Cares when buying used equipments

[21121956]

Hello everybody:

In our Diesel power plant we are planning to cogenerate with condensing steam turbines. The steam will be generated by recovering the heat of the engines exhaust gases.

Up to this moment, everything is OK but, regarding with the turbine and generator acquisition, the owners are strongly inclined to buy used (second hand or discarded) equipments, instead of brand new ones.

We are out of USA. Even when we know that this kind of trade is made on the basis of that the equipment is sold "where it is" and "as it is", what cares should be taken into account, by our side, prior to these acquisitions? Any advice on this subject will be highly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[rmw]

How the equipment has been laid up or stored would be paramount. Is the equipment stored in dehumidified conditions? Are the generators stored with their heaters on? Or with heat lamps inside?

If they are just sitting out or not protected or properly provided for (or in actual service at the time of the purchase) I would be very leery of the equipment.

The generator insulation could be moisture soaked and could be hard to dry out. I would do at least PI test on the windings and a PD test as well.

This assumes that the equipment wasn't junk before it was laid up or stored.

rmw

 

[taylorg]

Considering the use of such equipment is fairly common.

There are plenty of independant experts/inspectors around and it might be a good idea to get one to carry out a survey of the equipment for you.
Try to use one who is a PE experienced in steam turbine generators and approved by the company who provides your plant insurance. That way you will minimise your risk.

 

[abeltio]

try getting an assessment of the OEM of the equipment involved. you may find out that refurbishing the equipment to operating conditions could be very expensive.
more specially so if you have damage to rotating parts.
or you need to rewind the generator...

get a quote of how much time and monies you will need to bring the equipment to current standards and regulations so you can obtain the permits from the local authorities to operate.

cheap is expensive.

cheers

saludos.
a.

 

[taylorg]

I would say it is useful to get the advice/opinion of the OEM but wouldn't rely on it too much. Remember - the OEM will only be interested in selling you new brand new equipment and will give you an extorionately high quote for rehabilitation in order to put you off...

 

[abeltio]

disagree taylorg, i do not know what kind of OEM's you were exposed to... but usually they are quite happy to sell spares and services to refurbish any piece of equipment... and any well prepared, dedicated professional will see right thru that foul tactic and fare the OEM goodbye...

it does also happen that the oem demonstrates that using 1st quality (not knock-offs) spare parts and services is indeed more expensive than a completely new piece of equipment.

it is up to the user to decide what kind of business he/she wants to run... OEM's are not cheap...

saludos.
a.