How Modernization of Reciprocating Compressors Transforms Old Plants Into State of the Art Equipment

Reciprocating Compressors How Modernization of Reciprocating Compressors Transforms Old Plants Into State of the Art Equipment

11.03.2014Author / Editor: Andreas Zeiff, Hervé Ferraris / Dominik Stephan

Old or new? Many times that is the question. In general, old equipment no longer operates economically and also has an unnecessarily adverse impact on the environment. On the other hand, new machinery requires a high level of investment and takes up significant resources. Especially in the case of reciprocating compressors, customer-specific modernization is an attractive alternative.

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REE audit at a refinery: If a well-planned lifetime extension is carried out by means of modernization, the plant can usually be put back into operation much faster than is the case if new equipment has to be purchased and installed.
(Picture: Hoerbiger)

In many areas of technology, reciprocating compressors are now the method of choice for compressing a wide variety of gases. Since this is a robust technology, and advances are continually being made, older plants do not always match up to the state of the art. In this area, the reciprocating compressor specialist Hoerbiger offers the possibility of transforming old compressors into state of the art machinery, and thus improving their reliability.

The reconditioning of the basic components, such as rings, packings or valves, in conjunction with premium design and materials, makes it possible to tailor the machinery specifically to the individual needs of the user, while at the same time ensuring that the plant, rejuvenated by the new technology, is equipped for a long service life.

Reciprocating Compressor Requirements in Practice

The requirements on reciprocating compressors are as different as their areas of application. In oil and gas production for example, one often has to contend with the harshest of environmental conditions Depending on the installation site, it may also be impossible to avoid gas impurities and corrosive gases such as damp CO₂ and H₂S. Under such circumstances, modern components with proven high reliability offer significant savings in terms of maintenance and operation of the equipment.

How to Achieve Optimised Geometry for High–Speed Compressors

Particularly in the case of high-speed compressors, profiled CP plate valves offer optimised seat geometry with an extra-large flow cross-section, thus increasing throughput compared to conventional valves. Moreover, the flow-optimised geometry of channels, plate and seat largely prevents any build-up of deposits. Retrofitting with profiled plate valves enables existing compressor systems to operate more efficiently and more reliably, even at an increased production capacity. From a logistical point of view, overhauling on site is also more cost-effective than an expensive new installation.

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