Case study 2

The Challenge

A client’s 2 blowers were under performing, not able to deliver the expected output pressure, could only run at 50% speed. When the speed was over 50% it resulted to loose hold-down bolts.

The Methodology

Modal and stress analysis were carried out to identify:

• Design errors
• Excessive vibrations overstressing pipe flanges and hold-down bolts
• Deformation patterns of the base structure
• The root cause of the underperformance, output pressure was reduced to 50%
• Increased safety risks

The Outcome

After implementing all the corrective actions recommended, there was the following outcomes:

• Re-designed and optimised blowers
• Vibration was brought to an acceptable level
• Increased Blowers performance to optimum level and could run at 100% speed
• Increased revenue by 25%
• Decreased safety risks
• Increased reliability of asset from 72% to 97%