Dresser-Rand succeeds With Applied DATUM Technology For Major U.S. Refinery In Record Time Just over ten years ago, Dresser-Rand (D-R) debuted its high-efficiency DATUM centrifugal compressors – a technologically advanced line that set new standards for the industry. Their unique design resulted in superior product performance, and reduced cycle time. Because of its ability to be applied to upgrade installed units (even those of D-R’s competitors), DATUM technology gave D-R an opportunity to assist clients faced with the challenge of maintaining the reliability and performance of their older compression units. A decade later, the DATUM design concept continues to successfully meet clients’ equipment performance needs. Recently, Dresser-Rand succeeded in providing such a client with a performance upgrade solution that applied DATUM technology to another OEM’s equipment within a scheduled sevenday plant shutdown. A major oil refinery in the Midwest United States contained a horizontally split three-stage refrigeration compressor that had been installed by a D-R competitor in 1965. The company sought a more efficient design to lower the horsepower required by the current compressor because the steam turbine’s existing power capability was insufficient during high-ambient temperature days. They also wanted the ability to compress 15 percent more propylene within the existing steam turbine horsepower capability. The refinery needed a solution that would address the change in design and the greater efficiency needed, while still being cost effective and timely. D-R approached the client’s management team with a proposal to revamp this equipment using a high-efficiency DATUM rotor, diaphragms, and impellers, commonly referred to as a “bundle.” Because of Dresser-Rand’s history with this client, and a proven track record with similar projects for other clients, the company was confident that D-R could address the goals of the revamp. This project, however, did present some challenges. The refinery had several unique accessibility and timing issues regarding this revamp that D-R would have to work around. The facility was scheduled for a plant turn-around, and the compressor would not be accessible to D-R until that time. The plant would be operational again in seven days, giving D-R only one week to complete installation of the revamp hardware after the parts were completed. Because the unit could not be shipped before the actual installation of the DATUM internals, D-R would not have early access to all the dimensional details required for final machining of some parts.“ While this timing is normal for a plant turn-around, it was unusual to not have all the dimensions needed to complete the manufacturing of the new compressor internal components,” explained Jeff Worst, senior product design engineer for Dresser-Rand. “D-R was missing the required information to fit the new bundle into the existing compressor case.” Although the refinery’s management understood the complexity of the task it was putting before D-R, the final fit dimension would have to wait. The biggest challenge was trying to design parts without benefit of original design drawings. Dresser- Rand was required to develop the internals with very little information. D-R workers realized they could get close to the dimensions needed, but not close enough to trust making the cuts. They would have to wait until they received the equipment and then complete the project in seven days to have the equipment back in service.