Zero Downtime - Five Years of Operation w/ New Adjustable Speed Electric Drive on Critical Non-spared Compressors

Extremely high process reliability is of prime importance in refining applications, where even momentary interruptions of critical equipment can interrupt the processes and cost thousands to millions of dollars in lost production and equipment repairs. Five years ago the authors presented a paper at the PCIC that discussed a major refinery´s upgrade plan to install two new high efficiency compressors and electric adjustable speed drive systems. The strategy to achieve the desired outcome of five years operation without downtime was discussed. This paper provides an update of the experience with the new systems, problems encountered, successes achieved, and lessons learned. The strategy to extend the reliable operation of key electrical equipment is discussed, as well as the maintenance challenges to prepare the drive trains for the next long run following the current one