Multidisciplinary Teamwork Identifies a Machine Performance Issue in an Ethylene Process Gas Compressor

The Process Gas Compressor (PGC) is one of the most critical pieces of operating equipment in the ethylene manufacturing process.
When there is a problem associated with the PGC the required actions can have significant financial impacts. (reducing rates, applying expensive solvents/additives, unplanned outage, ect.)
It is very important to quickly identify machine asset performance issues and apply the proper solutions to the identified issues.
In this case, a multidisciplinary team from Huntsman and SUEZ jointly identified a mechanical issue within the 2nd/3rd stage case by reviewing/evaluating the thermodynamic, aerodynamic, rotor dynamic, auxiliary equipment and mechanical performance vs. design.