Equipment Knowledge Archives

Equipment Knowledge

Prevent Flange Leaks with Proper Bolting Practices

Prevent flange leaks with proper bolting practices. Bolts and gaskets behave like springs and unless flange bolts and nuts are properly tensioned the flange will leak. The correct tightening torque depends on bolt diameter, material of construction, process pressure and bolt fabrication.

Equipment Knowledge

Protecting Cooling Water Systems – Part 2

Cooling systems are vital and integral components at thousands of industrial plants. Properly designed and operated chemical treatment systems, preventive maintenance of such, and monitoring are absolutely critical to minimize failures that otherwise may cause partial or full plant outages. In the next three parts of this series, we will examine the water-side issues of microbiological fouling, scale formation, and corrosion that require attention during both the design and operation of open-recirculating cooling systems like those discussed in Part 1 of this series.

Equipment Knowledge

Protecting Cooling Water Systems – Part 1

In Part 1 of this series, we will examine some of the most important components of cooling towers, and from that will build upon issues that can affect cooling system performance and operation. One of the later installments will address closed cooling water systems.

Equipment Knowledge

High-efficiency SynRM motors, a game changer in potentially explosive environments

Safety is critical in this industry, especially for applications in potentially explosive environments. Introducing the new IE5 SynRM Increased Safety motors represents a game changer, giving chemical manufacturers access to the most energy-efficient motor and drive technology. The new motors offer up to 40 percent lower energy losses than commonly used IE3 motors while meeting stringent safety standards.

Equipment Knowledge

The Benefits of Floating HRSG Duct Liners

The heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) of combined cycle power units utilize the exhaust gas from the combustion turbine(s) to generate steam for additional power production. The harsh environment that exists in HRSG inlet ducts requires careful design/installation of insulation and liner plates. Expansion and contraction issues play a great role in proper design.

Equipment Knowledge

Pump Selection – Key Considerations

Selecting the right pump can pose a significant challenge due to the extensive array of options available for different applications. Each type of pump comes with distinct advantages and disadvantages that necessitate careful evaluation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive overview of prevalent pumping technologies and delve into the limitations associated with pump selection per applications.

Equipment Knowledge

Is Your Wet Scrubbing Tower Working?

Is your scrubbing tower working? A wet scrubbing tower is used to clean odors, particles, mists, and vapors from a gas stream. The gas is forced through the tower. As it moves from inlet to outlet it is washed and cleaned. The washing is done with suitable chemicals that remove the active components in the gas flow. The gas is cleaned to environmentally acceptable levels and discharged to atmosphere.

Condition Monitoring

Diagnosing a Bent Shaft

Diagnosing a bent shaft with vibration analysis is easy to do, especially when you can visualize its movement using 3D animations. Vibration patterns for different faults can look similar to each other. This is why it is always best to start with the machine, consider what faults are most likely and then take data in the proper test points and axes to find the most likely faults. It can get complicated, but 3D animations make it easier to visualize what is going on.

Equipment Knowledge

Experiences with Magnetic Drive Pumps

Magnetic drive pumps (also called magdrive pumps) come in three varieties – canned motor pumps, all metal pumps, and plastic lined metal pumps. They are sealless and cannot leak into the environment. Long, repair-free service life depends on recognizing the limitations of these pumps. This article covers issues with using direct mounted, lined magdrive pumps experienced ‘in the field’.