Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
(OP)
We have new centrifugal pump and compressor, which are mechanically ready for placing in light hydrocarbon service. In short, the compressor will compress the propane gas and condense it through fin-fan cooler where the pump pumps the liquefied propane for further treatment.
My question is: how can I test or verify that the compressor or pumps are really ready for receiving the propane and no leaks or safety problems could happen when introducing the propane for the 1st time into these equipments?
Many thanks for your usual help
My question is: how can I test or verify that the compressor or pumps are really ready for receiving the propane and no leaks or safety problems could happen when introducing the propane for the 1st time into these equipments?
Many thanks for your usual help





RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
what about the pumps?
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer
http://www.pdo.co.om/pdoweb/
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
Now you should have a system with low pressure propane in it. Next, I'd bring in some liquid propane on a truck and fill the accumulator 20%. Turn the comprssors on with the recycle valve open and have the fans running. As you close the recycle valve, the pressure will rise to the accumulator pressure and the suction pressure will drop to the suction minimum pressure set pressure. Don't fully close the recycle valve if the minimum flow (or minimum suction pressure) control valve wasn't design for 100% recycle.
Check for leaks again, especilally round the isolation valves or isolation flanges and you drains. Watch temps and press on everything, including driver oil pressure or amps, or whatever.
Do the same with the pumps, close the discharge and make sure the minumum flow loop is open after you have purged like above. Close the dischage valve 95% (I like that because at 100% the valve may stick at firs), then hit the start button. watch for leaks and process conditions.
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
Should I turn on the compressor with inert gas or through external pressure source (hydrotest)?
thanks all
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service
others have posted good suggestions about starting a propane refrigeration system. I would highly recommend that you consult with the designer of the propane refrigeration system and obtain their input. a responsible designer should have the necessary technical skills to prepare the system comissioning, start-up, shutdown, and operational manual.
Having a competent, saavy, and knowledgeable on-site commissioning engineer(s) is beneficial as well.
Trying to start a propane refrigeration system without a commissioning/start-up manual is not good at all! there are many parameters to observe, not to mention operating and learning the control systems.
Good luck!
-pmover
RE: Rotating Equipment Verification In Preparation for Service