RATS MRO Workshops

Thursday October 26, 2023


Casing Distortion
Oct
21

Casing Distortion

Topic:

Casing Distortion - Hidden Enemy of Rotating Machinery

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

Overview of casing distortion in rotating machinery - Causes, Impact and Resolutions.

We will be exploring the topic in great depth, diving into the underlying causs, measurement techniques, and best practices to prevent casing distortion.

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Resonance
Oct
21

Resonance

Topic:

Resonance

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

Resonance is a condition that is often misdiagnosed and commonly goes undiagnosed, resulting in persistent high amplitude vibration issues for long periods of time. Structural resonance typically results in highly directional vibration and increased amplitudes that can be difficult to resolve without the proper engineering approach.

In 2023, Kyle led the workshop through an in depth acoustic resonance condition, and exploration of what solutions could be implemented. Building on this topic, this years workshop will discuss new examples of resonance, and introduce cost implications associated not only with damaging vibration, but how operating strategies can compound lifecycle costs.

This presentation will focus on methods for diagnosing resonance and technology available to develop effective solutions without resorting to costly trial-and-error methods. Material presented will be supplemented by a case study where a complex resonance problem was addressed for an end user in the refining industry. A multi-stage charging pump was exceeding alert levels at both the inboard and outboard bearing locations, with vibration amplitudes greatest in the vertical direction and a clear correlation with the time of the day. The inboard bearing housing vibration was much more directional than the outboard bearing housing vibration. Investigation revealed that both structural resonance and acoustic resonance were being excited, with the structural resonance limited to the inboard bearing housing and the acoustic resonance affected by fluid temperature. Our review of this case study will include a brief overview of resonance, methodology for field testing and diagnosis, and solution development and implementation.

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The Essentials of Vibration Analysis
Oct
21

The Essentials of Vibration Analysis

Topic:

The Essentials of Vibration Analysis

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

Often vibration analysis uses the response of a machine to dynamic forces to determine condition and faults. This workshop will describe fundamental aspects of vibration, why it is measured, how it is measured, how it is used to evaluate machinery, why vibration analysis can be difficult to master, factors that complicate vibration analysis, and characteristics of specific machines such as centrifugal pumps and electric motors.

Examples of faults and solutions will be provided. Subjects such as structural resonance, BB3 pump cross-over acoustic resonance, vane-pass, cavitation, mechanical faults, off BEP (Best Efficiency Point) operation, ball bearings, electric motors, vertical pumps, finite element modeling, and fluid whirl/instability will be discussed. Solutions to problems including resonance resolution through structural changes or damping will also be presented.

Tools and techniques will be presented to optimize data collection; modal testing, motion amplification cameras, multi-channel analyzers, and ODS/Modal animations. Many years of experience, failures, and successes will be shared to help the analyst become more efficient and effective with practical vibration analysis. The strengths and weaknesses of vibration analysis will be discussed; vibration is one of many tools and sources of information needed to make a good analysis and conclusion regarding machinery faults and condition.

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Intro to Reciprocating Compressors, Components, and Troubleshooting
Oct
21

Intro to Reciprocating Compressors, Components, and Troubleshooting

Topic:

Intro to Reciprocating Compressors, Components, and Troubleshooting

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

Reciprocating compressor are critical for the entire oil and gas infrastructure but they are some of the most misunderstood and overlooked pieces of equipment. This course is designed to introduce engineers, operations, and maintenance personnel to reciprocating compressors and their performance defining components, as well as the underlying theory for their operation. This course will also cover the most common issues encountered and provide the tools to identify and troubleshoot these concerns.

Upon course completion, the participants will have solid foundation in reciprocating compressors and the knowledge to troubleshoot the most common concerns encountered.

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Compressors - The Practical Approach
Oct
21

Compressors - The Practical Approach

Topic:

Compressors - The Practical Approach

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

​Compressors and blowers can be found in many parts of our industrial processes and often are a focal point of the operation and plant performance.

This introductory course will cover the different types of equipment including blowers and the different types of compressors such as screw, reciprocating and centrifugal compressors. In addition to the different machine types and construction features, the basic theory of operation will be covered which will allow the user to better understand where and when to use the different types of compressors.

The primary focus of this course will be providing the knowledge and skills required to monitor machine performance, troubleshoot plant problems and make changes to improve plant operation.

A three day version of this course has previously been taught through the continuing education department at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Edmonton, Alberta and for customers throughout Western Canada and the Middle East.

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Introduction to Dry Gas Seals
Oct
21

Introduction to Dry Gas Seals

Topic:

Introduction to Dry Gas Seals

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

The presentation aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to Dry Gas Seals, an advanced sealing component critical to the safe and reliable operation of high specification turbomachinery equipment.

Dry Gas Seals offer a robust, environmentally friendly sealing solution with minimal leakage of harmful emissions to the atmosphere, which is relevant more than ever in light of ever increasing emission focused legislations. The session presenter has worked within the turbomachinery industry for over 14 years at prominent rotating equipment providers. The session will delve into the fundamental principles associated with Dry Gas Seals and cover key topics such as:

• Design & Operation of Dry Gas Seals

• Wet Seal versus Dry Gas Seal Comparison

• Seal Support Systems

• Reliability & Failure Analysis

• Separation Seals

Attendees can expect an exploration of the advantages and challenges posed by DGS, along with real-world case studies highlighting successful applications. The presentation will cater to a diverse audience, including engineers, maintenance professionals, and industry stakeholders, offering valuable insights into optimizing performance, mitigating issues, and ensuring the reliable operation of centrifugal compressor systems employing Dry Gas Seals. This session promises to be an informative and engaging resource for those seeking a foundational understanding of an often misunderstood and highly engineered sealing product.

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Bearing Failure Modes & Analysis
Oct
26

Bearing Failure Modes & Analysis

Topic:

Bearing Failure Modes & Analysis

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

Introduction to Bearing Failure Analysis (approx. 1 hour) – NTN will present Bearing Failure Modes and Typical Causes. This presentation will cover topics including commonly observed bearing failure modes & causes, terminology, and visual appearance.

Failure Analysis Process (approx. 1 hour) – NTN will discuss the importance of bearing failure analysis as well as outline the process used to perform an effective analysis. This discussion will include steps throughout the analysis process including parts and data collection, observations & measurements, discovery meetings, technical reporting, and follow up.

Hands-on Bearing Failure Case Study Examples (approx. 1.5 hours) – NTN will provide multiple real-life samples of bearing failures for analysis. Attendees will split into groups of four to five people and visit each of the failure samples where they will use the theories, tools, and techniques discussed in the previous sessions to analyze the likely root cause of failure for each sample.

Bearing Failure Case Study Examples Review (approx. 0.5 hour) – NTN will review each case study failure sample with the attendees and compare findings between groups.

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Diagnosing and Solving Structural Resonance Issues
Oct
26

Diagnosing and Solving Structural Resonance Issues

Topic:

Diagnosing and Solving Structural Resonance Issues

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

Structural resonance is a condition that is often misdiagnosed and commonly goes undiagnosed, resulting in persistent high amplitude vibration issues for long periods. Resonance typically results in highly directional vibration and increased amplitudes that can be difficult to resolve without the proper engineering approach.

This presentation will focus on methods for diagnosing resonance and technology available to develop effective solutions. Material presented will be supplemented by case studies where resonance was detected in the field, including the process for diagnosis of the offending resonant mode, the solution development process, and a comparison of operating conditions before and after solution implementation.

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Importance of Machinery Installation
Oct
26

Importance of Machinery Installation

Topic:

Road Towards Reliability: Importance of Machinery Installation

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

This is a very practical and demonstrative course on proper installation of rotating equipment and turbomachinery, such as pumps, compressors, turbines, and electric motors.

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Pump and System Hydraulics for Reliability Engineers
Oct
26

Pump and System Hydraulics for Reliability Engineers

Topic:

Pump and System Hydraulics for Reliability Engineers

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

This workshop is a continuation of the 1-hour presentation from Oct. 25, 2023. The workshop addresses the fundamentals of pump and system hydraulics.  This includes how to read a pump curve, what the best efficiency point means, and what the two major types of cavitation are.  It addresses the myriad difficulties of running pumps in parallel and includes a heavy dose of field issues.  Participants will learn how to develop a system curve and the influence of the system curve on pump reliability.

 

This workshop applies to you if:

  • You have poor pump bearing and seal reliability

  • You break pump shafts

  • You operate dissimilar pumps in parallel

  • You need more flow in your system

  • You don’t understand how the system curve interacts with the pump curve

  • Your pump has high vibration

  • Your pump sounds like it’s pumping gravel

  • You’re considering using a VFD

  • You’re responsible for pump reliability

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Mechanical Seal Basics & Seal Support Systems
Oct
26

Mechanical Seal Basics & Seal Support Systems

Topic:

Mechanical Seal Basics & Seal Support Systems

Presenter(s):

Details:

Full-day (8-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 5:00PM

Description:

This training course is intended to meet the learning needs of End User, OEM & Contractor personnel working with rotating equipment, such as centrifugal pumps used in the process industries. The course will focus on basic and advanced concepts with the aim of providing attendees with a working knowledge of Mechanical Seal Basics (Morning) and Sealing Support Systems (Afternoon).

Key objectives of the course include:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of mechanical seals and support systems used in rotating equipment

  • Overview of mechanical seal engineering principles

  • When would you select a single seal, dual unpressurized seal, dual pressurized seal, a seal with a ‘back-up’ containment seal and what are the appropriate piping plans for each.

  • Solving mechanical seal reliability issues where miss-selection of seals and/or seal system piping plans could have or did result in unreliable or troublesome operation.

  • Conduct a detailed observation analysis to identify and resolve mechanical seal failures associated with rotating equipment

  • API Piping plan overviews and best practices for the most common types of mechanical seal support systems

  • Understand and be able to apply the latest sealing technology used on process applications

  • Be able to adopt safe working practices at all times when working with mechanical seals and support systems

  • Understand the importance of mechanical seal performance for overall process plant reliability

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Fluid Film Bearings for Heavy Air Handlers
Oct
26

Fluid Film Bearings for Heavy Air Handlers

Topic:

Fluid Film Bearings for Heavy Air Handlers

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

This hands-on workshop will de-mystify fluid film bearings commonly used on large industrial blowers by explaining maintenance, operational, and condition monitoring best practices. The training will assume no prior knowledge on hydrodynamic bearings, but by the end you will be equipped to resolve problems on bearings that are often highly critical and highly obscure.

Discussion will include: Fundamental theory of fluid film bearings, common failure modes & remedies, comparison between rolling element bearings and journal bearings, bearing rework: pros & cons, and benefits of circulating oil.

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Machinery Installation & 5-Step Alignment Fundamentals
Oct
26

Machinery Installation & 5-Step Alignment Fundamentals

Topic:

Machinery Installation & 5-Step Alignment Fundamentals

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

This workshop will cover the detection and removal of what we call the roadblocks to achieving correct installation or re-installation of a machine. This is mainly the removal of machine stress with a focus on flatness or level of a machine base and of course, the biggest roadblock of all – misalignment. Using laser alignment and measurement equipment, we go through the applicable measurement programs, where to use them and why. We also run through important and realistic situations that prevent proper shaft alignment like navigating around bolt bound and base bound issues or thermal machine growth.

This workshop will use the ANSI Shaft Alignment Methodology as a guideline as well as cover the required elements of the new Canadian Machinery Vibration Association (CMVA) shaft alignment certification program.

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Pump and System Hydraulics for Reliability Engineers
Oct
26

Pump and System Hydraulics for Reliability Engineers

Topic:

Pump and System Hydraulics for Reliability Engineers

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 1:00PM to 5:00PM

Description:

This workshop addresses the fundamentals of pump and system hydraulics and is not only for Reliability Engineers.  This includes how to read a pump curve, what the best efficiency point means, and what the two major types of cavitation are.  It addresses the myriad difficulties of running pumps in parallel and includes a heavy dose of field issues.

This workshop applies to you if:

  • You have poor pump bearing and seal reliability

  • You break pump shafts

  • You operate dissimilar pumps in parallel

  • You don’t understand how the system curve interacts with the pump curve

  • Your pump has high vibration

  • Your pump sounds like it’s pumping gravel

  • You’re considering using a VFD

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The Full Lifecycle of an Industrial Gear Reducer
Oct
26

The Full Lifecycle of an Industrial Gear Reducer

Topic:

The Full Lifecycle of an Industrial Gear Reducer

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

This workshop will help participants further understand gear reducers by joining members of the Applied team while they walk them through the complete life cycle of a gearbox. The team will present using real world examples including practical exercises that directly correlate to the presented material of what participants will see out in industry.

The team will start at the beginning of the service life of a gear reducer, with an outline of the selection process that occurs when a new application arises through either facility expansion or upgrade. The presenters will work through all the critical information that is required to properly select the size, type, and purpose of a gearbox to ensure the best piece of equipment for long term success/ application. The workshop will provide opportunity for hands on interaction through disassembly of an industrial gearbox to discussion of the internal workings of the gear train on top of different versions of speed reducers used in industry, including one particular design that uses no gears at all (SM Cyclo).

Next the workshop will move on to the components around the gearbox, from selecting couplings and breathers to the proper cooling and lubrication required for successful operating function. The workshop will highlight additional non-traditional aspects for the needs beyond just the gearbox itself.

Next, the workshop will review best practices should be followed while the unit is in service to reduce downtime, prolong the life of the unit and ensure it provides the desired results. The workshop will also review repair processes and what upgrades can be completed once a unit is already in service to address any maintenance issues that arise safeguarding the operations and expanding the life of the equipment.

Finally, the workshop will conclude with an outline what options are present as the unit reaches the end of its service life as it either becomes obsolete or the needs of increasing production requirements grow.

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Sustainable approach to Turbine Lubricant Maintenance
Oct
26

Sustainable approach to Turbine Lubricant Maintenance

Topic:

The Three R’s: A Sustainable Approach to Turbine Lubricant Maintenance

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

Sustainability and maintenance go hand-in-hand. By definition, something must be maintained for it to be sustained. To ensure sustainable power generation, effective turbine lubricant maintenance is, therefore, imperative. Despite its recognized importance, existing oil maintenance programs are often reactive instead of proactive in scope. Indeed, most maintenance programs target physical contamination without addressing the underlying chemical causes of costly oil-related failures. This approach, inherently, treats turbine oils as consumables. For power generation to move towards true sustainability, however, lubricants need to be regarded as assets to be proactively cared for rather than reactively replaced.

During the 1980s, early sustainability programs highlighted the value of “The Three Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). A different set of Rs will prove similarly effective with respect to making turbine oil maintenance more sustainable: Rethink; Remove; Restore. By building on these pillars of effective lubricant maintenance, turbine operators can make meaningful contributions towards sustainability in power generation.

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Intro to Reciprocating Compressors, Components, and Emissions
Oct
26

Intro to Reciprocating Compressors, Components, and Emissions

Topic:

Intro to Reciprocating Compressors, Components, and Emissions

Presenter(s):

Details:

Half-day (4-hour) interactive workshop

Exact time: 8:00AM to 12:00PM

Description:

Reciprocating compressor are critical for the entire oil and gas infrastructure but they are some of the most misunderstood and overlooked pieces of equipment. This course is designed to introduce engineers, operations, and maintenance personnel to reciprocating compressors and their performance defining components, as well as the underlying theory for their operation. This course will also review the sources of emissions and provide the end users a road map on how to mitigate these concerns.

Agenda:

Introduction to Reciprocating Compressors

  • How do they work

  • What are the major components

  • Introduce the API 618 Data Sheet

Theory of Compression

  • Introduce the governing equations

  • Compressor capacity control methods

  • Understand how losses effect the compression process

Introduction to Compressor Valves

  • How do they work

  • Review the different types

  • Performance defining characteristics

Introduction to Rings and Packing and Emissions Mitigation

  • How do they work

  • Design considerations

  • Means to optimize performance

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