Why expertise matters in compressor overhauls and revamps
MACHINING & MACHINERY THE VALUE OF EXPERIENCE
BURCKHARDT COMPRESSION
Why expertise matters in compressor overhauls and revamps
It is no exaggeration to say that without compressors, countless industries ranging from petrochemicals to brewing would grind to an almost instant halt. As such, for the companies working in these sectors it’ s critical that they ensure their equipment is working efficiently and reliably.
Yet, over time, many businesses face challenges when working with the original equipment manufacturer( OEM) of their compressors. Whether due to poor service, the age of the equipment, or a loss of connection with the OEM, companies often seek alternatives for repair and maintenance. However, this move can come with risks of its own, as there is no guarantee that a third party will be able to offer the same level of performance.
Fortunately, there is a third option: working with a partner that is capable of handling third-party compressors but also brings extensive experience and comprehensive engineering expertise to the table.
These companies’ expertise in compressors, whether their own or those from other brands, positions them as an invaluable partner for complex overhauls and revamps. Using their in-depth understanding of compressor systems and decades of engineering experience, these businesses can often deliver solutions that go beyond what a compressor’ s actual OEM can offer.
The need for an experienced partner
There are many potential reasons why businesses find themselves unable or unwilling to continue working with the original manufacturer of their compressors.
Diagnosing performance issues is key to restoring optimum output.
For industries where compressor reliability is critical to maintaining productivity, working with a partner that has decades of in-depth engineering knowledge is invaluable.
In some cases, a particular OEM might not provide the level of service or support the customer needs. In others, the compressor may be so old that the original manufacturer no longer holds the necessary documentation or replacement parts. Occasionally, the issue is that working with the OEM is simply impossible, as the business that manufactured the compressor no longer exists.
Regardless of the motivation, this situation can leave operators in a difficult position, facing costly downtime or equipment replacement when they encounter issues with the compressor.
Experience and engineering expertise comes into play here. A partner with comprehensive engineering expertise can step in to offer comprehensive maintenance, repair, and revamp services. Even when the compressor was built by another manufacturer, a highly skilled, highly experienced engineering team can almost always find a way to deliver a solution that restores the equipment to peak performance. Often, they can even exceed the quality of service the original manufacturer provides.
Burckhardt Compression is more than capable of taking on the challenge of working with other brands’ equipment, having extensive experience with these kinds of projects.
Example one: Overhauling a compressor for better service
At a Swiss refinery, a compressor that was essential to operations was experiencing reduced efficiency and reliability. The refinery needed a service provider that could address these issues and ensure ongoing reliability. While the compressor was not one of Burckhardt Compression’ s own, the company was engaged to assess and restore the equipment.
The engineering team conducted a detailed analysis of the compressor, identifying areas where previous repairs had fallen short. Through a systematic overhaul, the
compressor was brought back to full operational status, ensuring that the refinery could continue its operations with minimal disruption. The revamp process included replacing worn components, restoring tolerances, and reestablishing performance levels that met operational requirements.
80 PECM Issue 77