COMK/MARK 762/II - Studio Tre Fasi 11/2002

GE Power Systems
Oil & Gas
Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.
Via Felice Matteucci, 2
50127 Florence - Italy
Tel. +39-055-423211
Fax +39-055-4232800
e-mail: info.geoil&gas@np.ge.com
www.gepower.com/geoilandgas
GE Power Systems
Oil & Gas
SRL Centrifugal Compressors for Air and Process Gas
Nuovo Pignone started production - Number of stages - Superior Operation
of overhung-impeller centrifugal - Shaft rotational speed - High efficiency and reliability
compressors (SRL) in 1966. The first - Diameter of impellers - High compression ratio
unit with an integral gear was - Wide range of flow rate
- Height of impeller blades
completed in 1979. - Optimum rotor balance for low
- Exchange surface of coolers
With their simple, compact structure vibration level
and excellent reliability, SRL
compressors are especially suited to Advantages of SRL Compressors - Absence of Lube Oil in Process
a wide range of heavy duty - Simplicity of Installation Gas
applications with air, steam and - Unit prepackaged and tested at factory - Advanced seal system options
other gases such as those employed - No special foundations required available
in the Petrochemical Industry.
The high efficiency, reliability and
operational flexibility of the SRL line
of compressors is the result of the
advanced centrifugal compressor
design achieved through: extensive
experience with machines in service
all over the world; continuous
improvement of the aerodynamic
and mechanical design; use of
sophisticated computer design
codes; advanced manufacturing
processes; and innovative R&D
programs. Customers benefit from
Nuovo Pignone’s advanced
technology through improvement in
plant productivity.
The custom-built compressors in this
line are individually engineered to
meet each customer’s specific
needs using proven standardized
components. SRL compressors
combine the advantages of custom-
built machines (maximum efficiency,
layout flexibility, materials selection
etc.) and standardization (proven,
reliable components; availability of
spare parts).
The SRL compressor series comes
in a range of sizes. For each size the
baseplate, gearbox, stage volutes,
cooler shells, oil and gas piping and
auxiliaries are standardized.
Machines can be produced to meet
the individual requirements of each
application through appropriate
selection of key design factors
including:

©2002 Nuovo Pignone S.p.A. all rights reserved

(Any use or reproduction even if partial is prohibited without a specific written authorization)

2
SRL Centrifugal Compressors for Air and Process Gas
- Ease of Maintenance (electric motor, steam or gas Package concept
- Designed for maintainability turbine, gas or diesel engine) SRL compressors are usually
- Accessibility of components mounted on a single base together
• Oil-free gas delivery system with all auxiliaries (e.g. oil pumps, oil
reservoir, control instruments) and
SRL design options • Automatic capacity control are delivered fully assembled and
•Single or multi-shaft models and safety system to reliably tested. Outstanding reliability,
match any operating condition ruggedness, low installation and
• Direct or gear (integral or operating cost, plus ease of
separate) driven • Auxiliary systems to meet maintenance are the key features of
international standards and
these packages which are especially
• Fixed or variable speed drivers customer specifications
designed for heavy-duty continuous
service.
The packages are usually installed
outdoors and can be fully automated
for remote control.

Compressor nomenclature
Casing sizes and number of impellers
are indicated in the compressor
designation by the digits following
the compressor model. For example,
SRL 806 is the designation for a six
stage compressor, size 800. The
letter D before the compressor
designation indicates a double flow
configuration. (DSRL)

SRL 1001 Propane compressor for

Qatar

3
Compressor Components
CASINGS - two cover flanges (suction and 1
Welded casings driver side). The seal area, is contained
Welded casings consist of the in the driver side cover and all the
following parts: vent/supply channels to the seal are
- a scroll with the delivery nozzle in drilled in the cover. The shaft support
a tangential position is overhung and bolted to the driver
- an end cover that can be bolted side cover
either to a gearbox casing or to a - a diaphragm that shrouds the impeller
shaft support (the end cover - a suction duct that guides flow to
contains the seal area; all the the impeller’s leading edge
vent/supply channels to the seal - a discharge diffuser (vaneless or
are drilled in the cover) vaned)
- a suction duct to guide the flow - an aerodynamic internal volute.
through the impeller’s leading edge
2
- a diaphragm that shrouds the impeller Cast casings
- a discharge diffuser (vaneless or Cast casings are normally used for
vaned). standard air and steam machines, but
The scroll is generally fixed to the end may also be adopted for low-pressure
cover with a simple split locking ring process gas applications. They consist
that allows easy disassembly.

Forged casings
Forged casings are used for small
diameter impellers and for high design 3
pressures, and consist primarily of two
pieces:
- a scroll (produced from a single forging);
- a diaphragm (with the dual
function of suction duct and
discharge diffuser).
The scroll can be bolted either to a
gearbox casing or to a shaft support.
It contains the seal area; all the vent/supply
channels to the seal are drilled in the
casing.
The diaphragm shrouds the impeller
and the discharge diffuser (vaned or
vaneless type) is machined into it. The 4
diaphragm is fixed to the scroll by
means of bolts or for very high of the following main components:
pressures with shear rings. - a cast scroll
- an end cover that can be bolted
Fabricated casings either to a gearbox casing or to a
Fabricated casings are selected for shaft support
large single impeller, directly driven - a discharge diffuser (vaned or vaneless);
compressors, and consist of the - a suction duct
1 - Welded casing
following parts: - a diaphragm that shrouds the impeller.
2 - Forged casings
- one external housing (with the The scroll is generally fixed to the end 3 - Fabricated casing with internals
delivery nozzle welded in a flange with a simple split locking ring during assembly
tangential position) that allows easy disassembly. 4 - Cast casings

4
Compressor Components
INLET GUIDE VANES placed at the inlet of the stage. IMPELLERS
The Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) system The blades can rotate around their All impellers used in Nuovo Pignone
allows wide capacity control of the aerodynamic center in order to give centrifugal compressors come from a
compressor with reduced energy the suction flow a pre-swirl that number of standard families. Each
losses. guarantees an optimum incidence family contains a set of geometrically
IGVs consist of a row of angle with the impeller’s leading edge similar impellers with different flow
aerodynamically shaped blades even at reduced flows, minimizing coefficients to match flow
inlet losses. requirements. All geometries have
been tested in the company’s R & D
1 THE DISCHARGE DIFFUSER laboratory.
The discharge diffuser can be either The following types of impellers are
vaneless or vaned (DGV). used on SRL compressors:
Vaned diffusers are used for high - semi-open, 3D impellers for
Mach number machines to reduce high Mach number applications
thermodynamic losses in the very high and/or when high tip speeds are
speed impeller exit flow. needed (mainly air and steam
applications);
- closed 3D impellers for lower-head,
high flow applications;
- closed 2D impellers for small flow
stages (ie, small process
compressors or last stages of high
2 discharge pressure machines).
Semi-open type impellers are
machined from heat-treated, solid
forgings so that both the hub and
blades are of uniform strength. Closed
impellers are welded to the shroud.
Cast impellers may be used for
special applications.
The blades are generally backswept
to different angles in accordance with
the required performance.
Each impeller is dynamically balanced
and overspeed tested before
3 assembly; the shafts are then
4
dynamically re-balanced at low speed
with the impeller mounted.
Nuovo Pignone has acquired vast
experience in manufacturing open
and closed impellers with a large
variety of materials such as carbon
steel or stainless steels (ASTM A 705
gr. 630, X12 Cr 13), materials to
NACE requirements or special
materials (Titanium, INCONEL 718 or
INCONEL 625).
1 - Vaned diffuser
2 - Fully open inlet guide vanes
3 - Rotor assembly during balancing

5
Compressor Components
SHAFTS - Gear meshing: The gear unit can be 1 - 3D Semi-open impeller
Unless the compressor is integrally rated in accordance with AGMA or 2 - Support casing with shaft
geared, the shaft is machined from a with API Codes. The toothed portion 3 - Gearbox for a 6-stage electric motor
driven SRL 806 compressor
single forging of 40NiCrMo7 of pinions is integrally forged with
4 - Gearbox for a 4-stage steam turbine
(AISI 4340). The impeller can be the shaft. The bull gear is shrunk on driven (direct input) DSRL 504
overhung mounted at the end of the the low speed shaft. compressor
shaft by means of a frontal Hirth - Shafts: The shafts are sized to
coupling, by a flange (for high speed transmit the gear rated power within
applications), or hydraulically fitted the stress limits of AGMA Codes.
with a tapered coupling. Thrust collars They are made of one-piece, heat
can be either replaceable or treated forged or hot-rolled alloy
non-replaceable. steel, and the entire length of the 1
shaft is machined. Nuovo Pignone
SUPPORT CASING will take complete responsibility
The support casing of the compressor for the lateral and torsional
(except for the Integrally Geared type) analysis of the entire train. 2
contains the compressor journal and - Radial bearings: The radial
thrust bearings. The journal bearings bearings are of the hydrodynamic
are of the hydrodynamic fluid film fluid film, tilting-pad type for the
type, tilting pad type for higher high speed shaft and fixed profile
speeds, or built to Customer type for the low speed shaft.
specifications. The bearings are split for
The bearings are split for ease of ease of assembly, equipped
assembly, equipped with anti-rotation with anti-rotation pins and are
pins and are firmly secured in the firmly secured in the axial direction.
axial direction. The bearing design suppresses
The bearing design suppresses hydrodynamic instabilities and 3
hydrodynamic instabilities and provides sufficient damping to
provides sufficient damping to limit limit rotor vibrations while the
rotor vibrations while the compressor compressor is operating,
is operating (either loaded or loaded or unloaded, at the
unloaded) at the specified operating specified operating speed.
speed. The thrust bearings are of the - Thrust bearings: The thrust
tilting pad type designed for equal bearings are designed for equal
thrust capacity in both directions and thrust capacity in both directions,
sized for continuous operation under and are sized for continuous
all specified conditions including all operation under all specified
forces transmitted by the coupling or conditions including all
4
by the impeller. external forces transmitted by the
couplings or by the gear mesh.
INTEGRAL GEARBOX The thrust bearings of high speed
The integral gearbox consists of a bull shafts can be the thrust collar type
gear and high speed pinions, with a (standard for multi-stage
single-helical gear mesh. compressors) or the tilting pad type
- Casing: The gearbox casing is for single impeller shafts with high
horizontally split. The lower part is axial thrust. Thrust bearings of low
fixed to the baseplate and the speed shafts are generally the
compressor stages are fixed to it. hydrodynamic tapered land type
The gearbox casings can be either (a tilting pad arrangement
cast or fabricated. can be supplied on request).

6
Compressor Components
SHAFT ARRANGEMENT solution) or by a turbine (gas or - Dry gas seals: Used when treated
With Integrally Geared compressors, steam); the number of pinions can gases cannot be discharged, into
many shaft arrangements are possible vary (depending on the size of the the atmosphere.
in order to suit the required duty. In stage casings) from one to four. Seals can be supplied in several
particular, the bull-gear can be driven configurations:
directly by an electric motor (standard SEALS 1. A tandem seal ring with
The following types of seals can be intermediate labyrinth.
installed on SRL compressors: 2. A tandem seal ring without
- Labyrinth seals: Commonly used intermediate labyrinth.
when non-toxic gases are handled or 3. A double (face to face)
when operating pressures are low. arrangement.
The seal material can be either 4. A single ring arrangement.
aluminium alloy or stainless steel. 5. Single, tandem or double
arrangement with carbon ring
third-stage seal (in order to limit
nitrogen buffer gas consumption).
The face of the seal’s rotating ring
is recessed over more than 50
percent of its surface by grooves
from 7.5 to 10 micrometers in
depth etched into the face
material. They extend to the dam
against which the process gas
forms a seal.
The grooves are the key to non-
contact operation of the seal. They
2 serve two vital functions: 1. Provide
hydrostatic separation of the sealing
faces (utilizing only the pressure of
the process gas, without rotation of
the seal). 2. Generate a pumping
action due to viscous drag through
the gas, thus creating hydrodynamic
separating forces between the
faces, or lift-off.
- Oil mechanical seals: Supplied for
special types of service in which
polymerization of the gas is possible
4 and no clean buffer gas is available,
or at the customer’s request.
Seals are supplied in easily
replaceable cartridges.

Typical seal arrangement

1 - Labyrinth seal
2 - Tandem dry gas seal
3 - Double dry gas seal
4 - Mechanical oil seal

7
Auxiliaries
Lube oil system 1 - Typical API 614 lube oil system 2 - Typical API 672 lube oil system
A force-fed lube oil system ensures diagram diagram
that the journal and thrust bearings are 1
properly lubricated. The system can LSL
LAL

be designed compliant with either API 7

8
FG
6 6 LG

614 or API 672 and is suitable for PDAH

PDISH

PAL PALL
PCV
continuous compressor operation. TO
RESERVOIR

PI
PSL PSL

It generally consists of: TAH

TSH
TI

PI

•
5 5
oil reservoir TO
COMPRESSOR

• steam turbine or electric motor LEGEND

1 - Oil reservoir
driven pumps (the main pump TI PCV

2 - Suction strainer
3 - Oil pump
can also be driven by the PAH
4 - Relief valve
PSH
5 - Oil cooler
compressor/gearbox low speed PI
4 4 PI 6 - Oil filter
LAL
7 - Oil accumulator
shaft) MECHAN.
DRIVEN
3
3 8 - Run-down tank
LSL EH
- Locally mounted
• full-flow oil coolers 2 2
instrument
- Panel mounted
• twin oil filter allowing cartridges to TSHL
1
FROM
COMPRESSOR
instrument
LG - Level glass
be changed during operation TI LG
LSL - Low level switch
LAL - Low level alarm
• automatic by-pass valve to control PI - Pressure indicator
PCV - Pressure control
oil pressure at the bearing manifold PAL PALL
valve
2 PSL - Low pressure
• monitoring and safety instrumentation. PDAH
PDISH
6 6 PSL PSL
switch
PAL - Low pressure
alarm and stand-by
The lube oil console can be either on PI

TO
COMPRESSOR pump start-up
PSLL - Minimum pressure
a separate skid or integrated on the TAH switch
TSH
PALL - Minimum pressure
main baseplate with the machine. PI

shut-down
5 5
PSH - High pressure
switch
PAH - High pressure
Seal oil system PCV alarm
TI
PDISH - High diff. pressure
The seal oil system supplies filtered oil LAL
PI indicator and switch
PDAH - High diff. pressure
to the mechanical seals at the correct 4 4
PI
alarm
LG LSL EH MECHAN. TI - Temperature
pressure and temperature, and can be DRIVEN
3 3
indicator
TSH - High temperature
either derived from the lube oil system FROM
COMPRESSOR
TAH - High temperature
TSHL
alarm
or completely separate. TI 2 2
1 TSHL - High/low
temperature switch
The system is designed in accordance FG - Flow glass

with API 614 and is suitable for

continuous compressor operation.
It generally consists of: 3
LEGEND

• oil reservoir 1 - Oil reservoir

2 - Oil pump
3 - Relief valve
PDCV

• electric motor driven pumps 4 - Oil cooler

5 - Oil filter TSH
BUFFER
GAS

• full-flow oil coolers 6 -Seal OiI Trap

7 -Degassing tank
PDISL
PDCV

M TO OIL

• twin filter allowing cartridges to be

PDAL RESERVOIR
- Locally mounted
instrument
TO COMPRESSOR

- Panel mounted
changed during operation instrument
SUCTION

PDALL
PDSL
LG - Level glass PDAH

• Overhead tank with level or LSL - Low level switch

LAL - Low level alarm
PI - Pressure indicator
TAH

PDISH PDAL
PDISL
S

pressure control PDCV - Diff. pressure control

TSH
5
valve

• automatic seal oil traps PDISL- Diff. pressure indicator

and switch
PDAL - Low diff. pressure 5 5
TI 5
I
TO OIL
RESERVOIR

• monitoring and safety instrumentation. alarm

PDALL- Low diff. pressure
shut-down
LG FG

The seal oil console can be either on a PDISH - High diff. pressure
6 T

indicator and switch

separate skid or integrated on the PDAH - High diff. pressure LAL PI PI
FROM SEAL

FROM SEAL

alarm 3 3
TI - Temperature LG LSL EH

indicator 2 2
I M
TSH - High temperature
switch
TAH - High temperature TSHL

alarm 1 7
TSHL - High/low
temperature switch
FG - Flow glass

3 - Typical seal oil diagram

8
Auxiliaries
• top level diagram
• unit controls to start / stop and
control the compressor, auxiliary
motors and heaters (with status
display)
• process data monitoring (pressure,
temperature, level)
• alarm display
• shutdown display
• surge controller monitoring
• hour meter
• event recorder.
If field instrumentation includes
analogue signals from pressure and
1

PI

PCV

G SEAL GAS
FOR START UP

PDI PAH
PIT PI
PI PI
PAL I
PDIT

Dry gas seal system

PDAH
PDI
FI
PDI
PI
PI PI
LEGEND
The dry gas seal control system FO PCV A - Impeller
L3 BUFFER/
PURGE GAS B - Balancing line
supplies filtered gas (either process or PI
C - Seal gas
E - Purge
FO PAH
PIT PI
E1 - Buffer
other clean gas) and nitrogen buffer gas PAL I
E2 - Purge
Po C E1 E F - Increasing speed gear
to the dry gas seals at the correct L1 - Primary vent
L2 - Secondary vent
F S - Frame
pressure. The system is designed based A - Locally mounted
instrument
- Panel mounted
on Nuovo Pignone’s extensive experience S
instrument
- Function on PLC and
with this type of sealing system. B L1 L2 L3
FI
display (I.O.P.)
- Flow indicator
FO - Flow orifice
It generally consists of: L3 TO SAFE AREA PCV - Pressure control valve
PIT PI
PAHH I PDIC - Pressure differential

• twin filters allowing cartridges to be

PDI
PDAH I
indicator controller
PDIT - Pressure differential
indicator transmitter
changed during operation
PDIT PDIT
PDI - Pressure differential
indicator
PIT - Pressure indicator
• control valves for adequate L3 TO FLARE

PI
transmitter
- Pressure indicator
buffering of the seals 2
• monitoring and safety instrumentation
The seal gas system can be either on
a separate console or integrated on Compressor control panel temperature transmitters, the operator
the main baseplate with the machine. The control panel implements the interface can perform additional
compressor start/stop sequence logic, functions:
3 alarm annunciator sequence logic, • operating parameter display
capacity control logic etc. • PLC set point adjustment
The PLC is programmed prior to • trend recording of process data
shipment and includes a serial The compressor vibration monitoring
communication interface RS422 with system is also located on the control
Modbus protocol for connection to a panel.
supervision and control system
(i.e. DCS, PC, telemaintenance etc.).
1 - Dry gas seal control panel for a
The control panel front includes a
4 stage SRL 254 compressor
video terminal connected to the PLC, 2 - Typical tandem dry gas seal system
which provides the following functions diagram
organized in pages: 3 - Typical control panel

9
General
OPERATION CONTROL TEST FACILITIES Full-load, full-pressure tests (including
The following methods are available to Compressor components are subject flammable gases) to check rotor
control flow and suction or discharge to a long series of tests in order to stability as well as performance of
pressures under varying process guarantee perfect matching to their machines or complete systems can
conditions: design specifications. Casings are also be carried out.
• compressor speed variation: this submitted to hydraulic or pneumatic A number of outdoor full load test rigs
method is utilized when a compressor pressure testing, depending on the are available at the Florence and Massa
is driven by a variable speed driver type of service. Impellers are checked shops providing Nuovo Pignone
• discharge throttling: a valve is with ultrasonic and dye penetrant Customers with test facilities to meet
fitted in the discharge piping so that liquids. Facilities allow overspeed virtually any need.
pressure at the compressor outlet testing of single impellers.
nozzle may increase while All compressors are mechanically
maintaining the normal value tested before delivery. The test driver
downstream of the valve may be an electric motor, a steam
• suction throttling: a valve is fitted turbine (the test facility is equipped
in the suction piping so that suction with a complete plant for production of
or discharge pressure can be steam at 55 bar and 500°C) or a gas
regulated according to the process turbine.
requirements When Nuovo Pignone supplies a
• adjustable inlet guide vanes: complete compressor unit with motor,
these vanes alter the gas flow steam or gas turbine driver, a string
direction as it enters the mechanical test can be carried
impeller, thus varying the pressure out on the complete train.
ratio and flow of the compressor. Performance testing with air or
These guide vanes can be placed other gases in a closed loop
before each compression stage can also be carried out.
Nuovo Pignone has uprated
ANTISURGE CONTROL and updated its test facilities
Should a flow below the compressor with the construction of a new
surge limit be required a by-pass must test room designed for maximum
be used. Part of the compressed gas flexibility to adapt to various test
is recirculated to raise the compressor conditions and requirements.
suction flow above the surge limit.
The system is standard for all
centrifugal compressors and comes
1 The
into operation as a relief mechanism T
or when other control system options
are not capable of handling excess
flow or pressure.
2
When air or inert gas is being
compressed it may be blown-off to
the atmosphere instead of being
recirculated.

Flow Control:
by adjustable guide vanes
1 - Operation control by suction throttling
by speed variation
2 - Indoor facilities for performance tests
by discharge throttling
or full-load tests with inert gas

10
 General 1 RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT performance prediction in all
Research and Development plays applications.
an important role in Nuovo Pignone’s Advanced knowledge of non-
strategies and therefore receives stationary flow phenomena and high
substantial resources. speed rotor dynamics has led to the
One of the main objectives is unsurpassed reliability and
continuous updating and improvement availability of these machines.
of existing products to extend the state-
of-art in the traditional Oil & Gas QUALITY ASSURANCE
applications such as natural gas, The Nuovo Pignone Quality
fertilizers, methanol, refining and related Assurance group is centered in
chemical industries. Florence and has a staff of over 60
New products are developed driven people stationed throughout the
by customer needs in applications Company’s plants. One of the
2 fundamental duties of the group is
the development of quality standards
and assistance in the correct
application of all quality assurance
processes in all product
development, manufacturing, and
testing operations. Special
laboratories certified by Sinal, are
equipped for measuring mechanical
properties, chemical and optical
emission spectrometric analyses,
that fit within Nuovo Pignone’s fatigue tests and macro and
business strategy and expertise. micrographic examinations (scanning
Research on centrifugal compressors electron microscopy). A calibration
accounts for a substantial portion of room certified by SIT for checking and
the company’s total research activity. calibrating lengths, forces and
Nuovo Pignone’s test laboratory is temperatures is also available.
equipped with a number of advanced Nuovo Pignone’s Quality Assurance
test facilities both for developing and System has been certified to meet

Pride & tuning major compressor components

(stages, seals, bearings) and for
ISO 9001 standards for design,
manufacture, installation and after-
The Commitment performing all kinds of stress, vibration
and rotor dynamic investigations.
sales service of centrifugal
compressors, centrifugal pumps,
Besides testing, continuous effort is reciprocating compressors, gas and
dedicated to development and steam turbines, gas expanders, heat
improvement of analytical tools used exchangers and pressure vessels by
in the fluid dynamic, structural and Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance
rotor dynamic design of components Ltd., one of the most authoritative
and complete compressors. international certification
Many years of analytical and organizations.
experimental research work on
components has led to establishing a
wide selection of standardized stages,
1 - Modal analysis of centrifugal
each individually tested and tuned and impeller by holographic
application engineering tools that interferometry with a laser system
provide maximum reliability in 2 - ISO 9001 certification

11
Service
CUSTOMER SERVICE A global service network ensures rapid 1
Nuovo Pignone provides the users of response to maintenance needs
its machines with prompt, efficient and anywhere in the world.
technologically advanced This organization consists of:
maintenance and repair service to • Service centers in strategic locations
guarantee high machine efficiency, worldwide
continuity of operation and maximum • Traveling Service Teams which
safety. This service includes: maintain contact with users through
• Technical support periodic visits to plants
• Periodic visits to plants • Authorized shops which carry out
• Diagnostic analysis of installations machine maintenance with Nuovo
• Overhauls, repairs and conversions Pignone technology.
of installed machinery
• Customized original spare parts Service contracts
supplies Highly-skilled engineers, an extensive
• Maintenance contracts spare parts inventory and an efficient
• Personalized training courses for global service network allow Nuovo
customers’ personnel. Pignone to offer its customers tailor-
made service packages.
SERVICE ORGANIZATION
Nuovo Pignone Global Services is an
2
organization dedicated to meeting
customer service needs.
It is fully integrated with the new
product engineering and
manufacturing organizations to
provide state-of-the-art solutions to the
installed fleet. Global Services
operates a Service Shop adjacent to
the main production plant in Florence
for the high tech overhaul and
refurbishment of machines and
components. A warehouse containing 3
over 40,000 different parts is
maintained and a modern
computerized parts management
system is in place to insure rapid
delivery of replacement parts on either
a scheduled or an emergency basis.

1- Computerized system for spare

parts warehouse management
2/3 - Customer Training features
shop visit

12
Air Compressors 100
General
Air compressors are used in air
DISCHARGE PRESSURE (BAR)

50
separation, synthetic fibre and fertilizer
6 STAGES plants as main process gas
40

30 compressors, and in all industrial plants

20 5 STAGES as service air compressors.

4 STAGES Technical data

10
9
The inlet flow for such machines can
8 3 STAGES
7
6
vary from 10,000 to 200,000 m3/h (6,000
5
2 STAGES
to 120,000 cfm), with a max. discharge
4

3
pressure of up to 50 bar (730 psi).
0 0 0 0 00
2 45 60 80 90 10 1 STAGE Main characteristics
L L L RL L
SR SR S R S SR Air compressors are generally
1.5

1
multi-shaft, integrally geared type, single
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 200.000
or multi-stage (up to 6 stages).
SUCTION VOLUME FLOW (m3/h) Compressors are modularized in order
1 to meet varying Customer needs.
1 - Performance range
High compression efficiencies are
2 - SRL 453 service air compressor installed in an Alfa Romeo
workshop in Milan - Italy (17000 Nm3/h from 1 to 8 bar-abs) acheived by using 3-D impellers
3 - SRL 806-Air compressor for GE’s test bed in Schenectady, NY - USA (4900Nm /h;
3 specially designed for this service.
Suct. press. 1 bar-abs; Disch. press. 27.8 bar-abs; Inst. power 7550 kW) Inlet Guide Vanes are available for each
compression stage, permitting extremely
2
large compressor turndown with high
efficiencies throughout the range. Seals
are generally labyrinth type (single, dry
gas type for last stages of high pressure
applications). Multi-stage compressors
are equipped with inter-coolers with an
integral condensed water separator.
Drivers
Drivers for this type of compressor are
generally electric motors, but it is also
possible to use steam and gas turbines
(either as a direct driver or through an
intermediate gearbox).

3 Package arrangement
In multi-stage compressors, coolers are
located below the compressor together
with the lube oil system in order to
provide a very compact arrangement of
the unit. Lube oil systems can be either
separate or integrated on the main
compressor baseplate.
Applicable codes and standards
Compressors may be designed either
according to API 617 or API 672, or
customized to Customer’s specific
requirements.

13
Process Gas Compressors (Single Stage - Directly Driven)
General speed), or by a steam or a gas turbine 1
This type of compressor is mainly (directly coupled or via an external
used as a booster in petrochemical gearbox to increase or decrease
applications, or as a recycle speed).
compressor in polyethylene and
polypropylene plants. Package arrangement
Axial inlet flow guarantees an optimum The baseplate generally accommodates
aerodynamic design, and therefore both the compressor and its driver.
very high efficiency. Due to their The lube oil system can be either
rugged mechanical design, this type integrated with the main machine
of machine delivers very high baseplate or provided as a separate
reliability. console.
Almost all gases can be handled by 1 - SRL 801 for a polyethylene plant
this type of compressor with Applicable codes and standards (during assembly)
appropriate construction materials and Generally designed according to (871,000 Nm3/h from 25 to 26.3 bar-abs
seal systems. API 617, or customized to Customer’s 2,300 kW installed power)
2 - SRL 1001 propane booster compressor
specific needs.
(594,000 Nm3/h from 12.3 to 15.6 bar-abs
Technical data 4,800 kW installed power)
Flows can vary from 5,000 to 120,000 3 - SRL 451 propane compressor directly
3
m /h (3,000 to 70,000 cfm), with driven by an NG 32/25 steam turbine
discharge pressure up to 50 bar (168,000 Nm3/h from 33 to 47.5 bar-abs
(730 psi). 1,800 kW installed power)

Main characteristics
Several configurations are available
to cover all applications of this type
of machine. 2
Impellers are 3-D, backswept,
semi-open or closed type, overhung
mounted on the shaft. The thrust
bearing is located between the two
journal bearings and is of the
tilting-pad type.
A special design, with internal spiral
volutes (to avoid any dead-point in the
flow), is available for process gas that
may polymerize during operation (for
example in PP and PE plants).
Inlet Guide Vanes are available for
fixed-speed units to increase the
operating range of the compressor
while maintaining high efficiency.
Seals can be dry gas, mechanical oil
or labyrinth type, depending on the
service requirements.

Drivers
This type of unit can be driven either
by an electric motor (directly coupled
or via an external gearbox to increase 3

14
Process Gas Compressors (Integrally Geared) 1 flow guarantees an optimum
aerodynamic design, and therefore
very high stage efficiency.
Due to its rugged mechanical design,
this types of machine delivers very
high reliability.
Almost all types of gases can be
handled by this compressor design
with appropriate construction materials
and seal systems.

Technical data
Flows can vary from 500 to 50,000
1 - SRL 251 natural gas recycle compressors m3/h (300 to 30,000 cfm), with
(2,200 Nm3/h from 1 to 1.5 bar-abs discharge pressure up to 100 bar
70 kW installed power) (1,500 psi).
2 - SRL 253 dichloromethane
compressor all in AISI316 Main characteristics
stainless steel materials, Several configurations are available
(500 Nm3/h from 1 to 5 bar-abs to cover all applications of this type
455 kW installed power)
of machine.
3 - SRL 254 natural gas booster compressor
(70,700 Nm3/h from 33 to 68 bar-abs Impellers are 3-D or 2-D, backswept
2,500 kW installed power) semi-open or closed type, overhung
mounted on the shaft. The thrust
bearing is located on the pinion shaft
and is of the thrust collar type. The
journal bearings of the pinions are the
2
tilting-pad type.
3 Inlet Guide Vanes are available to
increase the operating range of the
compressor with low impact on
efficiency.
Seals can be of the dry gas, mechanical
oil or labyrinth type, depending on the
service requirements.

Drivers
This type of unit can be driven directly
either by an electric motor, or by a
steam or a gas turbine.

Package arrangement
The baseplate generally
accommodates both the compressor
and its driver. The lube oil system can
General four high speed pinions. One or two
be either integrated with the main
This type of compressor is used in impellers can be mounted on each
machine baseplate or provided as a
several petrochemical processes, pinion shaft. The multi-shaft
separate console.
either for low-flow/high pressure configuration allows frequent
applications, or for high-flow/low intercooling, and therefore better Applicable codes and standards
pressure applications. compression efficiency Generally designed according to API
The integrally geared compressor compared to traditional in-line 617 or customized to Customer’s
features a bull gear and from one to centrifugal compressors. Axial inlet specific requirements.

15
Steam Compressors
General 1
Rising energy costs have led to a
demand for high efficiency machines
for energy recovery.
Steam compressors are employed in
various sectors, such as the agriculture-
food Industry, chemical industry, paper
industry and desalination plants.
Another application of SRL
compressors is in Geothermal power
stations to extract non-condensable
gases from the steam turbine
condensator.

Technical data
Flows can vary from 5,000 to 250,000
m3/h (3,000 to 150,000 cfm) per
1 - SRL 903 for geothermal
impeller, with discharge pressure up to application (4,200 Nm3/h
10 bar (150 psi). from 0.1 to 1.2 bar-abs
550 kW power)
Main characteristics Directly driven by a steam
Steam compressors are of the integrally turbine
geared type, single or multi-stage (up to
6 stages) machines. 2 - SRL 1001 steam compressor
The compressors are modularized,
for a food industry
(101,000 Nm3/h
for flexibity in meeting Customer
from 0.8 to 1.6 bar-abs
requirements. 3,850 kW installed power)
High pressure ratios together with high
compression efficiencies are reached 3 - Typical process diagram
by using 3-D open impellers specially for a food industry
designed for this service. application
2
Inlet Guide Vanes are available for each
compression stage to provide a large
turndown for the compressor with high
efficiencies throughtout the range.
Labyrinth type seals are always used. 3

Drivers
Drivers for this type of compressor can
be either electric motors or steam
FC PI
turbines (as a direct driver).
TIAH
Package arrangement PI PI

The baseplate generally accommodates PI TI

both the compressor and its driver. The
CONCENTRATE
PRODUCT

lube oil system can be either integrated

with the main machine baseplate or
provided as a separate console.
SRL COMPRESSOR

CONDENSATE

16
Installations 1. SRL 601
Polypropylene recycle compressor
installed in Tarragona, Spain
- Flow 229,000 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 14.5 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 15.6 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 850 kW
1
2. SRL 603
Air+carbon monoxide compressor
installed in Geel, Belgium
- Flow 265,00 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 1 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 5.3 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 2,600 kW
2
3. SRL 454
Air compressor for a Caprolactam
plant in Shijiazhuang, China
The compressor is driven by
a steam turbine through an
external gearbox
- Flow 17,000 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 1 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 13 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 2,350 kW

4. SRL 454
Psa tail gas compressor
installed in Tula, Mexico
- Flow 21,300 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 1.1 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 9 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 2,800 kW

17
Installations
5. SRL 603 and SRL 453 5
Compressor for an air fractionating
plant in Middle East
- Flow 27,000/18,000 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 0.8/0.8 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 7.5/9 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 2,800/2,060 kW

6
6. SRL 601
Recycle gas compressor for an
EO/EG plant in Pralca, Venezuela
Single stage compressor, electric
motor, driven through an external
gearbox speed increaser
- Flow 238,000 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 19 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 23 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 1,750 kW

7
7. SRL 801
Nitric acid compressor
installed in Ambes, France
The compressor is driven by a
steam turbine through an expander
- Flow 168,000 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 4.6 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 11.5 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 7,250 kW

8. SRL 903
For geothermal application
installed in Le Prata, Italy
- Flow 4,200 Nm3/h
- Suct. Press. 0.1 bar-abs
- Disch. Press. 1 bar-abs
- Inst. Power 550 kW

18