6/14/2014 Turboexpander Lubricant problems..

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Mohammad
CMRP,
MLA1
posted 31 March 2011 04:02 AM
We at our Gas plant are having issues with the turboexpander
lubricant (Turbo T 100) getting low viscosity and low flash point due
to gas contamination in the lubricated bearings. This has caused
several bearing failures in past years. I have come to know that this
is a common problem with many other operators for the lubricated
bearings of turboexpanders.
We are replacing the contaminated lubricant on frequent basis to
avoid failures.
Although new turboexpanders are manufactured using non
lubricated bearings, i.e. magnetic bearings, however we have to find
a solution for the old units.
Can others share their experience and ways to resolve this issue ?
Regards
Mohammad
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mohammad CMRP,
MLA1, 31 March 2011 04:18 AM

Posts: 150 | Location: Muscat, Oman | Registered: 07 May
2005
turb1
posted 02 April 2011 11:10 AM Hide Post
What is the MW of the seal gas? Is it possible to find a leaner source
of seal gas?
The higher the operating pressure of the lube oil reservoir and the
heavier MW of seal gas the worse the lube oil dilution will be.
Does the machine have any mechanical issues (ie high vibration or
high bearing temperature)?
6/14/2014 Turboexpander Lubricant problems.. - Topic
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Posts: 5 | Location: CA, USA | Registered: 01 April 2011
Valve
posted 03 April 2011 12:54 AM Hide Post
is it the separation gas or the process gas that contaminating the
bearing oil?

Posts: 488 | Location: Jubail, KSA | Registered: 09 August
2006
William_C._Foiles
posted 06 April 2011 09:18 AM Hide Post
This is an area where magnetic bearings can have an
advantage.
Regards,
Bill

Posts: 2919 | Location: Houston, TX USA | Registered:
23 February 2005
turb1
posted 06 April 2011 11:10 PM Hide Post
While true that magnetic bearing machines will not have lube oil
dilution or process contamination issues, they can have problems as
well.
The first applications of magnetic bearing machines were all in low
MW, low pressure ethylene processing applications due to the high
cost of lube oil contamination in the process. As they are applied to
high pressure, high MW (and high density) applications they can have
issues.
Magnetic bearings are not very stiff, with higher density process
gases the forces on the rotor are much higher and can become an
issue. Also, all turboexpander manufacturers are at the mercy of the
magnetic bearing supplier and the tuning loops that they can provide.
This can add another level of complexity when there is an issue and it
needs to be resolved quickly.
Given Mohammad's location, I am guessing that his machine is fairly
high pressure (hence the lube oil dilution issue) and also potentially
sour/wet which is not a good combination for magnetic bearings.

Posts: 5 | Location: CA, USA | Registered: 01 April 2011
Mohammad
CMRP,
MLA1
posted 13 April 2011 02:48 PM Hide Post
William / turb1,
Thanks for your inputs.
Last week the T/expander OEM, Mafi Trench recommended us to
use Synthetic lube Oil ISO VG 46 for our application. The key
benefit of Synthetic lubricant is due to its thermal stability, since
this machine is subjected to higher bearing temps.
Regards
Mohammad
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Posts: 150 | Location: Muscat, Oman | Registered: 07 May
2005
Valve
posted 21 April 2011 03:52 AM Hide Post
Mohammad,
I thought you have issue on gas contamination into lube oil. What did
mafi told you about the issue? Yes, we all aware that syntetic oil is
superior than mineral in many ways. but you are still living with the
issue right? the only changes you will see is reduction in oil change
frequency. you can just hope the frequency reduction will be
significant

Posts: 488 | Location: Jubail, KSA | Registered: 09 August
2006
RELI
PREDICT
posted 19 May 2011 05:37 PM Hide Post
Some vaccum dehydration carts can help in getting rid of dissolved
ligher hydrocarbons and keeps oil clean. which can provide a extended
drain intervals.
Synthetic shall help to improve the situation.

Posts: 64 | Location: Kuwait | Registered: 31 May 2008
Eric L
posted 20 May 2011 08:24 AM Hide Post
We have special purpose built equipment to remove hydrocarbons
from lube oil. Please contact me at my email address for further
information.

Posts: 38 | Location: SE USA | Registered: 10 July 2010

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