Compressor Foundation Analysis & Repair Reduces Vibration
- Foundation vibration analysis isolates problems
- Modeling of repairs with FEA to validate solution
- Repair program executed in 6-week turnaround
- Vibration reduced an average of 32%
Location
Project Team
- Design Support:
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES - Project Management
STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES
A North American Refinery had a 4-throw compressor that was experiencing foundation cracking and equipment wear. The owner hired STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to isolate the foundation problems, then design and implement a solution.
Initial foundation vibration analysis revealed the most significant issues were located in the piers and transferring vibrations to the main foundation. Based on this analysis, STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES created a design that strengthened both the pier foundations and main block foundation. The repairs designs were applied to a FEA model to validate the foundation modifications would reduce vibration in the foundation system.
The repair solution, which included equipment removal for refurbishment, was implemented during a 6-week shutdown. Upon completion, vibration was retested resulting in an average reduction of vibration by 32%.
