Rotating Equipment Consulting

A thorough process and application study helps define the compressor duty more accurately from the beginning. Key factors such as gas composition, operating range, pressure ratio, flow variation, and system integration are reviewed to understand the actual application needs. This step helps identify technical constraints, avoid mismatched design assumptions, and build a solid basis for the downstream engineering work.

Aerodynamic design is central to compressor performance. Using CFD-based analysis and optimization methods, compressor flow paths, impellers, diffusers, and volutes are developed to reduce internal losses and improve efficiency. The design approach also considers operating flexibility, so the compressor can maintain good performance across a wider range of conditions. With a strong model library and selection tools, QualRotate can support a wide variety of special applications and complex operating cases.

Rotor dynamics analysis is used to assess the stability and dynamic behavior of the compressor shafting system. This includes evaluation of critical speeds, vibration response, bearing characteristics, and overall rotor stability. Bearing stiffness and damping are also considered to support a well-matched design. In addition, dynamic balancing tests are used to verify rotor performance and improve assembly quality, helping ensure smooth and reliable operation.

Mechanical and structural design focuses on making the compressor compact, reliable, and practical to maintain. Rotor arrangements are optimized to improve shafting rigidity and reduce thrust load, while sealing structures are selected to help control leakage under demanding pressure conditions. The overall layout also takes installation, inspection, and maintenance into account, so the final design is easier to manage over the equipment lifecycle.

Strength analysis is used to verify that the design can safely withstand operating loads and expected service conditions. Finite element analysis is applied to key components such as impellers, rotors, casings, and support structures to assess stress, deformation, fatigue, and vibration behavior. Where needed, nonlinear effects and special operating scenarios are also reviewed. This helps improve design confidence and supports a balanced outcome between performance, durability, and cost.

Support the feasibility review and retrofit planning of steam turbine-driven compressor packages to electric motor-driven systems, covering motor and VFD configuration, coupling and baseplate adaptation, auxiliary system modification, site layout review and commissioning support.

Provide consulting support for steam turbine governing systems, including speed control, load control, valve control, DEH-related control logic, protection logic review and coordination between the turbine and compressor package.