20855 Watertown Road, Suite 220
Telephone: (262) 754-4100
Waukesha, WisconsinFax: (262) 754-4175
53186-1873 peak in 2017 or 2018. With the CPP in place, a number
Telephone: (262) 754-4100 Fax:
CONTRIBUTING (262) 754-4175
EDITORS U.S. power demand growth is ex- of coal power plants have closed or
Norm Shade Cambridge,
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ohio pected to be relatively flat for many been converted to natural gas, and
Mauro Belo
NormSchneider
Shade Cambridge,
Rio Grande Ohio
do Sul, Brazil years. The U.S. Energy Information more are destined to do the same. But
Mauro BeloPatrick CrowRio
Schneider Austin, Texas
Grande do Sul, Brazil Administration (EIA) projects that total if the CPP gets terminated, some of
Patrick Crow Austin, Texas
HOUSTON, USA U.S. electricity use will only rise about the coal plants scheduled for closure
Mark Thayer, Associate
HOUSTON, USA Publisher may continue to operate on coal. That
10% by 2050.
12777
Mark Jones
Thayer, Road, Suite
Associate 225
Publisher
Dont suppose that Americans ap- could keep coal relevant for longer
Houston,
12777 Jones Texas
Road, 77070
Suite 225
Houston, (281)
Telephone: Texas890-5287
77070 petites for electric-powered stuff is and gently close a door of opportunity
Telephone: (281) 890-5310 waning; demand growth is flat in part for natural gas.
GERMANY
GERMANY
Lisa Hochkofler, Advertising Manager because of the increased energy effi- But there are other opportunities
Lisa Hochkofler,
Gabriele Dinsel, Advertising Manager ciency in everything from refrigerators for natural gas. Production in the
Gabriele Dinsel, Advertising
Niemllerstr. 9 Manager to gas turbines. Were getting more Marcellus Shale will continue to grow
73760Niemllerstr. 9
Ostfildern, Germany
utility out of our resources. through 2020, analysts said, increas-
73760
Telephone: +49 Ostfildern,
711 3416 Germany
74 0 Fax: +49 711 3416 74 74
Telephone: +49 711 3416 74 0 Fax: +49 711 3416 74 74 Renewables such as hydro, wind ing by as much as 13 to 17 Bcfd (3.7
UNITED KINGDOM and solar are growing in share. The x 108 to 4.8 x 108 m3). Some 6 to 8
UNITED
Ian Cameron, KINGDOM
Regional Manager/Editor
Ian Cameron, Regional Manager/Editor EIA projects electricity from renew- Bcfd (1.7 x 108 to 2.3 x 108 m3) would
Linda Cameron, Advertising Manager
Linda Cameron, Advertising
40 Premier Avenue Manager ables to grow more than 150% by be transported south to the Gulf Coast
40 Premier
Ashbourne, Avenue
Derbyshire, 2050. Wind capacity surpassed hydro through pipelines that used to carry
Ashbourne, Derbyshire,
DE6 1LH, United Kingdom at the end of 2016, though the EIA gas the other direction.
DE6 1LH, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 20 31 79 29 79 Fax: +44 20 31 79 29 70
Telephone: +44 20 31 79 29 79 Fax: +44 20 31 79 29 70
says hydro will likely retake its top po- Much of that gas will be destined
ITALY sition among renewables in 2017 due for LNG export terminals in Texas
ITALY
Roberta Prandi, Regional Manager/Editor to the heavy rains in the West early and Louisiana. The EIA expects
Roberta Prandi, Regional Manager/Editor
Via Cerere 18
Via Cerere 18 this year. LNG exports to increase from 0.03
38062 Arco, Italy
38062 Arco, Italy
Telephone: +39 0464 014421 For a brief period one early morning Tcf (8.5 x 108 m3) in 2015 to 2.91
Telephone: +39 0464 014421
in February, wind power accounted Tcf (8.2 x 1010 m3) in 2020. Thats
SWEDEN
SWEDEN for more than 50% of the power gen- a 9600% increase in five years! By
Bo Svensson, Field Editor/Business Manager
Bo Svensson, Field Editor/Business Manager
Dunderbacksvagen 20 eration mix in the Southwest Power 2028, LNG exports are projected to
Dunderbacksvagen 20
612-46 Finspong, Sweden
612-46 Finspong, Sweden Pool electric system, the region that surpass 4 Tcf (1.1 x 1011 m3).
Telephone: +46 70 2405369 Fax: +46 122 14787
Telephone: +46 70 2405369 Fax: +46 122 14787 extends from northern Texas to North Ethane export terminals will also
JAPAN
JAPAN Dakota and Montana. open soon. There are seven ethane
Akiyoshi
Akiyoshi Ojima,
Ojima, Branch
Branch Manager
Manager Coals share of power generation crackers slated to come online in
51-16-301
51-16-301 Honmoku Sannotani,
Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku
Naka-ku has been decreasing because of 2017, and three more by 2019. Ethane
Yokohama,
Yokohama, 231-0824
231-0824 Japan
Japan
Telephone: plant closures due to cheap natu- exports are expected to increase from
Telephone: +81
+81 45
45 624
624 3502
3502 Fax:
Fax: +81
+81 45
45 624
624 3503
3503
ral gas, and in part because of the 91 Mb/d in 2016 to 735 Mb/d in 2017,
KOREA
KOREA
D. Clean Power Plan (CPP), the U.S. an increase of over 700% year over
D. S.
S. Chai,
Chai, Sales
Sales Manager
Manager
Dongmyung
Dongmyung Communications
Communications Inc.
Inc. Environmental Protection Agency year. CT2
82
82 Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro,
Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro, Jongno-gu
Jongno-gu (EPA) policy to reduce carbon pollu-
Seoul, 03011 Korea tion from power plants by 32% over Mark Thayer, associate publisher
Telephone: +82 2 391 4254 Fax: +82 2 391 4255
2005 levels by 2030. mthayer@dieselpub.com
DIESEL & GAS TURBINE PUBLICATIONS
President .................................
& CEO .................... Michael J. Osenga
Executive Vice President ....Michael J. Brezonick
 OUR ADVANCED COMPRESSOR

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About The Business
A More Positive Outlook For
The Gas Compression Industry
Slow but steady growth forecast for the next decade
BY NORM SHADE
A
fter 18 trying months, the compression industry is
definitely looking up. At the Gas Electric Partnership
Conference in February, some of the countrys
leading energy strategists and pipeline and electric power
executives discussed the oil and gas industrys outlook. No
one expected the 2013-2015 boom to return, but the general
consensus was the industry would experience slow, steady
growth for the next decade. Although oil will have faster up
(and down) demand cycles, demand for natural gas is ex-
pected to increase steadily at an annual rate of 2.5 Bcfd
(7.1 x 107 m3/d) over the next decade. That is about a 3%
annual growth rate.
Natural gas production growth will be principally in the
Marcellus and Utica Shale plays in Appalachia, along with
associated gas from Permian and Eagle Ford plays in
Texas and the SCOOP/STACK (South Central Oklahoma
Oil Province/Sooner Trend [oilfield] Anadarko [basin], most-
ly in Canadian and Kingfisher [counties]) in Oklahoma. On
the demand side, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and exports
to Mexico should grow by about the same amount as power
generation over that period. Prices should average slightly
above US$3/MMBtu for 2017, better than last year, but not
high enough to discourage demand.
The new presidential administration is working on reducing
federal regulations, especially from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). But dont count on this to be the
panacea that it first appears to be. Reducing environmental
regulations will spark a hairs on fire response from envi-
ronmental activists, resulting in protests, political pressure on
Congress and, ultimately, lawsuits against the EPA. All this
creates uncertainty, and uncertainty creates a reluctance to
invest in projects. This risk cant be discounted as we look
into 2017 and beyond.
At the time of writing this, many public gas compression
companies had not yet reported 2016 results. Several did, and
the signs were positive. Overall, 2016 full-year packaged com-
pressor sales throughout the industry were down an estimated
70% from 2015, but backlogs, and even sales were turning
Norm Shade is senior consultant and president emeritus of ACI
Services Inc. of Cambridge, Ohio. A 47-year veteran of the gas
compression industry, he has written numerous papers and is
active in the major industry associations.
6 APRIL 2017
up for most companies in the third and fourth quarters. The
industrys rental fleet horsepower utilization at year end was
also up a couple of points from early 2015 lows to about 79%.
Contract compression company USA Compression re-
ported that fourth quarter revenue was 22.5% higher than
third quarter 2016 and 9.2% over fourth quarter 2015. It
reported a year-end rental fleet size of 1,720,547 hp
(1,283,033 kW) with 87.1% utilization, but still down from
89.2% at year-end 2015. The companys February press
release commented on a solid finish to 2016 and a posi-
tive overall outlook for 2017, expecting demand and utiliza-
tion to pick up over the course of this year due to large-
horsepower, infrastructure-related applications.
Alegacy reported a full-year 2016 contraction of about
20% from 2015, but forecast a favorable 2017, with sales
increasing as much as 100%.
Archrock reported that fourth quarter 2016 was down 19.7%
from fourth quarter 2015, but only down 1.1% from third quar-
ter 2016. It reported a year-end fleet size of 3,819,000 hp
(2,847,875 kW) with 82% utilization, up from 79% utilization
in third quarter 2016, but still way down from 87% at year-end
2015. Its February press release expressed signs of a cyclical
recovery, improving industry conditions, higher customer ac-
tivity levels and increasing demand for natural gas from LNG
and pipeline exports, petrochemical feedstock and power gen-
eration that were expected to drive increased orders in 2017.
In January, after a year of working to restate its financials
after the spin-off of its domestic rental fleet, Exterran (now
Archrock) issued results for the first three quarters of 2016.
Exterran said that backlog at the end of third quarter 2016
was 62% above second quarter 2016, and expected fourth
quarter 2016 bookings to increase for the fourth consecutive
quarter since the first quarter 2016 low. It reported that its
international rental fleet was 1,192,000 hp (841,909 kW) with
79% utilization at the end of third quarter 2016. Management
said customer spending and pricing pressures in most geo-
graphic markets persisted throughout the year. Inquiries and
bookings trended higher as the year progressed, however,
and they expect to start benefitting from increased activity
levels in the U.S., as well as infrastructure build-out opportu-
nities in parts of the Middle East and Latin America.
Lets keep our fingers crossed that these trends continue
throughout 2017 and beyond. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
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Monitoring Government
Atlantic Bridge Project Spans
Boiling Political Waters
Another pipeline reversal designed to relieve the
glut of Marcellus gas
BY PATRICK CROW
S
eventeen years ago I visited a gas pipeline spread
on a sweltering July afternoon. Maritimes & Northeast
Pipeline Co. was digging a 24 in. (0.6 m) trunk line
through the muck of central Maine.
That project broke new ground literally and figuratively.
The 204 mi. (328 km) trans-Maine gas pipeline linked the
Canadian and American pipeline grids on the East Coast
for the first time. It initially moved 360 MMcfd (10.2 x106 m3/d)
from the Sable Island area offshore Nova Scotia to energy-
hungry markets in New England.
Now those Sable Island fields are in decline and the
Maritimes & Northeast likely will be reversed. Its another
example of how the flood of Marcellus gas from Appalachia
has forced reconfigurations in the northeastern U.S. pipe-
line grid. Its also an example of how governments are cop-
ing with those changes.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
recently granted Spectra Energy a certificate of public con-
venience and necessity for its US$452 million Atlantic Bridge
project. The venture would boost Spectras Algonquin pipe-
line system so that Marcellus gas could flow north through
Maritimes & Northeast into Maine and perhaps Canada.
Spectra owns 100% of the 1129 mi. (1817 km) Algonquin
system, which extends from New Jersey across New York
state into New England. The Atlantic Bridge project propos-
es 6.3 mi. (10.1 km) of new 42 in. (1 m) line in New York and
Connecticut, the expansion of three compressor stations in
those states by 31,950 hp (23.8 MW), and the construction
of a 7700 hp (5.7 MW) compressor station at Weymouth,
Mass. System capacity into New England would increase
133 MMcfd (3.7 x106 m3/d).
Maritimes & Northeast consists of 543 mi. (874 km) of
mainline across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and 346 mi.
(557 km) into Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Spectra holds 77.53% of the pipeline, Emera Inc. 12.92%
and ExxonMobil 9.55%.
Spectra plans to complete Atlantic Bridge by November
Patrick Crow is an Austin, Texas, writer and a former COMPRESSORtech2
editor. He has reported for oil and gas publications since 1967
and has written extensively about energy issues before Congress,
federal agencies and the courts.
8 APRIL 2017
although it still needs various permits, plus FERCs final
authorization to proceed.
(Unrelated to Atlantic Bridge, the U.S. Federal Trade
Commission has approved Spectras merger with Enbridge
Inc. A Canadian regulatory review was pending.)
Although FERC raised no major objections to Atlantic
Bridge, its approval barely squeaked through.
Resignations had reduced the five-commissioner FERC
to three members by the beginning of the year. Norman
Bay was chairman, having been named to that post by
former President Barack Obama over the objections of
Republicans. When President Donald Trump took office,
he demoted Bay and designated Commissioner Cheryl
LaFleur as acting chairman. The three-member commis-
sion approved Atlantic Bridge as one of its final actions be-
fore Bay resigned and FERC lost a quorum to do business.
Industry groups are concerned about FERCs viability.
Given President Trumps focus on infrastructure and do-
mestic energy resources, we urge him to nominate candi-
dates to fill the commissions three existing vacancies as
soon as possible, said Donald Santa, president and CEO
of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America.
Although Massachusetts was happy enough to get
Canadian gas when the Maritimes & Northeast pipeline was
commissioned, some local and state officials are balking at
the prospect of shipping Marcellus gas to Canada. Their
main objection revolves around the planned Weymouth
compressor station south of Boston.
Massachusetts Democratic U.S. senators, Elizabeth
Warren and Ed Markey, have joined that opposition. They have
tried to derail the Atlantic Bridge project any way possible.
Initially the senators questioned if a FERC contractor,
who had conducted an environmental review during the
permitting process, had a conflict of interest.
Then they complained that the Weymouth station could
pave the way for the exportation of natural gas out of our re-
gion as liquefied natural gas from Canadian LNG terminals.
FERC pooh-poohed that presumption, noting that local gas
distributors had contracted for the additional supplies.
Most recently, the senators urged FERC to delay the Atlantic
Bridge certificate simply because the commission no longer
has a quorum to consider challenges to its decision. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
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 Events & Meetings
Altronic_HHsprd_AS15_CT2.indd 1-2

Boldface indicates shows and conferences in which COMPRESSORtech2 is participating

APRIL Offshore Technology +27 11 883 0802

April 9-12 Conference (OTC) www.ingadaevents.co.za/current/gas-
GPA Midstream Convention Houston, Texas africa
San Antonio, Texas +1 (972) 952-9494
+1 (918) 493-3872 http://2017.otcnet.org May 30-June 1
www.gpaconvention.org Sensor+Test 2017
May 9-11 Nuremberg, Germany
April 23-26 Oil, Gas & Mines Africa Exhibition +49 5033 9639-0
GCA Expo & Conference & Conference 2017 www.sensor-test.de
Galveston, Texas Nairobi, Kenya
+968 24660124 May 31-June 3
+1 (972) 518-0019
www.ogmaexpo.com Caspian Oil & Gas
www.gascompressor.org
Baku, Azerbaijan
May 17-19 +44 207 596 5147
April 24-26
OGU 2016 www.caspianoil-gas.com
Gulf South Rotating
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Machinery Symposium JUNE
+998 71 205 1818
Baton Rouge, Louisiana www.oguzbekistan.com June 13-15
+1 (225) 578-4853 Global Petroleum Show
www.gsrms.org May 23-25 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Eastern Gas +1 (403) 209-3555
April 24-27 Compression Roundtable www.globalpetroleumshow.com
Southwest Energy Institute Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Liberal, Kansas +1 (412) 372-4301 June 20-22
+1 (620) 417-1170 www.egcr.org 9th Annual Developing Unconventional
http://swenergyinstitute.org Gas (DUG) East Conference & Exhibition
May 24-25 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
MAY Gas Africa 2017 +1 (713) 260-6492
May 1-4 Sandton Gauteng, South Africa www.dugeast.com

10 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2

The future of control is in your hands!
DE-3000/3000+ and the TE-1000 Integrated Telematics Module for Gas Compressor Package Automation
Combining Altronics vast experience in control system development
and production with Enbase Technologys advanced telematics and
software engineering has produced a breakthrough automation plat-
form that integrates local and remote engine and compressor control,
mobile field operations, and control room analytics.
Together, Altronics DE-3000/3000+ System plus the add-on/plug-in
TE-1000 Telematics Module comprise an innovative gas compres-
sor package platform that provides local, area, and
simultaneous long-distance monitoring and control
access to the skid.
The DE-3000 platform is known for its quality and
stability. The seamless integration of the TE-1000
Telematics Module extends that wireless functionality
and control to any enabled PC, tablet, or smartphone
via an on-board Wi-Fi server. A cellular or satellite modem connec-
tion offers the same access and control of the DE-3000 system from
virtually anywhere in the world. This includes full system configura-
tion, setpoint adjustment, and remote monitoring via
sophisticated telematics and predictive analytics.
The value of this new approach to gas compressor
monitoring and controlone that combines a stable
and proven local control with a robust, seamless
communication systemis limitless.
Contact your local Altronic Distributor for further
information on how the DE-TE package can deliver
a whole new level of value to you
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Find a distributor near you at www.altronic-llc.com

8/20/15 1:43 PM

For a complete listing of upcoming events, please visit our website at www.compressortech2.com/events/

June 27-29 Turbomachinery Symposium Buenos Aires, Argentina

Power-Gen Europe Houston, Texas +54 11 4514 1400
Cologne, Germany +1 (979) 845-7417 www.aogexpo.com.ar
+44 1992 656 637 http://turbolab.tamu.edu
www.powergeneurope.com
OCTOBER
Sept. 12-14
June 26-30 Wyoming Oil & Gas Fair Oct. 1-4
ASME Turbo Expo Casper, Wyoming Gas Machinery Conference
Charlotte, North Carolina +1 (307) 258-4708 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
+1 (281) 810-5457 www.wyogasfair.org +1 (972) 620-4026
www.asme.org/events/turbo-expo www.gmrc.org
Sept. 19-21
June 27-29 Power-Gen Asia
Oct. 15-18
Sensors Expo & Conference Bangkok, Thailand
2017 Gasification and Syngas
San Jose, California +44 1992 656 634
+1 (617) 219-8300 www.powergenasia.com Technologies Conference
www.sensorsexpo.com Colorado Springs, Colorado
Sept. 19-21 +1 (703) 276-0110
JULY Gas Compressor www.gasification-syngas.org/
July 17-19 Short Course Conference events/2017-conference
SGA Operating Conference Norman, Oklahoma
Atlanta, Georgia +1 (405) 325-3136
Oct. 24-26
+1 (972) 620-8505 www.ou.edu/outreach/engr/gascompres-
Black Sea Oil and Gas
www.southerngas.org sor_home.html
Sofia, Bulgaria
SEPTEMBER Sept. 25-28 +44 845 868 8234
Sept. 12-14 Argentina Oil & Gas Expo www.globuc.com/blackseaoilgas

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2017 11

Subsea Compression Technology Surfacing
Talking about the future of subsea compression

n A conceptual design of GEs subsea compression system. According to GE, this technology is more easily applied to larger gas fields,
but the potential is there for smaller fields as well, thanks to the ongoing evolution of the technology and its increasing competiveness.

Editors Note: COMPRESSORtech2 talked with
Alisdair McDonald, Subsea Power & Processing
business leader at GE Oil & Gas in Aberdeen,
Scotland. McDonald shared some insight in GEs
technology for subsea compression and the re-
lated market going forward.
BY ROBERTA PRANDI
COMPRESSORtech2: How long has GE been pursuing
subsea compression technology?
McDonald: GE began working on subsea compression
in 2005 with Norsk Hydro, and latterly with Norske Shell
AS, as the main technology provider for the Ormen Lange
Pilot. This was to be the worlds first subsea compression
system tested with a full subsea power supply, transmission
and distribution system. The compression and power system

12 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2


was successfully tested for more than 4000 hours over a
period from 2012 to 2015 in a submerged environment at
Shells Nyhamna facility in Norway. The compressor, GEs
Blue-C, was the first of its kind and was delivered to the
Pilot in 2010.
For the Ormen Lange Pilot, the Blue-C was configured
to deliver 16,762 hp (12.5 MW) of power (tested up to
119,310 hp [14.4 MW] during the Pilot operation) but other
motor sizes are available that enable the Blue-C to be con-
figured from 5000 to more than 27,000 hp (4 to 20 MW).
COMPRESSORtech2
n The Blue-C compressor by GE Oil & Gas in a section view. It
is a high-speed centrifugal compressor specifically designed with
a vertical layout for subsea operation. It utilizes active magnetic
bearings and process-gas motor cooling.
CT2: What makes the Blue-C compressor suitable for
underwater operation?
McDonald: The Blue-C is a high-speed centrifugal com-
pressor with a high power density. It is specifically designed
for subsea operation with a vertical orientation to minimize
subsea footprint and ease the draining of liquids. The com-
pressor uses a high-speed induction motor supplied by
GEs Power Conversion business, operating at more than
10,000 rpm. The motor by Power Conversion comes from
continued on page 14
APRIL 2017 13
the same motor family used in GEs topside Integrated
Compressor Line (ICLs).
The Blue-C is a truly integrated compressor and uses ac-
tive magnetic bearings to levitate the rotor to avoid friction.
Process gas is used to cool the motor and avoid the need
for external cooling loops subsea.
CT2: Did you encounter any surprises when GE was
in the testing process for Blue-C ?
McDonald: GE completed the testing of the Blue-C
compressor system at its Nyhamna facility in Norway at
the end of 2015. The original intention of the pilot was
to test with the same dry gas conditions as anticipated
in the Ormen Lange field. However, during the test pro-
gram, the compressor experienced wet gas conditions up
to 5% liquid mass fraction (LMF). These unexpected con-
ditions confirmed the inherent robustness of the Blue-Cs
design to wet gas.
Creating a compressor capable of handling wet gas has
other benefits; it removes the need for an upstream sepa-
rator or scrubber and eliminates other ancillary equipment
such as condensate pump and its adjustable speed drive.
In addition, the technology developed for wet gas adds ro-
bustness and reliability to dry gas compressors.
GE is currently completing qualification of a topside wet
gas compressor at Statoils K-Lab in Krst, Norway as
part of a joint industry program between GE, Statoil and
Chevron. The new wet gas compressor includes a novel
impeller design to tolerate wet gas conditions. The design
includes changes in geometry and material and uses coat-
ings technology from GEs Aviation business a coatings
technology normally used to protect the engine blades of
aircraft used in extremely harsh desert conditions. This
sharing of technology across different industries is a
strong example of the GE Store the global exchange
of technology and knowledge across GEs businesses that
helps drive innovation. At the end of the qualification pro-
gram, the new wet tolerant design will be available for both
topside and subsea operation.
CT2: At what point in the extraction process does
subsea compression become a good option?
McDonald: Gas reservoir pressures typically plateau
and decline over a number of years to a point where there
is insufficient pressure or flow rate to produce back to the
host. Subsea compression is typically applied just after
plateau decline. The advantage of subsea compression is
that it can be placed much closer to the wellhead, increas-
ing efficiency by reducing the impact of pipeline pressure
drop. In general, we see subsea compression being applied
mainly to larger gas fields where the economic benefits are
more easily realized. But there is potential to extend this to
smaller fields, as the technology continues to evolve and
becomes more competitive.
14 APRIL 2017
CT2: Are you seeing interest from customers? What
are their concerns?
McDonald: More recently, we have seen an increase in
activity related to several large compression opportunities
and we are actively engaged in supporting with GEs com-
pression solutions.
The most common concern voiced by operators is that the
technology has a limited track record. The Ormen Lange Pilot
was the first subsea gas compression project and now sgard
subsea compression has been installed. However, confidence
among operators is increasing based on the success of these
projects, and operators are prepared to seriously evaluate the
potential offered by subsea compression compared with con-
ventional compression from onshore or floating structures.
CT2: What are the best arguments for more subsea
compression?
McDonald: Subsea compression technology has evolved
considerably since the Ormen Lange Pilot and sgard to the
extent that system designs are now 50% smaller and lighter,
improving the economic and technical viability of many large
compression projects. GE is playing a key role in that evolution
process as both a systems integrator and as a complete sys-
tems technology provider. At GE, we have the advantage of hav-
ing almost all the key technology in-house another aspect of
the GE Store. Our scope of supply not only includes the Blue-C
compressor, but it extends to the power system, system design,
high voltage connectors, process connectors, electric actuators,
controls systems and monitoring and diagnostics. Being able to
design a system predominantly based on GE Store technology
gives us the freedom to collaborate across the businesses with-
out some of the traditional commercial or technical interface chal-
lenges that can be faced by conventional systems integrators.
CT2: What is GEs investment forecast for subsea
compression?
McDonald: GE has invested significantly in subsea com-
pression technology and system design over many years
and will continue to push the boundaries of this exciting
technology. GEs wet gas compression program with its
partners, Statoil and Chevron, is an example of how GE is
partnering with customers to develop solutions that meet
their specific needs and of the continued investment we are
making to develop systems that bring more value.
GE expects the uptake of subsea compression to in-
crease as the industry becomes more familiar with the tech-
nology, its benefits and the level of perceived risk.
What is clear is that technology and systems thinking is
driving a step change in the economics to make subsea
compression more attractive than ever. In the end, the path
taken may be similar to that experienced by subsea boost-
ing, which took several years before becoming embedded
in the operators toolbox. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
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 Not-So-Mindless Drones
Sky-Futures drones grow in popularity for inspection services
2011 Sky-Futures. Published with the permission of Sky-Futures (www.sky-futures.com).
n A drone is launched from an offshore platform. Several companies that offer the service were originally founded in the energy and oil
and gas sector.
BY IAN CAMERON
T
he use of drones to carry out critical inspection test-
ing continues to gain momentum, not least in the oil
and gas, and marine and energy sectors.
Proponents of the use of drones for inspection duties
often in highly dangerous and demanding environments
point out that the flying machines not only enhance safety
but can provide valuable cost-saving procedures.
Several companies that offer the service today were
founded in the energy and oil and gas sectors. Drones
(or unmanned aerial vehicle [UAV]) have also proved
popular in marine applications where, for example, they
can carry out inspections in cargo holds or within intricate
piping arrangements.
One company that has worked extensively in the above
sectors is Sky-Futures, which has offices in Middlesex,
England, and Houston, Texas, and whose clients, among
16 APRIL 2017
others, include energy and oil and gas companies such
Shell, Chevron, BP and Petronas.
Most recently, Sky-Futures USA Inc. was certified as what
is thought to be the worlds first approved drone specialist
for internal vessel inspections by the American Bureau of
Shipping (ABS). ABS surveyors have now certified drone
data as an additional, valuable inspection tool to make criti-
cal decisions affecting classification and statutory surveys.
Sky-Futures was awarded the External Specialist Rating
by ABS following a series of assessments, including an in-
office audit of all safety and inspection procedures and a
two-day demonstration on a bulk carrier.
The company supplies all reports through its proprietary
software called Expanse, which, according to the company,
revolutionizes the way drone-based data for industrial in-
spections is analyzed, viewed and managed.
continued on page 18
COMPRESSORtech2
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 2011 Sky-Futures. Published with the permission of Sky-Futures (www.sky-futures.com).
CONCENTRIC VALVES FOR SMALL HP
GAS LIFT AND WELLHEAD
COMPRESSION

The Expanse software has three objectives. First, it re-

duces the time inspectors spend creating content. Second,
it makes the data easily accessible. And third, it provides
users with a data repository to maximize the value of their
compounding visual image data, enabling analytics, quanti-
fication and prediction of asset integrity issues.
According to Chris Blackford, Sky-Futures co-founder and
chief operating officer, drones are safer, faster and more cost
effective than conventional inspection techniques.
(Drones) can help companies reduce their operational
expenditure by more than 30% year-on-year across all
their assets, Blackford said. Additionally, the data sets
collected by drones are repeatable, quantifiable and mea-
surable. This means the collected data can be used to do
INCREASE PERFORMANCE change detection on anomalies found and help start pre-
dicting the future size and condition of anomalies such as
EXTEND RUNTIME cracks and corrosion.
Combined, this helps companies better manage their
ON-SITE SERVICEABILITY assets and prioritize their spend on maintenance. Black-
ford said.
REDUCE MAINTENANCE COST For external inspections the company uses the Intel Fal-
con 8, which weighs no more than about 5 lb. (2.3 kg) and is
approximately 31.5 in. x 31.5 in. (80 cm x 80 cm). It is quite
small and can be hand launched and recovered from tight
spaces, and, according to Blackford, is a very reliable and
safe drone proven over the last five years in the offshore oil
and gas market. For confined space inspections, such as
in the tanks of a floating production, storage and offload-
ing unit, Sky-Futures uses the Elios Flyability drone
which is 15.75 in. (40 cm) wide and has a cage around it.
WWW.ZAHROOFVALVES.COM Both drones carry high-definition video and thermal cameras.
SALES@ZAHROOFVALVES.COM
+1 713.554.2678 COMPRESSORtech2

n The colored points on this 3-D model represent problem
areas of an anonymous platform in Expanse, Sky-Futures pro-
prietary reporting software.
HIGH PERFORMANCE IGNITION COILS
a n d s
b le fo r n on-shielded
Availa
d variation
d iere n t colors an
in
MOTORTECH Americas, LLC
Phone: 1-504-355-4212 | www.motortech.de | www.motortechamericas.com
Based on feedback from our clients, drone inspections
are about eight times faster than rope access and about
85% cheaper on a like-for-like basis, Blackford said. In ad-
dition, by using a drone to inspect a live flare, the operator
does not need to shut down the platform.
A recent case study saw a UAV team inspecting 12 off-
shore flares in six days. Normally the operator changed the
flares every four years as they couldnt inspect them when
they are working. By using the drone, Sky-Futures said
they saved the company US$6.5-7 million in inspection and
flare replacement costs, not including the millions of dollars
saved by not having to shut down the platforms.
Blackford said Sky-Futures has grown 250% since last
year in terms of drones for oil and gas inspections. This in-
cludes inspections in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Africa, Middle
East and Southeast Asia.
The drones are capable of operating in challenging weath-
er conditions where oil and gas facilities are often located.
We started our business in the North Sea, Blackford
said. If you can work in the North Sea you can work any-
where in the world in terms of weather conditions.
The drones are rated with a maximum wind limit of 29
knots, but have carried out emergency inspections in wind
up to 33 knots. Rope access typically stops around 22
knots, which gives us an additional 33% in terms of weather
window opportunities. Unlike a rope access team, a UAV
team can be in action within 20 minutes, which allows in-
spections to take place in short weather windows. CT2
All trademarks, logos and symbols are exclusive objects to the right of their owners and are used for reference purpose only.
tions,
h ield ed applica
ng coil
to re pla ce any existi
s
 To The Bottom And Back
MAN Diesel & Turbo and Aker Solutions
foster next generation of subsea compression modules
Photo credit: Aker Solutions
n Subsea is the new surface: The technology developed for underwater environments has the potential to be just as useful topside.
BY ROBERTA PRANDI
A
fter celebrating the first year of successful opera-
tion of one of the subsea compressor trains in-
stalled at the sgard gas field in the Norwegian
Sea, MAN Diesel & Turbo are concentrating on the next
steps for its subsea compression technology, satisfied that
the first compressor train in sgard has run with 100%
availability thus far.
Alexandre de Rougemont, business development man-
ager, Upstream Oil & Gas, said that the two compressor
trains installed at sgard have seen no downtime costs
related to any subsea components, and that the operator,
Statoil, is very happy with the results of the subsea module.
One of the main advantages of subsea compression op-
eration is that it is totally unmanned and remotely operated,
which makes it ideal also for upstream applications in loca-
tions where maintaining a local team of people is hard to
accomplish, said de Rougemont, who started as applica-
tion engineer at MAN Diesel & Turbo in Zurich, Switzerland,
20 APRIL 2017
and is now part of the sales department with direct respon-
sibility in upstream applications.
De Rougemont reported that MAN also received a con-
tract for the delivery of the delivery of the first high-speed,
oil-free integrated-motor (HOFIM) compressor for offshore
topside operation. The compressor will be delivered to the
Aker BP project Ivar Aasen, in Norway. A tandem HOFIM
compressor train has been installed there and is currently
under commissioning.
It sounds sort of contradictory that a topside machine
has been sold after the one for subsea application was in-
stalled and operating, de Rougemont said. One would as-
sume that the topside machine would have been the first
and subsea applications would follow. But this just shows
the great potential of this technology: it is ideal for up-
stream applications not only subsea, but also those in
unmanned top site locations.
After cooperating with Norway-based Aker Solutions in
COMPRESSORtech2

the sgard project, MAN signed a long-term alliance for
subsea module development. Both companies are working
on second-generation subsea systems.
From a compressor technology point of view, the sub-
sea trains at sgard are MAN barrel compressors, . They
utilize magnetic bearings and have special electric connec-
tors for the power supply to the motor, suitable for a water-
submerged environment. The electric supply for the sub-
sea module comes from a floating production, storage and
offloading (FPSO) unit stationed about 25 mi. (40 km) away,
which hosts the basic controls for the subsea station. The
special electrical connectors are the only main difference
to the same compressors offered for upstream topside ap-
plications, said MAN. The fact that subsea compressors are
located much closer to the wellhead results in a significant
reduction of energy consumption.
Another peculiar characteristic of these compressors
and technology ripe for future development is the
gas-filled electric motor that powers the compressor. This
machine is cooled with process gas extracted from the com-
pressor. Quite a peculiar process, considering that hydro-
carbons can be sour, and are used more or less untreated
here, except for some minor conditioning in the cooling gas
loop, de Rougemont said. This is going to be one of our
main development focuses going forward. That is, having
materials that are suitable for the operation of even more
sour and harsh gases.
According to de Rougemont, another advantage of the
subsea compression design is its compactness and modu-
lar design capability. The sgard compressor trains have a
very compact layout, considering their power output is more
than 14,751 hp (11 MW).
As for our modular capability, it is really unique in the
industry, de Rougemont said. Using the same motor, we
can adapt the compressor configuration to a specific cus-
tomers needs.
At sgard, a single HOFIM configuration is used: a mo-
COMPRESSORtech2
n One of MANs subsea compressor
trains for the sgard gas field during
tests. The three subsea compressor
trains for this project (one is being
kept as spare) have a single configu-
ration with one HOFIM compressor at
one end and an M43 electric motor.
tor plus one barrel compressor at one end. The same ma-
chine can be extended to a tandem HOFIM configuration to
achieve higher-pressure ratios (same motor with two barrel
compressors at the two ends). This is only possible with
continued on page 22
Akers Perspective
Editors Note: Norway-based Aker Solutions signed a
long-term alliance with MAN Diesel & Turbo in Octo-
ber 2015 for the future development of subsea com-
pression modules. Anders Storstenvik, senior project
manager at Aker Solutions, added some details on the
companys activity in subsea operation.
A
ker Solutions subsea modules are developed
to be lighter so they are more efficient to fab-
ricate and easier to handle. The systems are
developed to exploit more markets. One particular ap-
plication is carbon capture utilization and storage.
The main challenge is the force imposed on the mod-
ules and the equipment inside; there are high waves
and sea loads. It requires planning to put the system in
operation. When this is done there are no components
that stand out as particularly problematic.
All subsea production systems are modularized in
one way or the other, so the sgard subsea compres-
sion system builds on a long experience of subsea de-
sign. However, the compression station brought some
new module design challenges. We spent some time to
solve this together with our partners, suppliers and the
installation contractors.
Customers are open-minded and have more or less
the same question: is it reliable? Thanks to the out-
standing reliability of the sgard subsea compression
system, this a pleasant question to answer. CT2
APRIL 2017 21

Photo credit: Aker Solutions
n The installation of first two subsea compressor trains by MAN
at the sgard gas field in the Norwegian Sea needed heavy lifting
equipment mounted on a specially modified ship. The new mod-
ules MAN has developed will be half the size and weight and will
need no special installation equipment.
a horizontal machine concept, and it is a key requirement
looking at depleted gas field operations, which need higher-
pressure ratios over time.
The same modularity is also extended to MANs motor
pipeline compressor (MOPICO) using the same electric
machine. Even the combination of a MOPICO, HOFIM and
the overhung HOFIM are part of the modular system.
This is MAN technology that has been qualified for sub-
sea operation, the company said. MAN has sold these com-
pressors for over 25 years and has about 100 units in the
field that have accumulated many operating hours.
It is possible to adapt this technology to a variety of dif-
ferent applications, using one or two compressors without
further development needed. With the same products, MAN
is able to supply different industries, such as midstream,
gas storage, pipeline compression, gas transport in FPSOs
or platforms and others.
The long-term commitment between MAN and Aker Solu-
tions represents a key milestone for the future development
of subsea compression modules. De Rougemont said one of
the focuses of the alliance in further developing the technolo-
gy for subsea modules is to lower capital expenditures, which
in the present oil and gas industry environment is a priority.
In terms of technology developments, de Rougemont
said the alliance has been building on accumulated experi-
22 APRIL 2017
ence, moving forward following three major steps. The first
was to analyze what it takes to repeat the same supply
scope as in sgard, considering the lessons learned and
avoiding nonrecurrent engineering hours.
The second step, which has been completed, was to sim-
plify the whole system. That consisted in simplifying wher-
ever possible, while keeping the same core technology; in
other words, take the same compressor and put it in an
optimized system.
The end result of this process is a compression sys-
tem (already available to customers) that has the same
capacity and flexibility as the sgard one, but with half
the size and weight. The simplification made it possible
to reduce the number of submodules by combining piec-
es of equipment in the same module, which also helps
to reduce components such as connectors or valves, de
Rougemont said. This is going to make the availability of
the system even better, as we have now less equipment to
be operated and maintained.
Thanks to the reduction in weight, heavy lifts arent need-
ed to install the compression module. That means big sav-
ings in installation costs; it will be possible to install these
modules anywhere in the world, without having to use spe-
cially modified ships, as was the case in sgard.
The third and next step will be to approach the market
for wellstream compression, as this technology in such
applications allows the elimination of a scrubber, pump
and their auxiliaries. The system is made simpler, smaller,
and more efficient by exploiting the liquid capability of the
HOFIM compressors, which has been endurance tested
by MAN using a full-scale machine and injecting up to 30%
of liquid mass fraction.
In terms of customer acceptance for the new technology,
de Rougemont said talks with customers were hesitant at
the very beginning, with doubts about the actual commer-
cial feasibility of subsea modules. What customers realize,
though, is that the solution is actually more cost effective
than a topside installation, he said. Thanks to the fact
that you dont need any operators on site, there are huge
savings in operating expenditures compared to a full-sized
platform or FPSO.
Savings in capital expenditures are significant for top-
side applications as well. The compression system offers a
much smaller footprint for the same duty as a conventional
train composed of low-speed motor, compressor, gearbox,
lube-oil system, dry-gas seal system, etc.
According to de Rougemont, there is an additional poten-
tial for this technology in all big gas fields where liquefied
natural gas (LNG) plants are built, since most LNG plants are
built onshore with quite a high step out to the well. In these
cases, when the pressure of the field starts to decrease, you
can either install a compression operation onshore which ac-
tually sucks the gas out for the whole distance with a huge
investment or install a much smaller subsea compression
station which will push the gas much more efficiently and
raise the recovery rate of your field, he said. CT2
COMPRESSORtech2
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A Company On The Move
Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers advances into 65th year
n Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers new 557,000 sq.ft. (51,776 m2) facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, doubled its office space and increased
shop space by 62%. It combined all of its air-cooler manufacturing operations under one roof with optimized and efficient material flow
and processes.
BY NORM SHADE
H
arsco Industrial Air-X-Changers (HAXC) is not sit-
ting still, recently completing its new manufacturing
facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The companys roots
date to 1952, the pioneering days of the gas compression
air-cooler industry, when oil-patch engineer Murray Carr es-
tablished Carr Engineering Co.
Carrs rating process replaced the trial-and-error ap-
proach to cooler sizing and design that had been used
up to that time. His company was incorporated as Air-X-
Changers in 1954 and many more innovations followed.
In 1958, the model EH was introduced. This compact,
forced-draft, vertical-discharge air-cooler, that combined
engine and compressor cooling in a single package, has
become the most widely used cooler style in the gas com-
pression industry.
In 1961, the company pioneered the high-efficiency
WheelFin design that increased the heat transfer capability
and reduced the required heat transfer area of the finned
tubes used in air-coolers. In 1969, the patented model F
cooler was introduced, featuring multiple engine-driven
24 APRIL 2017
fans, each with its own plenum chamber, in a design that
reduced installation costs and maximized performance.
Air-X-Changers became a unit of Harsco Corp. in 1976
and continued to progress and grow over the ensuing de-
cades. The patented model FI cooler was introduced in
1982. In 1995, the company became one of the first air-
cooler manufacturers to earn ISO-9001 designation. Eight
years later, Harsco patented an ASME-certified formed
header design. Rebranded as Harsco Industrial Air-X-
Changers in 2010, the company received the A-1 Level
Manufacture License of Special Equipment required for the
shipment of its products into China, and it expanded joint
venture operations into Australia.
In 2011, a new leadership team, led by Eric Clower, vice
president and general manager, came onboard, bringing
with them experience in aerospace, marine and other in-
dustries. This new team would be responsible for the major
company wide transformation.
Over the past six years, tremendous growth has re-
sulted from capital investment in plant and leading-edge
continued on page 26
COMPRESSORtech2
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Specifications subject to change without notice. 2016 Solar Turbines Incorporated. All rights reserved.

n Harsco Industrial Air-X-Changers entered the air-cooler indus-
try in 1952 when oil-patch engineer Murray Carr shown here
with an early air-cooler established Carr Engineering Co. It
was incorporated as Air-X-Changers in 1954 and became a unit of
Harsco Corp. in 1976.
technologies that ensure the companys continued preemi-
nent position, Clower said. He said that one of the most
far-reaching developments is HAXCs implementation of Six
Sigma and Lean Manufacturing to maximize customer val-
ue. In addition to implementing a continuous improvement
program, developing a culture of safety, and rejuvenating
product research and development, the company has com-
n The layout of the new HAXC facility accommodates efficient and
continuous flow throughout. Material for cooler structures, heads
and fin tubes is material delivered and unloaded directly from
trucks in one end of the plant and flows through various flame-
cutting, machining, forming and welding processes to create fin-
ished components.
26 APRIL 2017
pleted significant expansions in product lines and facilities.
In 2014, HAXC acquired Hammco, an Owasso, Okla-
homa-based manufacturer of air-coolers used in the mid-
stream compression, natural gas processing, oil refining,
LNG and petrochemical industries. Historically, HAXC
has been the leader in air-coolers for compressor applica-
tions, Clower said. With the purchase of Hammco, we im-
mediately became a major player in the high-spec cooler
markets as well. And with our manufacturing and process
improvements, we can now build low-spec and high-spec
air-coolers side-by-side in the same facility.
In April 2014, operating in five different manufacturing fa-
cilities scattered around the Tulsa area, HAXC announced
the consolidation of operations into a single-campus,
557,300 sq.ft. (51,776 m2) facility in Tulsa. This involved
a combination of demolition and massive renovation of a
former Ford glass plant to create a new, efficient air-cooler
manufacturing facility.
In addition to doubling our office space and increasing
shop space by 62%, this move had the significant benefit
of combining all of our operations under one roof with op-
timized and efficient material flow and processes, Clower
said. By mid-2015, the company was already shipping units
from the new facility, and move-in operations were com-
pleted by the end of 2015 with the inclusion of the Hammco
operations. HAXC also collaborated with the cities of Bro-
ken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Tulsa to construct a new road to
deliver its coolers from the plant without impacting traffic.
A culture of continuous improvement is evident through-
out the business and the new facility, from the office to the
shipping department.
We are very data-driven, using metrics and charts to un-
derstand trends and to identify problems and opportunities
to improve the business, Clower said. SQDC (safety-qual-
ity-delivery-cost) boards are prominent in each department
throughout the company. He said that each department
is challenged to measure what is important, but not be a
slave to the measurement process. The leadership team
conducts regular Gemba walks through the facility, working
together with area team members to address real problems
and implement improvements.
The layout of the new facility has been well thought out.
Material for cooler structures, headers and fin tubes is deliv-
ered at one end of the plant and flows through various ma-
chining, welding and forming processes to create finished
components. Cooler structures and sections enter the final
assembly area where they are assembled and painted be-
fore shipment from the other end of the plant.
The process begins with coolers being designed with six
base 3-D CAD models using HAXCs proprietary smart
modelling system that allows entering data only one time.
This reduces the risk of mistakes and speeds the process-
ing of orders. Drawings and data can be produced within
hours for final engineering review prior to being released
for production. Thermal rating is unique to each applica-
tion. The system is flexible and adaptable to accommodate
COMPRESSORtech2

n These are some of HAXCs 12 independent finning machines
for 0.625 to 2 in. (16 to 51 mm) diameter tubes up to 100 ft.
(30.5 m) or longer.
HAXC and customer specifications for structure options
and finishes. The engineering team provides project man-
agement, design engineering, drafting and research and
development support. Its software tools include DraftSight
2011 and SolidWorks 2013 CAD modelling along with AN-
SYS CFX/NLT, SolidWorks Simulation, STAAD Pro and
HTRI Rating for thermal and structural analysis.
n HAXCs cooler structure fabrication department includes a full
sheet metal fabrication shop that includes two 20 ft. (6.1 m) CNC
bed plasma cutters and 29 GMAW pulse arc-welding stations.
Cooler headers are fabricated in a 78,000 sq.ft. (7247 m2)
code welding section of the facility with ASME-certified
welders working in individual-screened booths in a high bay
with cranes and ventilation systems. CNC and conventional
drilling machines accommodate lengths up to 20 ft. (6 m) in
length. Welding capabilities include plain carbon steel, 304
and 316 stainless, duplex, super duplex, Hastelloy, Inconel,
Monel, 1.25% chrome alloys and other materials. Multiple
single, dual and quad head sub-arc welders are used. On-
site nondestructive testing (NDT) capabilities include liquid
continued on page 28

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www.howden.com Howden Group Ltd. All rights reserved. 2017

n A 110,000 sq.ft. (10,220 m2) area of the new HAXC is dedicated to finished cooler unit assembly. It has 90 ton (82 tonne) maximum lift
capacity with 34 ft. (10.4 m) clear height that can handle widths of up to 30 ft. (9.1 m). With its new plant and efficient processes, HAXC now
builds low-spec gas engine compressor package air-coolers (left and center) and high-spec process air-coolers (right) in the same facility.
Finish painting is completed in two large downdraft paint booths.

dye penetrant, wet and dry magnetic particle, ultrasonic
and radiography (in two separate vaults).
Twelve operational finning machines, with tube length ca-
pabilities up to 64 ft. (19.5 m) specialize in tension-wound
L-footed WheelFin on 0.625 to 2 in. (16 to 51 mm) diameter
tubes. The company has several more finning machines in
storage that can be quickly deployed if capacity expansion
is needed. In-house capabilities include plain and embed-
ded fin. Extruded and welded fin designs are also avail-
able. Tube materials include carbon steel and 304 and 316
stainless steels. Semi-automated and manual tube-to-tube
sheet welding are employed in the construction of cooler
sections up to 100 ft. (30.5 m) or longer. Extensive flushing
capacity is available for turbine lube oil coolers and other
applications that require extreme cleanliness. Clower said
that the companys flushing technology and equipment
gives them the largest lube oil flushing capacity worldwide.
The cooler structure fabrication department includes a full
sheet metal fabrication shop with brake presses to 750 tons
(680 tonnes); shears with capacity for plates up to 0.625 in.
(16 mm) thick by 16 ft. (4.9 m) long; multiple iron worker
stations up to 100 tons (90.7 tonnes); a pyramid plate roll;
horizontal and vertical saws; two 20 ft. (6.1 m) CNC bed
plasma cutters; 29 GMAW pulse arc welding stations; and
two dedicated paint booths.
A 110,000 sq.ft. (10,220 m2) area is dedicated to finished
cooler unit assembly. It has a 90 ton (82 tonne) maximum
lift capacity with 34 ft. (10.4 m) clear height that can handle
widths of up to 30 ft. (9.1 m). Finish painting is completed in
two large downdraft paint booths. At the end of the assem-
bly department are six loading docks with space for indoor
trailer loading using overhead cranes.
HAXCs quality system certifications include ISO 9001
and ASME U and R. As of January, HAXC passed a mile-
stone of 99,000 ASME-certified cooler sections shipped
and will surpass 100,000 this spring. The company has
had a Chinese manufacturing license since 2009 and it
can manufacture products adherent to European Pres-

APRIL
28Bently 2017
Beqrings.indd 1 COMPRESSORtech
3/15/17 12:55 PM
2
sure Equipment Directive (PED), GOST (Russia) and
ATEX standards.
HAXC serves compression markets from gas gathering
through transmission, as well as midstream processing and
other markets including refinery, LNG, petrochemical and
power generation, said Randy Benson, vice president of
sales and marketing. The HAXC air-cooler product line is
made up of six different models. Larger units with fan sizes
of more than 72 in. (1829 mm) are HAXCs prevalent busi-
ness, but we also make a high volume of smaller coolers.
The 144 to 168 in. (3658 to 4267 mm) model EH is our
bread and butter line.
The forced-draft model EH, the most widely used type, is
a compact, unitized engine-driven cooler that combines en-
gine and compressor cooling in a single unit. It can also be
electric motor-driven. The sloped section arrangement with
vertical discharge provides greater cooling capacity within a
given footprint, which reduces packaging costs. Fan diam-
eters from 24 to 168 in. (610 to 4267 mm) typically match
cooling requirements for compressors from 100 to 2000 hp
(75 to 1491 kW).
Model Z and Hammco are bolt-together horizontal cool-
ers designed for high-power applications. Available in
single or multifan configurations to span a wide range of
power requirements, they are typically electric motor-driv-
en, but can accommodate other drives including hydraulic
BIG Problem?
ACI Has The Cylinder SOLUTION
motors and variable speed drives. Forced or induced draft
fan diameters from 48 to 204 in. (1219 to 5182 mm) cover
compression applications typically from 500 to 10,000 hp
(373 to 7457 kW). These coolers can also be built to API
661 specifications for refinery, LNG and petrochemical in-
dustry applications. The largest HAXC air-cooler shipped
in company history was a 75 ft. x 25.9 ft. x 14 ft. (22.9 m
x 7.9 m x 4.3 m) model 204-3Z for offshore natural gas
compression in 2013.
Model H is a skid-mounted, horizontal cooler used in a
variety of applications, designed for electric motor or hy-
draulic drives. Available in forced or induced draft fan diam-
eters from 24 to 144 in. (610 to 3658 mm) in single or multi-
fan configurations, this model accommodates compression
applications typically from 100 to 2000 hp (75 to 1491 kW).
They are also applied to turbine oil cooling applications.
Model F is a horizontal coil, multiple vertical fan cooler.
With its patented forced draft vertical air discharge design,
it is designed for high power, engine-driven applications.
Available in single or multifan configurations, with fan di-
ameters from 48 to 156 in. (1219 to 3962 mm), it typically
covers compression applications from 250 to 4500 hp
(186 to 3356 kW).
Model VI is a vertical discharge, induced draft cooler that
combines engine and compressor cooling in a single unit.
Adaptable for both engine-drive and electric motor drive, with
continued on page 30
ACI Will:
Meet Your Specs
Save You Money
Solve Your Problem
740-435-0240 www.ACIServicesInc.com
n A new HAXC patent-pending design, shown in the CAD representation of this model EH air-cooler, integrates the exhaust silencer/catalyst
and surge tank inside the air-cooler structure for a more compact engine-driven compressor package. A retractable work platform provides
access for inspection, emissions testing and catalyst maintenance, eliminating the need for a permanent work platform on top of the cooler.
These features reduce, and often eliminate, the need for disassembly, loose shipment and field reassembly of these components.

fan diameters from 36 to 168 in. (914 to 4267 mm), it accom-
modates compression applications from 100 to 600 hp
(75 to 447 kW).
Model VV is designed to be a cost-effective solution for
low-power gas, water and lube oil cooling. It can be either
engine- or motor-driven. With forced or induced draft fan
diameters from 18 to 60 in. (457 to 1524 mm), this horizon-
tal airflow model accommodates compression applications
typically from 60 to 250 hp (45 to 186 kW).
The most recent example of HAXCs product innova-
tion is a patent-pending design that mounts the engine
exhaust silencer inside the air-cooler structure. The vast
majority of compressor packages have the engine ex-
haust silencer mounted on top of the cooler, which typi-
cally requires a walkway or permanent work platform on
top of the cooler for inspection and emissions testing.
These items interfere with airflow and typically require
disassembly for shipping, followed by reassembly in the
field. The new HAXC design eliminates this need and in-
cludes a retractable work platform. It also enables factory
mounting of the engine cooling system surge tank on the
cooler frame. CT2

n HAXCs quality system certifications include ISO 9001 and ASME U and R.
In January, HAXC passed a milestone of 99,000 ASME certified cooler sections
shipped. The company has had a Chinese manufacturing license since 2009 and
it has manufactured products adherent to PED (European Pressure Equipment
Directive), GOST (Russia) and ATEX standards.
30 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2
Featured Products
Global Subsea Inspection Service tests. The new shakers can save up to 500 calibrations
Lloyds Register has launched a global subsea inspec- and transfer data to a USB flash drive to create auto-
tion service to deliver optimized and cost-effective mated Excel reports.
approaches to underwater operations in the offshore The new shakers have an extended battery life of up to
oil and gas, wind farm power generation and subma- 18 hours and come in a waterproof, ruggedized Pelican
rine cable markets. The service will provide underwater Storm Case, the company said. Their precision control
inspections of subsea pipelines, assets and facilities to and stability allows them to work in environments with high
energy companies operating offshore. background vibration.
Subsea inspection services include project management, All Hardy Shakers are traceable to NIST.
consultancy, personnel, quality control, data process- www.metrixvibration.com
ing and data management. Lloyds
Register has significant capability
and experience within the subsea
sector including management of a
wide range of offshore projects and
operations across the energy mix,
said Andrew Inglis, Lloyds Register
Subsea inspection manager.
Managed and coordinated in
Aberdeen, U.K., the subsea inspection
service will be delivered to clients in all
offshore energy regions through Lloyds
Registers global network of office
locations. The company has delivered
subsea inspection contracts for major
operators in the North Sea and Trinidad.
www.lr.org

Hardy Shaker
Metrix Instrument Co. has launched
the Hardy Shaker series HI-903 and
HI-913. The two new shakers join
the line of Hardy Shakers HI-803 and
HI-813.

The Hardy Shakers are used

to calibrate seismic sensors and
transmitters. They feature onboard
memory and can perform multiple

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2017 31

Metallic Plates|Thermoplastics|Springs|Buttons|Poppets|Kits|Center Bolts|Pins|Lift Washers|O-Rings

www.kbdelta.com
800-632-3994
Torrance, California USA
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800-632-3994
info@kbdelta.com
sales@kbdelta.com
Blackmer Releases NGH100 Series
Horizontal Compressors
New line designed to handle sour gas
n Blackmers NGH100 series of compressors feature flow rates of 3000 cfd (85 m3/d).
BY DJ SLATER
F
or years, Blackmer kept hearing a similar question
from its customer base, which wondered if a larger
gas compression offering was being considered.
The company, known for its vertical reciprocating com-
pressors, found an answer to that question in the form
of its NGH100 series of horizontal oil-free reciprocating
gas compressors.
After years of continually hearing this question, we
began some heavy VOC (voice of the customer) to see
what was really needed and desired, said Ron Crouch,
product manager compression, Blackmer. The result
was the NGH100 series.
The new compressors complement Blackmers vertical
line, albeit with more flow and high-pressure capability.
The series features a horizontally opposed configuration,
increased power-frame rating and the ability to handle
sour gas that contains up to 8% dry hydrogen sulfide
(H2S), Crouch said.
The NGH100 series is designed for use in vapor recov-
34 APRIL 2017
ery, wellhead annulus reduction and artificial lift applica-
tions in the upstream oil and gas market, as well as the
liquefied petroleum gas business.
The series comes in heavy-duty, single-stage (NGH1013)
and two-stage (NGH1023) configurations with flow rates up
to 3000 cfd (85 m3/d) and motor speed up to 1800 rpm. The
NGH1013 comes in cylinder configurations of 6 x 6 in. (152.4
x 152.4 mm) and 3.25 x 3.25 in. (82.5 x 82.5 mm), both with
a 3 in. (76.2 mm) stoke. This model has a maximum al-
lowable working pressure up to 1500 psia (103.4 bar) and
weighs 1300 to 1500 lb. (590 to 680 kg), depending on
the variation.
The NGH1023 comes in a 6 x 3.25 in. (152.4 x 82.5 mm)
cylinder with a 3 in. (76.2 mm) stroke with maximum allow-
able working pressure of 1500 psia (103.4 bar). It weighs
1400 lb. (635 kg).
Both models are 100 bhp (74.5 kW) rated with a maxi-
mum rod load of 7000 lb. (3175 kg) and a maximum dis-
charge temperature of 350F (177C).
COMPRESSORtech2
n The NGH100 series includes a forged-steel crankshaft and PTFE/PEEK piston rings and rider bands.
The NGH1013 has a piston dis-
placement of 5.3 to 19.2 cfm (9 to 32.6
m3/h) at 100 rpm; 48 to 172.9 cfm (81.6
to 294 m3/h) at 900 rpm; 64 to 231 cfm
(109 to 392 m3/h) at 1200 rpm; and 96
Quality www.klsummit.com

to 345.8 cfm (163 to 588 m3/h). The Products

NGH1023s piston displacement is
9.6 cfm (16.3 m3/h) at 100 rpm; 86.4
You Can Trust
cfm (147 m3/h) at 900 rpm; 115.3 cfm
(196 m3/h) at 1200 rpm; and 172.9 cfm
(294 m3/h).
The NGH100 series also sports
a nonlubricated design and ANSI
compatible flanged connections. All
casted parts are ductile-iron construc-
tion, and the crankshaft is made from
forged steel. The piston rings and
rider bands are made of PTFE/PEEK.
In order to handle sour gas, the series
incorporates steel wrist pins that ride
on steel needle bearings. Also, yellow
metal is not used, Crouch said.
They (the oil and gas sector) re-
ally frown on technology that fea-
tures yellow metal components as
often times the fields they serve are
ever changing, Crouch said. These
dynamics can wreak havoc on ma-
terials not suited for the harsher
conditions and gas components, es-
pecially sour service.
With one question finally answered,
it didnt take long for another to crop Avoid Unplanned Downtime
up for Blackmer. The latest question Summits specialty lubricants succeed where conventional
is why the company is bringing this lubricants fail. Using Summit lubricants, backed by our
experience and technical expertise, has proven to result in
compressor offering to the market- significant decreases in operating and maintenance costs.
place now. We work with gas compressor OEMs, packagers,
Our response has been what operators and end users around the world to solve
compressor lubrication-related issues. And were ready
better a time to focus on a new product to solve yours.
in a cyclical market that is near or at
To see all our products visit
the bottom, Crouch said. We felt the www.klsummit.com
continued investment would bring a
Klber Lubrication NA LP
great option to this and other markets 800.749.5823 // info@klsummit.com
Summit products are made in the U.S.
when the tide begins to turn. CT2

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2017 35

Slow And Fast For Oil And Gas
ABB introduces API-compliant, two-pole induction
motors for variable-speed drives

BY BO SVENSSON

E
lectrical motors have gained popularity over
several decades for driving compressors
and pumps in the oil and gas industry. The
big change, and an improving factor, for the use
of electrical motors has been the motors ability to
run at variable speeds
An interesting launch during early 2017 is ABBs
API-compliant, two-pole modular induction motors
for variable-speed drive (VSD) use. The motors of-
fer compliance with American Petroleum Institute
standard API 541, which ensures reliability, quality
and straightforward installation, said ABB.
ABBs VSD controlled, two-pole, modular induc-
tion motors provide high reliability for pump and
compressor applications, said Juha Lehtonen,
global product line manager, Modular Induction
Motors, ABB. The motors offer a continuous speed
range up to 4000 rpm for pump and compressor
applications. The power range is up to 8700 hp
(6500 kW).
The motors, rated up to 4000 hp (3000 kW),
have self-lubricated sleeve bearings. This ensures
low maintenance and easy installation in remote
locations. The self-lubricated sleeve bearings re-
duce the need for piping, and there is no need to
connect the motor to the driven equipments oil
supply or to a separate oil supply unit.
Motors rated above 4000 HP (3000 kW) have
forced lubricated sleeve bearings. ABBs VSD n ABBs API-compliant, two-pole, modular induction motors for variable-
controlled, two-pole, modular induction motors are speed drive offer a continuous speed range up to 4000 rpm for pump and
specifically designed to meet the needs of the oil compressor applications in power ranges up to 8700 hp (6500 kW).
and gas industry, and water industries. The mo-
tors low noise level (82 dB) improves safety for said. We have over a century of experience in manufacturing electric
personnel working nearby. Additionally, low noise motors. Our technical expertise and deep application knowledge en-
enables installation in residential areas for water sure a tailor-made motor-drive package. Such solutions can be opti-
industry applications. mized in terms of thermal behavior, reliability, efficiency and speed and
An optional advanced condition monitoring sys- power ranges.
tem, ABB MACHsense-R, detects potential prob- The companys DocStage online system for sharing and manag-
lems at an early stage, before they become seri- ing documentation provides easy access to documents and 3-D
ous. By enabling targeted and timely maintenance, drawings. This ensures easier integration of the motors into a cli-
this system helps to further reduce downtime, and ents process.
therefore increases productivity and lowers a cli- We are a one-stop shop for complete motor-drive packages,
ents overall cost of ownership, ABB said. which means more efficient project management, Lehtonen said.
High reliability is ensured by proven ABB technol- This reduces installation and commissioning time, and also means
ogy and extensive testing of each motor, Lehtonen less risk in the execution of a project. CT2

36 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2

TRUTECH ENGINEERED

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Its All About The Layers For Siemens
Company produces gas turbine blades via 3-D printing
n The additive manufacturing process builds parts layer-by-layer
from sliced CAD models to form solid objects, and has been used
for some time in rapid prototyping. Recent advancements, includ-
ing the adoption of fiber lasers with enough power to melt high-
performance metal alloys, are making it suitable for the production
of parts in high-temperature turbomachinery applications.
BY ROBERTA PRANDI
S
iemens has achieved a breakthrough in additive
manufacturing (AM) technology by completing its first
full-load engine tests for gas turbine blades entirely
produced using AM. AM, commonly referred to as 3-D print-
ing, is a process that builds parts layer-by-layer from sliced
CAD models to form solid objects, and especially provides
benefits in rapid prototyping.
The company said it successfully validated multiple AM-
printed turbine blades with a conventional blade design at
38 APRIL 2017
full engine conditions. This means the components were
tested at 13,000 rpm and temperatures beyond 2282F
(1250C).
Siemens also tested a new blade design with a com-
pletely revised and improved internal cooling geometry
manufactured using AM technology. The project team used
blades manufactured at its 3-D printing facility at Materials
Solutions, the United Kingdom-based company Siemens
acquired in August 2016 that specializes in high-perfor-
mance parts for high-temperature applications in turboma-
chinery. The company utilizes EOS direct metal laser sin-
tering (DMLS) machines, including a multilaser machine,
which enables the engineers to further develop materials
capabilities, particularly in nickel superalloys.
According to Siemens, the advanced blade design that
has been tested provides improved cooling features that
can increase overall efficiency of the Siemens gas turbines.
All tests were conducted at the Siemens testing facility
in the industrial gas turbine factory in Lincoln, U.K. The tur-
bine blades were installed in a 17,400 hp (13 MW) Siemens
SGT-400 industrial gas turbine. The AM turbine blades are
made out of a powder of high-performing polycrystalline
nickel super alloy, allowing them to endure high pressure,
hot temperatures and the rotational forces of the turbines
high speed operation. Besides the extremely high tempera-
tures, at full load each of these turbine blades is traveling at
over 995 mph (1600 kph), carrying 11 tons (10 tonnes), and
cooled by air at over 752F (400C).
This is a breakthrough success for the use of additive
manufacturing in the power generation field, which is one
of the most challenging applications for this technology,
said Willi Meixner, CEO of the Siemens Power and Gas
Division. Additive manufacturing is one of our main pillars
in our digitalization strategy. The successful tests were the
result of a dedicated international project team with contri-
butions from Siemens engineers in Finspng, Lincoln and
Berlin together with experts from Materials Solutions. In just
18 months they completed the entire chain from component
design and AM material development to new methods for
lifing simulations and quality controls. With our combined
know-how in 3-D printing, we will continue to drive the tech-
nological development and application in this field.
Alfons Benzinger, press officer at Siemens Power and
Gas, said that these three Siemens locations share an ex-
cellent cooperation. We can build on comprehensive expe-
rience with AM in Finspng and the gas turbine know-how
COMPRESSORtech2

n Additive-manufactured products such as this turbine blade can
be printed with incredibly fine attention to detail.
in Lincoln, he said. Not to forget the excellent expertise
we secured with the acquisition of Materials Solutions in
Worcester last year.
According to Benzinger, besides the extensive use of AM
technology for rapid prototyping and the introduction of se-
rial production solutions for components in the gas turbines
compressor and combustion system, Siemens is also ex-
ploring the potential of this manufacturing technology for
spare parts and component repair.
In February 2016, Siemens opened a new production fa-
cility for 3-D printed components in Finspng, Sweden. The
first 3-D printed component for a Siemens heavy-duty gas
turbine has been in commercial operation since mid-2016.
This exciting technology is changing the way we manu-
facture by reducing the lead time for prototype development
up to 90%, Meixner said. We can accelerate the devel-
opment of new gas turbine designs with an increased ef-
ficiency and availability and can bring these advancements
faster to our customers. This new flexibility in manufactur-
ing also allows Siemens to develop closer to the customers
requirements and also to provide spare parts on demand.
The successful test of the advanced blade design is the
next step towards exploiting the full potential of AM. Sie-
mens said it is developing unique gas turbine designs,
which are only possible with AM and extends its serial pro-
duction for printed turbine equipment. CT2

FLENDER
We GRAFFENSTADEN

move Through a long history of gear manufacturing,

we have acquired the know-how and the experience

the
to be a leader in the field of high speed gears.
Our industrial site has developed a tradition

world
in high performance gear units for over 60 years
and through more than 13000 references
for the Power Generation and the Oil & Gas industries.

FLENDER-GRAFFENSTADEN S.A.S.
1, rue du vieux moulin - BP 10063
F - 67402 Illkirch Cedex - France
Phone : +33 (0)3 88 67 60 00
www.flender-graff.com

HIGH PERFORMANCE TRANSMISSION FOR ENERGY

Bearing Materials Matter
Silicon nitride, stainless steel, PEEK can prolong bearing life
n One ball bearing out of a set of bearings developed by SKF to
operate in a sour gas environment in a vapor recovery unit. These
bearings use all three of the advanced materials: silicon nitride,
super-tough stainless steel and PEEK. The SKF hybrid bearings
were shown to last more than 10 times longer than the all-steel
bearings they replaced.
BY BO SVENSSON
L
ars Kahlman knows that materials matter when it
comes to bearings and machine performance. The trick
is finding the balance between saving money and using
expensive materials to prolong bearing and machine life.
When expensive materials are used in the right way in
the right applications, performance improves and costs are
kept down.
Everybody likes a bargain, but it is often worth paying
more in the short term in order to reap long-term benefits,
said Kahlman, senior application expert at SKF. How many
times have we gone for a cheaper option and bemoaned the
false economy later? Buying more expensive components
and materials is not always the answer; however, being se-
40 APRIL 2017
lective about when to use them can help to optimize designs,
and extend the lifetime of both machinery and components.
Those premium materials include silicon nitride, stain-
less steal and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Silicon nitride
is used in rolling elements in hybrid bearings. Stainless
steel is used for bearing rings and PEEK is a high-tempera-
ture plastic that can be used to make bearing cages. Using
those materials can help prolong the life of bearings and
improve machine performance, according to SKF.
The ceramic material, silicon nitride (Si3N4), has be-
come widely adopted in bearing rolling elements. These
bearings are so-called hybrid bearings because the ce-
ramic silicon nitride combines with the conventional metal
used in the bearing rings. Silicon nitride is often used to
improve the performance of a bearing, allowing higher
speeds and better electrical insulation. It can also be used
in poorly lubricated applications. In many cases, a silicon
nitride-rolling element would be used to fix a poorly per-
forming bearing arrangement.
However, if it is originally designed into the bearing, it
is also increasingly used as an enabler. In these cases,
instead of solving an existing problem, it takes the bear-
ing to a new level of performance. The hybrid rolling bear-
ings work very well over a broad speed range; e.g., at slow
speeds that cause poor lubrication and at normal and high
speeds with less centrifugal force and higher grease-life.
Generally, the hybrid bearings continue to work even if
the grease starts to degrade especially at high speeds
and also withstand contamination better. Hybrids even
inhibit vibration damage in machines standing still as back-
up. Hybrid bearings are already widely used in machine
tools, thanks to their ability to run at high speed. However,
their electrical properties make them useful for variable
speed drives, where they are making inroads.
As production volumes rise and prices drop, they will
also find their way into more mass-market applications,
such as automotive, Kahlman said. In particular, the ad-
vent of the electrical drivetrain will probably see a huge rise
in the use of hybrid bearings in this industry.
Super-tough, stainless-steel bearings still lag behind
the well-established hybrids, SKF said. Hybrid bearings
were introduced to the market some 20 years ahead of
the super-tough stainless-steel material, which can be used
to make bearing rings with greater mechanical strength and
fatigue resistance.
COMPRESSORtech2
 Recognized
Leader

Innovator in State-of-the-Art
n Using cutting-edge materials such as silicon nitride, super- Pipe Supports & Clamps
tough stainless steel and PEEK can help to prolong bearing lifetime Inventor of Flywheel Lock
and improve machine performance, said Lars Kahlman, senior ap- Leaders in Field Machine Work
plication expert at SKF.
Pioneers in Casting Rapair
So far, this material has been targeted at niche applica-
tions in the machine tools, aerospace and fluid machinery PRODUCTS: SERVICES:
sectors. When choosing a material for a bearing, there is of- n Pipe Supports & Clamps n Field Machining

ten a trade-off between two competing properties: corrosion n Epoxy Grout n Casting Repair

resistance and fatigue performance. Super-tough stainless n Anchor Bolts n Crankshaft Machining

steel can be used to make bearing rings, which offer both n Flywheel Locks n Machine Shop

properties at the same time. n Temperature & Vibration n Broken Bolt Removal

We see several promising applications here, including Sensors n Frame Reinforcement

a central role in so-called PRL (pure refrigerant lubrication) n Spark Plugs n Alignment Services

compressors, which are a new breed of compressors in

which the refrigerant doubles up as the bearing lubricant,
Kahlman said. Usually, this arrangement would require the
bearing to be isolated or work in a refrigerant-oil mixture,
and consequently, much more complex designs. The new
material is robust enough to resist both corrosion and fa-
tigue, meaning the whole design could be simplified.
It may seem counterintuitive to replace metal with plas-
tics, but in many cases a high-performance engineering
plastic will have several advantages over metals. The most 918-252-7545
obvious is the weight savings it brings to the design. How- www.r-f.com
ever, an often-overlooked aspect of plastic is the ease of info@r-f.com
production. A plastic part, once designed, can easily be Tulsa, OK
continued on page 42

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2017 41

ReynoldsFrench.indd 1 7/8/13 2:07 PM


produced in large volumes using injection molding, which
helps to shrink manufacturing costs.
PEEK is a semi crystalline, high-temperature (up to
500F [260C]) engineering thermoplastic, which is excel-
lent for applications where thermal, chemical, and combus-
tion properties are critical to performance. This material is
tough, strong, and rigid and has superior creep resistance.
It also resists radiation and a wide range of solvents. PEEK
resins are available in unreinforced, and a wide range of
various fiber reinforced grades. A 15% glass fiber fill grade
is the most common for rolling bearings. PEEK is widely use
in various compressor parts seeing sour and acid gases.
SKF has used glass-reinforced PEEK to make complex
bearing cages in place of steel or brass. They can be de-
signed to withstand a temperature range from -328F to
302F (-200C to 150C) or more.
PEEK can be used very broadly in bearing applications
ranging from gearboxes to machine tools, Kahlman said.
In gearboxes, for example, PEEK has also begun to re-
place polyamide. Gearboxes use very aggressive gear oils
n SKF uses glass-reinforced PEEK
to make complex bearing cages in
place of steel or brass. They can be
designed to withstand a tempera-
ture range from -328F (-200C) to
302F (150C) or more.
42 APRIL 2017
n The ceramic material, silicon nitride (Si3N4),
has become widely adopted in bearing rolling ele-
ments. The hybrid rolling bearings work well over
a broad speed range.
that are running at high temperatures, yet PEEK is able to
resist their effects.
Together, these three materials have made inroads into
full industrial use. The earliest examples were punishing
applications within the oil and gas industry. For instance,
SKF developed a set of sour gas bearings to replace all-
steel bearings in a vapor recovery unit. These bearings use
all three of these advanced materials discussed earlier and
were shown to last more than 10 times longer than those
they replaced. In similar fashion, the same three materials
were used to design cryogenic pump bearings for use with
liquefied natural gas (LNG).
These applications mentioned here are at the top end of
the performance scale, Kahlman said. However, the ma-
terials are finding their way into more general applications,
from high-power stone-working equipment to new genera-
tions of high-efficiency chillers. As these materials become
more widely accepted, SKF expects to see them on a host
of industrial applications, where, when used correctly, they
will deliver maximum efficiency and cost savings. CT2
n PEEK and silicon nitride are used in
industrial applications as in this case
with a greased-for-life electric motor
bearing unit for vehicles. The units get
extremely long grease life, favorable
bearing dynamics and electrical insu-
lation combined with easy installation.
COMPRESSORtech2
COMPRESSOR
Dedicated To Gas Compression Products & Applications

COMPRESSORtech2 is the premier resource for

gas compression news and information.

COMPRESSORtech2 keeps you informed with in-depth

coverage of compression machinery and technologies.
From wellhead to city gate, were the publication
of choice in the gas compression machinery world.

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Centrifugal Revolution
Recent and developing technological advancements could
lead to some interesting future possibilities
Editors note: Several budding technologies have emerged
in the last few years that could have a meaningful impact on
centrifugal compressor design. Futurist Drew Devitt takes a
look at technology trends and contemplates some potentially
significant even disruptive advances that lie ahead.
BY DREW DEVITT
D
uring the first century of centrifugal compressor de-
sign, changes were evolutionary. A centrifugal com-
pressor from 1900 looks very much like a centrifugal
compressor manufactured in the year 2000 with regards to
the location of compression stages, seals, bearings and driv-
ers. Over that century, there were some definitive design im-
provements. Computer modeling allowed for improvements
in the design of impellers, and advances in manufacturing
provided the flexibility to actually fabricate those impel-
lers. In oil bearing technology, tilting pad bearings enabled
improved performance over plain journal bearings. In seal
technology where gas bearing technology really had its
genesis in turbo equipment aerodynamic bearing technol-
ogy was used as a very effective non-contact seal, replacing
oil-based seals, all as noted by Sorokes and Kuzdzal (see
COMPRESSORtech2, November 2012, p. 68).
But a technological revolution could be coming, driven by
improvements in high-speed motor/generator components,
high-strength, high-temperature materials and externally
pressurized gas-bearings/seals. The advantages of these
components may well combine symbiotically, allowing for
new machine architectures, higher speeds, pressures, tem-
peratures and efficiencies.
March of motors
Improvements in electric motors have been relentless, with
Drew Devitt is founder, chairman and
chief technology officer at New Way
Air Bearings and former president of
the American Society for Precision
Engineering (ASPE). Contact him at:
ddevitt@newwayairbearings.com.
44 APRIL 2017
each improvement reducing costs. Direct-drive, high-speed
motor/generators and controllers enable improved power den-
sities, cost structures and reliability that can be more effective
than larger, slower motors and step-up gearboxes. As in other
industries, like the machine tool industry where integral motor
spindles have eliminated belts, couplings, gears and relative
alignments, motors are getting closer to the work being done.
Materials go monolithic
The next two decades will likely see enabling devel-
opments in materials also. Ceramic matrix composites
(CMCs) and carbon/carbon composite materials, which
are high-temperature materials originally developed for ap-
plications in rocket nozzles and brake discs for Formula 1
cars, will find their way into high-speed rotor applications.
CMCs were first used in gas turbines as power turbine
blades; they were able to exceed the temperature limita-
tions of metal blades, allowing higher temperatures and im-
proved turbine efficiencies. These are also the early days
of super critical CO2 and the Brayton Cycle for power gen-
eration. In the future, the Brayton Cycle, developed largely
for the military because of its 10x power density over Ran-
kine cycles, could become common. This could lead to very
compact gas-fed power stations that could be permitted
close to demand centers and fit with a new distributed
power generation model. CMC materials will be important
in solving erosion issues in high-energy-density impellers.
Used as dry gas seal (DGS) faces, CMCs have the
strength and temperature stability of the more commonly
used silicon carbide faces, but are not brittle and so will not
shatter catastrophically. These materials would offer other
design improvements for rotors and stators, like the ability
to increase or decrease thermal expansion and conductivity.
Insulative properties like those of the space shuttle heat
shield tiles will become important in structural components
as the drive for higher efficiencies in power generation
leads to higher and higher temperatures. Because turbines
and compressors become so much smaller as speeds in-
crease, composite ceramics become practical for structural
components such as rotors and stators also.
Gas-bearing technology could pick up on the material
advances too, allowing for hot-immersed operation. That
means there could be oil-less gas bearings operating on
process gases and at process temperatures, allowing the
bearings to move from the ends of the shafts to a position
COMPRESSORtech2
n Figure 1. Air Pressure bleeds uniformly out of the
entire face area of submerged externally pressurized
porous tilt pad journal bearing.

inside the sealed area, even directly between or on impel-
lers. The bearings can be positioned where the work is be-
ing done in the compressor. This would be a revolutionary
change in rotordynamics, but only the beginning of the po-
tential paradigm shift in compressor design.
But first, back to the bearings
In the first years of the 21st century, Bently Pressurized
Bearing Co. introduced externally pressurized bearings
with high unit loading and zero-friction starts and stops.
Readers may be familiar with Don Bently as the first to ap-
ply eddy current probes in the study of rotating equipment.
These probes allowed him to see mode shapes of flexible
rotors. Bently Nevada Corp. was born out of this vision.
After selling Bently Nevada to GE in 2002, Bently found-
ed the Bently Pressurized Bearing Company. He wanted to
offer solutions to the fundamental problems he had expe-
rienced in rotordynamics. Pressurized bearing technology
continued on page 46

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n Figure 2.
is destined to be as influential as the eddy current probe in
revolutionizing rotating machinery, he said.
Externally pressurized bearings were certainly prom-
ising, combining the advantages of oil, foil and magnetic
bearings. An advantage that Bentley was quick to point out
is that input pressure to the bearing has a direct relationship
to stiffness and damping. This gives the ability to tune bear-
ing coefficients while the machine is in operation, as with
magnetic bearings.
Unfortunately for Bently, he was using orifice compen-
sation. Compensation is restriction of flow into the bear-
ing gap and a defining characteristic of hydro or aerostatic
bearings. To get pressure to evenly distribute in a thin bear-
ing gap when it issues from a small hole is not easy. When
the gap gets too small, the area around the orifice chokes
flow to the rest of the face, causing collapse of the air film,
which results in contact.
There is a more elegant type of compensation. Instead
of the restriction of an orifice, the pressure is introduced
into the gap through a porous material. The gas pressure
bleeds out of millions of small holes across the full face of
the bearing and acts on the counter surface like the end
of a noncontact hydraulic cylinder (Figure 1). Graphite and
carbon, naturally porous and familiar to turbo industries,
were the first porous materials employed as compensa-
tion in externally pressurized porous (EPP) gas bearings.
The technology offers turbo industries oil-free bearings with
zero friction that can take the high loads of oil bearings, the
temperature extremes of foil bearings, and have adjustabil-
ity from outside the machine like magnetic bearings.
The seal division at Flowserve was one of the first to rec-
ognize the advantages of EPP gas bearings, but inter-
estingly as seals, not bearings. The high pressure cre-
ated in air bearing gaps is an impossible barrier for any gas
at a lower pressure. The seals in development now, will al-
low very reliable dry gas seals in multiphase compression,
as nothing flows across the seal face from the process side.
Because the gas bearings are simple and low cost relative
to DGSs and work at 0 rpm, Flowserve and others will be
46 APRIL 2017
able to offer gas bearing seal technology into many more
applications economically.
So is it a seal, or is it a bearing? Hydrodynamic thrust
bearings are segmented into pads so there are leading
edges for oil wedge development. No engineer would con-
sider this for a seal because of the big radial gaps. But an
EPP thrust face is a continuous 360 face. It looks like a
DGS face, and because the pressure is always highest
in the EPP gap, it is already a seal. So in straight-through
compressors with the EPP thrust bearing acting on the
drive end, area on the thrust runner could react the to thrust
loads, while also serving as a DGS.
Another advantage that Bently would have been sure to
point out is that by combining the thrust bearing, DGS and
balance piston in the same axial space, the rotor gets short-
er and stiffens on a cube function, dramatically improving
rotor dynamics and reducing required clearances.
Still, the long shaft through the compression stages is the
weak link. Large clearances are needed between the sta-
tor and rotor to account for excursions of the shaft at criti-
cal speeds, manufacturing tolerances and for the thermal
growth of the shaft.
Flow through a gap is a cubed function of the gap, so
reducing running clearances between stators and impellers
is a low hanging fruit for improving compressor efficiencies.
With high-speed motors integrated directly into each im-
peller stage, and each impeller supported on its own gas
bearing/seals, they could be spun at higher speeds as a
rigid body with tight clearances. Additionally, each stage
could be rotated independently at its most efficient RPM for
the compressor as a system. This would truly be the dawn
of a new age in centrifugal compressor design.
Expander revolution
In an expander/compressor (Figure 2) with opposing stag-
es on the same shaft, the current paradigm is to support the
shaft on oil bearings near the center, reaching through oil
seals, then labyrinth seals, and then finally the shaft sup-
ports impellers, which need to have significant axial and
radial clearances at their perimeters where they are doing
most of their work. This is done to account for rotordynam-
ics and other motions of the shaft, which cannot be very
stiff, as the shaft length from bearings to impellers is a mul-
tiple of its diameter. This design is also complicated by the
need for oil, which changes viscosity with temperature.
The next design change in expanders could eliminate the
conventional oil bearings and replace them with gas bear-
ings that support the impellers and provide sealing directly
on the back of the impeller (Figure 3). This would enable
dramatically shortening the shaft. The bearing/seals could
operate on process gases, steam or at cryogenic tempera-
tures. Cost effectiveness and simplicity of this design could
make energy recovery more economical.
In Figure 4, there is no longer a rotating shaft, instead the
ID of the impellor is fitted with permanent magnets and coils
are arranged in the stationary center pin, turning the motor/
COMPRESSORtech2
generator inside out. High relative surface speed was con-
ductive to high voltage dc generation.
High-voltage dc generation is advancing and fits with
the trend in high-voltage, direct-current (HVDC) transmis-
sion. High-speed motors and generators could swap power
through local HVDC micro grids with more flexibility than
physically tying expansion to compression through a rotor.
This is a vision of motors and materials cooperating with
pressurized gas bearings and seals to drive closer to the
work being done, but there is still at least one step left. Mo-
tors and bearings are still separate elements, occupying
separate space in the compressor. That is, until it is realized
that neodymium magnets are porous, and can be made into n Figure 3.
an aerostatic bearing element. Yes, the motor could be the
bearing, too!
Permanent magnets in motors could become the gas-
bearing surfaces as soon as 2020. The efficiency and
power of a permanent magnet motor or generator could be
increased by minimizing the distance between the coils and
the magnets. Gas bearing technology is the way to reliably
reduce this clearance. The combination of motor and bear-
ings would create assemblies that are shorter and lighter
than if the motor and bearing elements remain separate
components. This would be the first same-body experience
for the electrical and the mechanical engineer, and the ul-
timate in the design engineers continuing drive to achieve
more functionality in less space, at least for now. CT2 n Figure 4.
 techc
The Sound Of Silence(r)

orner
Case Study: Design and performance verification testing
of a screw compressor discharge silencer

BY THOMAS CHIRATHADAM, PHD.; BENJAMIN WHITE, PE; EUGENE BROERMAN; T. SEAN TAVARES,
PHD.; JAWAD ABBAS ESMAEEL, BSC ME; AND SHARAD KUMAR MESHRAM, BSC ME.

Introduction

K
uwait Oil Co. (KOC) operates three Howden four-
lobe, oil-free screw compressors at one of its crude
oil/gas gathering centers near Ahmadi in Kuwait.
The operating gas consists of mostly propane (35%), eth-
ane (27%), methane (13%), butane (10%), hydrogen sulfide
(7%), and carbon dioxide (7%). These compressors typi-
cally run at 4380 rpm, with a discharge operating pressure
of 66 psi (455 kPa) and a temperature of 268F (131C).
Each compressor operates at the same speed and consists
of two rotors, a closely mating pair, that is installed in a tight
tolerance cylindrical bore. As the driver spins the male rotor,
a void is created as a lobe of the male rotor moves out of
the female flute at the suction end. The suction gas enters
this void and gets trapped in between the helical cylinders
formed by the screw heads and the housing. Thus as the
rotor spins, gas gets pushed towards the discharge side.
This is the basic operating mechanism in a screw compres-
sor. As the male rotor consists of four lobes, the main fre-
quency component of the discharge flow is at 4x rpm. Thus,
for these compressors, the dominant response frequency is
at the primary lobe pass frequency of 292 Hz (at 4380 rpm).
The third compressor, which was installed in 2009, ex-
perienced small bore piping failures due to high vibration
in the discharge piping. The failures included cracked lube
oil lines and instrumentation failures, causing leaks in the
discharge piping. As the gas contains hydrogen sulfide, any
process gas leakage is dangerous. In addition, Unit 3 had
experienced multiple trips due to high compressor casing
vibration. The casing vibration levels in Unit 3 were higher
than manufacturer recommended values. In order to study
the system response, vibration, pulsation, and noise mea-
surements were conducted on all the three units (1, 2, and
3). Although all three compressor units are identical, units
1 and 2 have different discharge silencer designs than unit
3. The measurements on unit 3 indicated that the vibration
of the discharge piping was due to a combination of inad-
equate piping supports and high pulsation levels. Although
the discharge piping vibration of unit 3 was higher than the
other units, in general, the piping vibration levels exceed-
ed the severity level danger according to the Southwest
Research Institute (SwRI) vibration severity chart (See
Appendix online). The pulsation levels were high and oc-
curred at four times the operating frequency (292 Hz). The
noise levels were also high from a hearing safety perspec-
tive, and in particular on unit 3, it appeared that a silencer
shell fatigue failure could occur with continued operation as
a result of the relatively high vibration levels.
In order to solve the high vibration problem the following
tasks were performed: design and installation of a new dis-
charge silencer; installation of a suitable orifice plate down-
stream of the discharge silencer; and redesign of the piping
layout to reduce the number of elbows and to increase the
stiffness of the system.
This paper discuss the acoustic and structural design of
the new silencer and associated piping and field measure-
ments conducted to verify the effectiveness of the design.

Dr. Thomas Chirathadam is an engineering manager with Waukesha Bearings Aftermarket Services and has over seven years of experience
in the fields of vibration analysis, turbomachinery dynamics, finite element analysis, rotordynamics, and bearing/seal design. Contact him at:
tchirathadam@bearingsplus.com. Benjamin White is a manager at Southwest Research Institute with 20 years of experience in the fields of
mechanical vibrations, compressor and piping system design, acoustics, finite element analysis, and thermal piping stress. Contact him
at: benjamin.white@swri.org. Eugene Broerman is principal engineer with over 15 years of experience in the fields of acoustics, mechanical
vibrations, compressor and piping system design, finite element analysis, and thermal piping stress. Contact him at: eugene.broerman@
swri.org. T. Sean Tavares is an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Technology Program located at the Manchester campus
of the University of New Hampshire and has 20 years of industry experience. Contact him at: sean.tavares@unh.edu. Jawad Abbas Esmaeel
is a senior engineer for Equipment Support & Reliability at Kuwait Oil Company. Contact him at: jesmaeel@kockw.com. Sharad Kumar
Meshram is a mechanical engineer (Rotating Equipment) at Kuwait Oil Company. Contact him at: smeshram@kockw.com.

48 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2

Design of the screw compressor silencer
The overall goals in the design of the screw compressor
silencer and associated piping and supports were to reduce
pulsation amplitudes in the gas discharged from the com-
pressor from the casing exit to the downstream gas cooler;
reduce vibration levels of the casing, silencer, and associ-
ated piping from the casing exit to the gas cooler; and re-
duce noise emitted to the environment from the discharge
silencer and associated piping.
A review of the structural design and acoustic character-
istics of the prior design, piping layout, prior field measure-
ment data and typical operating conditions was conducted
to understand the system. The anticipated gas composition
and gas discharge conditions (temperature and pressure)
were collected to calculate the corresponding speeds of
sound in the gas. Note that the speed of sound is a critical
parameter for designing a silencer with acoustic characteris-
tics that will correctly target the pulsation frequencies of in-
terest. Additionally, a review of the load conditions at which
the machinery is expected to operate was also conducted to
understand the requirements for the limits of pressure losses
across the silencer.
The acoustic design of the new silencer involved carrying
out the design of a silencer geometry that correctly targets the
pulsations that cause the troublesome vibrations and noise.
The procedure involved the conceptual design of a reactive
acoustic filter (volume-choke-volume) style silencer, includ-
ing the sizing of volumes and choke tubes. Further, acous-
tic analyses of the silencer designs were performed using a
combination of 1-D and 3-D computational analyses, for the
discharge piping and silencer, respectively. The 1-D analysis
was performed using an SwRI in-house tool and the 3-D linear
acoustic analysis performed using ANSYS software.
The latter part of the design effort focused on the me-
chanical analysis of the silencer and the associated piping
and supports. The tasks included performing finite element
(FE) structural analysis of the silencer volume and choke
tubes to avoid shell vibrations and to ensure shell struc-
tural integrity. Further, the piping layout and spring supports
were designed in order to keep the compressor nozzle
loads within allowable limits.
Silencer structural design
Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the new silencer and
the associated discharge piping. Unlike the prior horizon-
tally oriented silencer on Unit 3, the new design has a verti-
cal orientation. The portion shown in green is the exterior
of the vessel comprising the central component of the si-
lencer. As shown in the cross sectional view, this vessel is
divided into two volumes, which are connected by a series
of multiple choke tubes. The specified nominal thickness
of the walls of the vessel is over 1.00 in. (25.4 mm) (much
continued on page 50

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n Figure 1. Piping layout and Helmholtz filter silencer design.
thicker than required based on static pressures alone). The
piping shown in blue is configured to connect to the exist-
ing downstream piping, with provisions for required moni-
toring. As the instrumentation connections have suffered
cracking in the past, measures were taken to increase the
integrity of these connections, namely by the use of a ma-
terial of greater thickness and with appropriate reinforce-
ments. The newly designed discharge piping is specified
to be of Schedule 120 thickness for improved resistance to
vibration. The increased wall thickness should also reduce
the transmission of noise to the exterior. This is labeled as
New Piping in the figure. The piping comprising the inlet
and discharge nozzles of the silencer is also of Schedule
120 thickness. Where the new discharge piping connects to
the existing piping, which is Schedule 40, beveled flanges
are used in order to avoid a discontinuity of the inner diam-
eters at these connections.
Figure 2 shows the configuration of the supports de-
signed for the silencer and the new segments of discharge
piping. The silencer is held by two spring support assem-
blies, which are mounted on support legs that are mounted
independent of the compressor casing. The spring supports
are designed to relieve the weight of the silencer bottle and
50 APRIL 2017
piping and forces that may be imposed by the thermal ex-
pansion of the piping and silencer. This feature is needed in
order to keep the static loading due to weight and thermal
expansion on the compressor discharge nozzle within ac-
ceptable limits. Also shown is a structural steel frame type
support for the discharge piping, which is fitted with an ap-
propriate pipe guide assembly.
The mechanical design of the silencer considers the dy-
namic loading imposed by pressure pulsations. A structural
finite element analysis (FEA) of the system predicts the vari-
ous natural frequencies and response modes. The FE model
includes the silencer vessels and its nozzles, the new sec-
tions of piping, and the supporting structure. The design of
the silencer and support structure was performed such that
the structural natural frequencies do not coincide with any
anticipated key pressure pulsation frequencies. Figure 3
shows a typical mode shape of the silencer support structure.
Silencer acoustic design
The acoustic design of the silencer is based on the physi-
cal concept of a reactive acoustic filter. As shown in Figure
1, the configuration consists of two volumes connected by
one or more cylindrical sections known as choke tubes.
continued on page 52
n Figure 2. Silencer and piping
support structures.
COMPRESSORtech2
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n Figure 3. Finite element analysis (FEA) of the support structure.
Using the mechanical analog of a mass-spring system, the
mass of fluid in the choke tubes acts like a physical mass.
Pressure changes produced by the compression of the fluid
in the two vessel volumes act like a spring. Therefore, there
is a natural frequency of acoustic oscillations in this sys-
tem that is dependent upon speed of sound in the gas. The
speed of sound is dependent upon the composition (mole
weight) and thermodynamic state point (pressure and tem-
perature). The concept of the acoustic filter is to design the
volume and choke tube system such that the natural acous-
tic frequency is much lower than that of the pulsations that
52 APRIL 2017
n Figure 4. Interference diagram showing separation of pass
bands from lobe pass frequency.
the silencer is intended to filter. This means that the acous-
tic waves (pressure pulsations) with frequencies significant-
ly higher than this natural frequency (Helmholtz frequency)
are attenuated.
The design of the acoustic filter has additional complexity
due to the fact that the silencer geometry also supports some
additional acoustic modes that are generally at a higher fre-
quency than the principal Helmholtz frequency. These acous-
tic modes are associated with standing waves that form within
the vessel volumes, within the choke tubes, as well as at the
inlet nozzle. Careful design of the various components of the
silencer is required in order to ensure that these modes do not
coincide with pressure pulsations from the compressor.
Figure 4 shows the computed frequencies of the acous-
tic modes for the silencer designed for Unit 3 (red vertical
lines). Also shown is the pass frequency for the screw lobes
(thick blue line), which is near 292 Hz (4x rotating speed).
In computing the acoustic modal frequencies, a speed of
sound of 1301 fps (395.5 m/s) was used. This value was
obtained using the typical gas composition information, and
design operating pressure and temperature. The speed of
sound used was appropriate to a gas with a mole weight
of 37, evaluated at a pressure of 66.5 psi (459 kPa) and
a temperature of 268F (131C). At these conditions, the
two modes lying nearest to the lobe pass frequency are at
about 221 and 350 Hz, respectively. As shown in Figure 4,
the 221 Hz acoustic mode lies about 25% below the lobe
pass frequency, while the 350 Hz mode lies about 19%
above it. This provides a comfortable margin between the
nearest acoustic modes and the lobe pass frequency for
the specified conditions. The figure also shows the acoustic
modes corresponding to each frequency computed from a
3-D acoustic analysis.
It is important to emphasize that the frequencies of the
acoustic modes shown on the plot are those which are
calculated with a speed of sound in the gas of 1301 fps
(395.5 m/s). The frequencies of various modes will change
COMPRESSORtech2
 ...IM... ...PAC...T...
impact.hoerbiger.com
n Figure 5. Pressure pulsation levels obtained from 1-D acoustic analysis of new and
existing silencer configurations.

in direct proportion to any change in the speed of sound, brought about by, for
example, any variation in the gas composition or any changes in the discharge
pressure and temperature. It needs to be emphasized that a large enough change
in the speed of sound could allow one of these natural oscillation frequencies to
coincide with the lobe pass frequency. Such a coincidence of frequencies could
result in that particular acoustic mode being amplified. It is expected that the
speed of sound in the gas could vary 5% (or perhaps more) and still have a
good margin of separation from the calculated acoustic modes of the silencer.
In the course of the acoustic analysis, a 1-D calculation was performed for the
new, as well as for the existing, silencer and piping configurations. This 1-D cal-
culation included all of the downstream piping up to the gas cooler. For the ex-
isting configuration, the analysis was calibrated against the field measurements
conducted in 2011. As shown in Figure 5, the 1-D calculation predicts a substantial
improvement in attenuation of pulsations with the new silencer.
The design studies and calculations indicated that the new silencer would be

Test Point Location Measurement

1 Compressor Casing Vertical Vibration

eVCP moves your compressor
2 Compressor Casing Horizontal Vibration output to the maximum.
3 Inclined Piping Vibration
That means: More money
eVCP
in yourmoves your compressor
pocket.
4 Piping Bend Horizontal Vibration output to MAXIMUM CAPACITY.
5 Piping Bend Vertical Vibration
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6 Piping Bend Axial Vibration

P1 Discharge Upstream Of Silencer Dynamic Pressure

P2 Discharge Downstream Of Silencer Dynamic Pressure

n Table 1. Test point locations and descriptions.

continued on page 54 continued on page 54

COMPRESSORtech2
 n Figure 6. This is a CAD model and
photographs showing the vibration and
pulsation measurement locations. Test
point locations are shown with num-
bers on the silencer and piping layout.

n Figure 7. Discharge pressure transducer location

on the silencer exit nozzle.

54 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2

effective in dampening pulsations, will be mechanically ro-
bust, and will avoid the problematic cracking of instrument
connections to the discharge line.

Field testing and design verification

The primary purpose of the 2014 field testing was to verify
the discharge pulsation amplitudes after the installation of the
new silencer and compare them against the predictions and
2011 field data. The tests were first conducted with a full-bore
orifice plate (spacer plate shown in Figure 1), and then with a
0.6  ratio orifice plate installed at the exit of the silencer dis-
charge nozzle. However, due to considerable flow variations
from ~4-9 MMscfd (~1.13 x 103 2.55 x 103 m3/d) during the
testing period, an accurate one-to-one comparison was not
possible. Figure 6 shows the CAD model of the new silencer
and piping configuration as well as the photographs of the vi-
bration sensors placed at various locations on the discharge
piping and compressor casing. The pressure and vibration
measurements were performed on the discharge piping and
compressor casting at locations described in Table 1.
Figure 7 shows the location of the pressure transducer
downstream of the silencer. Note that the transducer records
the dynamic pressure at the silencer exit nozzle and not
downstream of the orifice plate installed at the silencer exit. n Figure 8. Discharge pressure (upstream of silencer). Full-bore
orifice plate installed.
Pressure measurements
The measurements were first per-
formed with the full-bore orifice plate
installed at the silencer exit. Figure 8 Experience, Reliability, Integrity...
shows the dynamic discharge pres-
sure upstream of the silencer. The
overall signal consists of three major
components at 4x, 8x, and 12x, and a
smaller component at 16x.
Figure 9 shows the continually
logged dynamic discharge pressures
upstream of the silencer. As seen in
the prior figure, the 4x, 8x, and 12x
are dominant, with a smaller 16x com-
ponent, during the entire time. A set
pressure of 68 psi (469 kPa) was con-
figured on the recycle valve at 10:30
a.m. By 10:45 a.m., the recycle valve
was closed 100%, and the system
operated at a flow rate of 8.1 MMscfd
(229,000 m3/d). The dynamic pres-
sure measurements, however, do not
show any noticeable variations dur-
ing this time period. The effect of the
The AXH manufacturing complex consists of
orifice plate is also minor on the dis- six plants, totaling 559,100 SF on 67 acres.
charge compressor nozzle pulsation
amplitudes. The smaller bore orifice
plate, with =0.6, however, causes a
larger pressure drop compared to the (918) 283-9200 Fax (918) 283-9229 www.axh.com
full-bore orifice plate. As the discharge
continued on page 56

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2017 55

 n Figure 9. Dynamic discharge pressure
(pkpk) upstream of the silencer. =0.6.

n Figure 10. Dynamic discharge pressure

(pkpk) downstream of the silencer. (middle
left) Recorded as the compressor shuts
down. (lower left) Discharge pulsation re-
corded in 2011, with prior silencer installed,
shown for comparison.

56 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2

 silencers from other units (1 and 2) had a higher pressure
drop, a =0.6 orifice plate seemed to better help maintain
the desired pressure output, and thus sustain the flow sta-
bility. Hence, after testing both the full bore and the  = 0.6
orifice plates, the latter was chosen for continued operation.
Hence, the rest of the paper discusses the results for the
condition with the smaller bore orifice plate installed at the
nozzle exit.
Figure 10 shows the logged pressure data at the silencer
exit and shows a comparison with the measurements in
2011, when the previous silencer was installed. The dis-
charge pulsations are, in general, much lower than those
measured in 2011. With the new silencer, except during flow
changes related to recycle valve adjustments, the dynamic
pulsation is ~5% (pk-pk) or less of the static discharge pres-
sure of 68 psi. n Figure 11. Frequency components of the dynamic discharge
Figure 11 shows the various frequency components in pressure (downstream of silencer). =0.6 orifice installed.
the discharge pulsation at the silencer exit nozzle. The
dominant components are 4x, 12x, and 20x. Additionally, casing vibration along the horizontal direction with the
the acoustic response of the silencer is visible at ~220 Hz, maximum RMS value of ~5 mm/s (0.28 ips, 0-pk). The
matching closely the predictions shown in Figure 4. casing vibrations are lower than those recorded in 2011,
and are below the alarm limit. In 2011, a maximum vibra-
Vibration measurements tion level of 74.7 mm/s (2.94 ips, 0-pk) was found on the
Vibration measurements were conducted at various original silencer.
locations, as shown in Figure 6, and compared against Figure 13 shows the discharge piping vibration along
the acceptance criteria. Figure 12 shows the compressor the horizontal direction with a dominant 4x component.
continued on page 58

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 n Figure 12. Compressor casing vibration
(horizontal direction).  = 0.6 orifice installed.

n Figure 13. Discharge piping vibration

horizontal direction (V4) in 2014.

n Figure 14. Axial vibration at piping bend

(V6) in 2014.  = 0.6 orifice installed.

n Figure 15. Maximum sound levels around

Unit 3 in 2014. Measurements performed at
~5 ft. (1.5 m) elevation and 3 ft. (0.91 m) dis-
tance from the compressor enclosure. =0.6
orifice installed.

58 APRIL 2017 COMPRESSORtech2

The maximum vibration is observed at a pipe
bend (location V6), and the measurements are
shown in Figure 14. The peak vibration of ~1.65
ips, 0-pk (42 mm/s, 0-pk) is considered mar-
ginally high per the vibration severity criteria
presented in the appendix. However, the cur-
rent level is acceptable for operation and does
not require any remedial action. The vibration
levels are, in general, much lower than those
recorded earlier in 2011.

Noise measurement
The noise level around the screw compressors
in GC-28 had been unacceptably high (>110 d[B]
A) during measurements in 2011. Sound levels
were recorded near Unit 3 in 2014, and again
found to be high. As the other nearby compres-
sors were also in operation, it was not possible
to characterize the noise emission from only Unit
3. The sound measurements were performed
with the microphone 3 ft. (0.9 m) from the com-
pressor enclosure and at a height of 5 ft. (1.5 m)
from ground (per OSHA specifications). Figure
15 shows the sound levels around Unit #3 with
the maximum sound level of only 102.4 d(B)A.
However, measurements during the next day at
n Figure 16. Logged sound level at location L1 near unit 3.  = 0.6 orifice
installed.
location L1, as shown in Figure 16, and with a different flow rate, indi-
cated a higher sound level of 109 dB(A). The sound levels are typically
less than those observed in 2011, with the prior silencer.
Conclusions
In summary, the new silencer performance agrees with predictions,
and was able to meet the design objectives of lower pulsation ampli-
tude and decreased vibration and sound levels. CT2
See Appendix and references at: ct2.co/references

COMPRESSORtech 2
201704CTA3148_EGRC_2017Show_HH.indd 1
APRIL 2017 59
3/10/17 5:08 PM
 2
3 Scheduled Downtime DJ SLATER, PUZZLEMASTER

4 Visit www.compressortech2.com/scheduled-downtime/ for answers

7 5
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Prime Movers
Air Liquide
Air Liquide has commissioned the worlds largest hydro-
gen storage facility in an underground storage cavern in
Beaumont, Texas, the company said.
The cavern is more than 4900 ft. (1500 m) deep and
has a diameter of nearly 230 ft. (70 m). It can hold enough
hydrogen to backup a large-scale steam methane reformer
unit for 30 days.
Hydrogen is used in the refining process to desulfurize
fuels for compliance with environmental regulations. Hydro-
gen is also used in the production of polyurethanes (foams),
polycarbonates for nylons and textiles and has been used
as a fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles.
Capstone Turbine
BPC Engineering, Capstone Turbines distributor in Belarus
and Russia, has secured an order for three C1000 microtur-
bines. The natural gas-fueled microturbines will be installed
in a combined heat and power application at a Belaru-
sian greenhouse in the Minsk region. BPC and Capstone
recently entered into a new three-year distribution agree-
ment for Belarus and Russia.
According to a clean energy technology assessment
methodology study by the International Energy Administra-
tion, Belarus has an opportunity to leapfrog energy intensive
phases of economic development due to the availability of
affordable energy efficiency technologies.
Jim Mugford, president, Electromechanical and Pump Ser-
vices. However, the new facility allows us to expand and
pursue our strategy for regional growth. In addition to the
increased workshop size, we are also investing in addi-
tional test, measurement and precision machine tools for
completing modifications, repairs and upgrades to both Sul-
zer and third-party pumps. We will also be able to capitalize
on synergies by being located adjacent to our Sulzer elec-
tromechanical services facility, which provides solutions
by offering customers a one-stop service for both electric
motors and pumps.
GE
GE received contracts to supply eight integrated com-
pressor line (ICL) units (up to 14 MW) to two European
energy operators. The units will help Open Grid Europe
and Trans Austria Gasleitung GmbH transport natural gas
across Europe, GE said.
The ICL compression system incorporates a high-speed
electric motor and a centrifugal compressor in a single
sealed casing. The system also features active magnetic
bearings, allowing it to run without lubrication.
The ICL design removes the gearbox, the lube oil system
and seal systems. GE Oil & Gas technology makes up the
ICL system, which features electric engineering from GE
Energy Connections.

Sulzer
Sulzer has begun construction of a new pump services
facility in Pasadena, Texas, with the goal of increasing its
North American network. The building is to be next door to
Sulzers electromechanical service center and will serve as
regional headquarters for pump services in the Americas.
The facility is due to open in late fall of this year, and, accord-
ing to Sulzer, will provide 24/7/365 guaranteed support and
repair techniques to minimize turn-around time for customers.
Our current Houston facility has served us well, said

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2016 61

Advertisers Index
*Further information on this companys products can be found in the 2016 Edition of the Diesel & Gas Turbine Sourcing Guide
(at www.Dieselandgasturbineguide.net) and/or 2017 Compression Technology Sourcing Supplement (at www.CTSSnet.net).

ACI Services Inc. .......................................................... 29 Flender Graffenstaden S.A.S. ....................................... 39

Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers ......................................... 55 FW Murphy Production Controls ................... Fourth Cover
Altronic LLC ..............................................................10-11 HOERBIGER .................................................................. 53
*ARIEL Corporation ........................................................... 1 Howden.......................................................................... 27
ARMCO Compressor Products Corp. ............. Third Cover KB Delta Compressor Valve Parts, Mfg. ..................32-33
Bently Bearings.............................................................. 28
*MAN Diesel & Turbo ........................................................ 7
The BG Service Co., Inc. .............................................. 31
*MHI Compressor Intl ........................................................ 5
*Burckhardt Compression AG
Modulift .......................................................................... 45
............................. Compressor Specs-At-A-Glance Insert
Compressor Products International ............................... 57 MOTORTECH GmbH ..................................................... 19

Continental Controls ...................................................... 23 *Neuman & Esser Group ................................................. 15

Cook Compression ........................................................ 37 Reynolds French ............................................................ 41

DCL International Inc. ................................................... 49 Shockwatch .................................................................. 17

*Dresser-Rand ................................................................. 51 *Solar Turbines Incorporated .......................................... 25

E Instruments International ............................................ 52 STASSKOL GmbH .......................................................... 9

Eastern Gas Compression Roundtable (EGCR) ............ 59 Summit Brand - Kluber Lubrication NA LP .................... 35

*Elliott Group ................................................ Second Cover Testo Inc. ......................................................................... 3

Exline Inc. ..................................................................... 47 Zahroof Valves Inc. ....................................................... 18

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Cornerstones Of Compression story continued from page 64

Worthington HBGG Compressor Rating Summary, c.1969

Stroke Maximum Maximum Maximum Rod Cylinder Bore Approx. Approx.

in. Speed Power Frame Diameter Diameter Weight Length x
(mm) rpm hp (Rod) Load in. in. lb. Width
(kw) lb (mm) (mm) (kg) in.
(kg) (mm)
5.0 39 5500 1.375 2.5 to 6.0 2135 81 x 22
675
(127) (29) (2494) (34.9) (63 to 152) (968) (2057 x 559)
7.0 66 9000 1.625 3.5 to 8.0 2670 97 x 32
514
(178) (49) (4082) (41.3) (89 to 203) (1211) (2463 x 813)
9.0 100 14,000 1.750 3.1 to 10.0 4320 97 x 39
450
(229) (75) (6349) (44.5) (79 to 254) (1959) (2463 x 991)
11.0 170 18,000 2.000 4.5 to 14.0 6580 121 x 43
400
(279) (127) (8163) (50.8) (114 to 356) (2984) (3073 x 1092)
13.0 220 25,000 2.500 5.0 to 17.0 8100 128 x 53
327
(330) (164) (11,338) (63.5) (127 to 432) (3673) (3251 x 1346)

As the U.S. natural gas industry continued to develop,
integral engine-compressors, produced mainly by Cooper-
Bessemer (C-B), Clark Brothers, Ingersoll Rand (IR) and
Worthington, filled most of the industrys needs. During and
after World War II, however, there was a pressing need for
lower cost, portable, skid-mounted, field gas compressors.
Clark, C-B and IR all responded between 1945 and 1947 by
introducing smaller versions of their integrals that could be
packaged on portable skids.
Rather than copying their integral engine-compressor
competitors, Worthington took a different approach for the
field gas market. With decades of experience in building all
sizes and types of compressors for over 100 different gases,
it turned to the reliable old HB, which had enjoyed great
success in air and chemical process applications. Although
the exact timing isnt clear, the model HBGG was introduced
for the field gas gathering market. These compressors were
belt-driven by electric motors or a high-speed gas engine,
such as Roiline, Waukesha and Climax, mounted on por-
table skids with coolers and other accessories.
The HBGG frames were small crankshaft, horizontal
straight-line, single-throw compressors with splash lubrica-
tion. The heavy, one-piece frame with big-machine con-
struction was designed for continuous service. There were
five frame sizes with strokes ranging from 5 to 13 in. (127 to
330 mm). The enclosed, weatherproof frames had an inte-
gral crosshead guide, a one-piece, forged-steel crankshaft
supported by double-row roller bearings, double-crankshaft
counterweights and a forged-steel connecting rod with one-
piece bronze crosshead pin bushing. The split crankpin
bearing had a babbitt-lined cast-iron shell that was shim-
adjustable and replaceable.
For easy access to internals, the frames had a large
cover and an open distance piece, supported by an out-
board support. The oil wiper rings were metallic and the
pressure packing and piston rings were constructed of
Micarta, an early thermoplastic material.
The frame bottom was fully machined for skid mount-
ing, and the crankshaft had shaft extensions for the driving
and cooler fan sheaves. Although the frame internals were
splash lubricated with oil dippers mounted on the connect-
ing rod, a large positive-drive lubricator was provided for
cylinder packing and piston ring lubrication.
The HBGG line evolved to include over 40 standard com-
pressor cylinder sizes for pressures up to 1500 psig (103.4
bar) for single- and two-stage tandem operation. Liners
could reduce cylinder sizes, and reversible clearance plug
heads were available for most cylinders.
For many years, HBGG cylinders used the Laidlaw feather
valves. Worthingtons brochures described them as quiet, ef-
ficient and accessible, with the only moving parts being a
series of almost indestructible stainless-steel strips the
only compressor valve which seats by contact, not impact.
By the early 1960s, Clark, IR, C-B, Superior, Chicago-
Pneumatic and others were gaining success with shorter
stroke high-speed compressors that could be direct con-
nected to gas engines without using belts. Worthington in-
troduced its own versions, the Cub and Super-Cub. These
were more compact, lower cost and had higher power rat-
ings than HBGG frames.
The rated speeds of the HBGG frames were increased
several times throughout the lines history, with the last
known values listed along with a number of other improve-
ments in brochures and data sheets. Improvements includ-
ed a number of cylinder upgrades, ductile iron crossheads
and use of plate valves in place of feather valves in many
of the cylinders. But higher speed separable compressors
were quickly eroding the HBGGs market share, and pro-
duction of all HB models ended by 1980.
In 1985, as the bulk of Worthington had been merged into
McGraw-Edison and then Cooper Industries, the compres-
sor lines were purchased by Dresser Industries. Today, sur-
viving Worthington products are part of the Dresser-Rand
division of Siemens. CT2

COMPRESSORtech2 APRIL 2017 63

 Cornerstones Of Compression
n A portable, skid-mounted, single-throw Worthington HBGG field gas compressor belt-driven by a Roiline gas engine in 1960. These
compressors were prevalent in the gas patch until the development of high-speed separables.
The Worthington HBGG
Gas-Field Compressor
Equipment found place among portable packages
before high-speed separables
BY NORM SHADE
T
he Worthington Co. was more than 50 years old
when it first started building compressors for brew-
eries in 1893. Henry R. Worthington designed and
implemented an automatic reciprocating water pump that
broke the tradition of using a hand pump to feed the steam
engines on boats on the Erie Canal. In 1859, Worthington
perfected a duplex steam feed pump. The following year he
built the first water works engine, which became prevalent
in municipal waterworks operations throughout the U.S. In
1865, the U.S. Navy employed Worthington to design bilge
pumps for various ships commissioned during the Civil
War, including the USS Monitor.
As the company grew, Worthingtons Snow Works began
to manufacture horizontal, double-acting, four-cycle in-
tegral gas engine-compressors for moving natural gas
through pipelines in 1901. Worthington became the largest
manufacturer of that type of engine for several decades.
In 1899, Worthington merged with the Laidlaw-Dunn-
Gordon Co., manufacturers of gas compressors. In 1903,
it merged with the Clayton Air Compressor Works, further
expanding its air and gas compressor business. In 1910,
64 APRIL 2017
Worthington introduced the model HB (for horizontal belt-
driven) compressor, based on Laidlaws design. These were
rugged single-throw horizontal reciprocating compressors.
Laidlaw patented the feather valve in 1912. The unqualified
success of this valve throughout its manufacturing history
was an important factor in attaining Worthingtons leadership
in manufacturing compressors for the next six decades.
Worthingtons compressor business expanded to include
all types and sizes for plant air, mechanical and chemical
processes, and the transmission and distribution of natu-
ral and manufactured gases. Worthington also developed
a wide range of diesel, dual-fuel and gas power engines
throughout its history.
In 1927, demand for the huge horizontal engine-com-
pressors began to wane. Worthington kept up with the mar-
ket by designing the first angle-type integral gas engine-
compressor with vertical power cylinders and horizontal
compressors. Many other large reciprocating engine and
compressor innovations followed over the decades. The
company also became prominent in the manufacture of hy-
draulic and steam turbines and pumps.
continued on page 63
COMPRESSORtech2
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to 3625 psi (250 bar)

Bauer Kompressoren to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Blackmer to 1000 psi (69 bar)

Borsig ZM to 2176 psi (150 bar)

Compression GmbH to 14,500 psi (100048bar)

Burckhardt to
4650,760 psi (3500 bar)
Compression AG
Combined Heat & to 1200 psi (83 bar)
Power Inc.
to 319 psi (22 bar)
Comoti
to 435 psi (30 bar)

to 10,000 psi (690 bar)

Elliott Group
to 725 psi (50 bar)

Emerson Process to 400 psi (28 bar)

to 2175 psi (150 bar)

FIMA
to 870 psi (60 bar)

FLSmidth to 300 psi (20 bar)

FS-Elliott to 350 psi (24 bar)

Garo to 1305 psi (90 bar)

GEA to 754 psi (52 bar)

to 14,500 psi (100023bar)

GE Oil & Gas to
2250,760 psi (3500 bar)

to 6500 psi (448 bar)

to 1305 psi (90 bar)

Hanwha Techwin
to 728 psi (50 bar)

Haug Sauer to 4351 psi (300 bar)

Kompressoren AG
to 10,000 psi (689 bar)
Hitachi Ltd.
to 35,30013psi (2413 bar)

Hofer 11 to 90,000 psi (6000 bar)

Howden BC Compressors to 43,500

9 psi (3000 bar)

Howden BC to 870 psi (0 to 60 bar)

Compressors Ltd.
Howden Process to 29 psi (2 bar)
Compressors
Howden Thomassen to 8700 psi (600 bar)
Compressors B.V.
Hycomp Inc. to 1500 psi (103 bar)

Centrifugal
Reciprocating/Rotary
Turboexpanders
 COMPRESSOR
Dedicated To Gas Compression Products & Applications

100,000
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
PSI
0
to 610 psi (42 bar)
Ingersoll Rand
to 1500 psi (103 bar)

Kobelco Compressors to 5000 psi (345 bar)

America Inc. to 15,000 psi (1034 bar)

Knox Western to 6000 psi (413 bar)

L.A. Turbine to 3000 psi (206 bar)

LeROI-RCT to 2500 psi (172 bar)

LMF to 10,150 psi (700 bar)

to 14,500 psi (1000 bar)

MAN Diesel to 725 psi (50 bar)
& Turbo SE
to 348 psi (24 bar)

Mayekawa to 750 psi (52 bar)

Mehrer Kompressoren to 14,504 psi (1000 bar)

GmbH & Co.
Mitsubishi to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Mitsui Engineering to 9400 psi (648 bar)

& Shipbuilding to 21,200 psi (1462 bar)

Natural Gas to 3050 psi (210 bar)

Services Group/SCS
Neuman & Esser to 90,000 psi (6000 bar)

Pedro Gil S.A. to 29 psi (2 bar)

RIX Industries to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Ro-Flo Compressors to 150 psi (10 bar)

RotorComp to 247 psi (17 bar)

Verdichter GmbH
SAFE S.p.A. to 4351 psi (300 bar)

Sauer Compressors to 7250 psi (500 bar)

Sertco to 500 psi (34 bar)

Siad Macchine to 8700 psi (600 bar)

Implanti S.p.A.
to 15,000 psi (1034 bar)
Siemens to 12,500 psi (861 bar)
Dresser-Rand Business
to 300 psi (21 bar)

Solar Turbines to 3750 psi (259 bar)

to 7252 psi (500 bar)

Sumy NPO, PJSC
to 3626 psi (250 bar)

to 4000 psi (275 bar)

Sundyne
to 16,750 psi (1115 bar)

Vilter Manufacturing LLC to 950 psi (66 bar)

to 600 psi (41 bar)

York/Frick (JCI)
to 348 psi (24 bar)

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