Root Cause Analysis (RCA): There is a near-miss incident reported on a compressor anti-surge control.
Article Type: | Root Cause Analysis (RCA) |
Category: | Mechanical |
Equipment Type: | High Speed, Hi KW Major Rotating Machines |
Author: | S. Raghava Chari |
Note: This root cause analysis (RCA) is from real-time scenarios that happened in industries during the tenure of one or two decades ago. These articles will help you to improve your troubleshooting skills and knowledge.
Compressor (K-601) HP case anti-surge control 3” 1500 # RTJ flanged ball valve (V1) passed excessively and leaked heavily at the stem after 2 service years.
The all welded up V1 permits no dissemble; hence no repair either. The plant engineer found the same company made 3”x1500 # butt weld end valve (V2).
On his request, the workshop welded flanges to V2. V2 went online. On start, K‑601 surged heavily; an alert operator tripping the turbine averted K‑601 wreck.
The author root cause analyzed the near-miss incident to resume production ASAP and surge prevention.
The author got V2 taken out, compared V1.and V2 placed side by side.
His observations are:
# | Observations | V1 | V2 |
1 | Upstream & Downstream 8×3” pipe reducer small-bore dia measured in the field | 60 | 60 |
2 | Ball Bore dia | 80 | 80 |
3 | Valve inlet and outlet nozzle bore dia | 80 | 60 |
He checked and found even after nozzles bore increase to 80 mm, V2 wall thickness adequate for 1500 # rating. With nozzles bored to 80 mm dia V2 the compressor did not surge.
The 3” valve on 8” line is a potential pipeline strength reducer. Hence, he selected a 6” globe design CV for the service.
Permanent solution benefits are:
Author: S. Raghava Chari
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