All,
We have two compression systems in our business unit with consistent high LEL readings in the lube oil tanks. Both of these units are on the same facility and are the only two out of the entire business unit experiencing this problem.
The first unit is a Centaur 40L driving a C30 compressor with suction conditions of 300-330 psig and 140 deg F, discharge conditions of 600-650 psig and 260 deg F.
The second unit is a Saturn 20 driving a C16 compressor with suction conditions of 600-650 psig and 120 deg F, discharge conditions of 1200-1300 psig and 240 deg F.
To resolve or determine the cause of the high LEL we have,
- Replaced the seals
- Adjusted buffer gas pressure and rates as well as replace the regulators
- Rebuilt and replaced the seal oil traps numerous times
- Verified that the flame arrestor in the vent line is not blocked and there is no back pressure (each tank has independent vent line)
We have had Solar FSR and maintenance teams review the problems and try to fix them but have been unsuccessful. They are now proposing a degassing tank system to be installed on each unit at a cost of $125K each, but cannot supply us with technical back up to explain what is causing the high LEL’s.
In order to process and gain approval on an AFE, we need a technical justification of why the problem exists and that the only way to fix it is the installation of the degassing system. Solar to date has only been able to say that they don’t know what is causing it, but by installing this system it will be fixed.
I’m concerned that the problem may be fixed easier / cheaper if we knew what was causing it, and as these are the only two units and are on the same facility that we may be missing something, and if other units in the SBU start to have high LEL’s that we may jump to the conclusion of the degassing tank systems.
Has anyone in the network experience the same problems or have suggestions for us?
Thank you,
c/o J.G
We have two compression systems in our business unit with consistent high LEL readings in the lube oil tanks. Both of these units are on the same facility and are the only two out of the entire business unit experiencing this problem.
The first unit is a Centaur 40L driving a C30 compressor with suction conditions of 300-330 psig and 140 deg F, discharge conditions of 600-650 psig and 260 deg F.
The second unit is a Saturn 20 driving a C16 compressor with suction conditions of 600-650 psig and 120 deg F, discharge conditions of 1200-1300 psig and 240 deg F.
To resolve or determine the cause of the high LEL we have,
- Replaced the seals
- Adjusted buffer gas pressure and rates as well as replace the regulators
- Rebuilt and replaced the seal oil traps numerous times
- Verified that the flame arrestor in the vent line is not blocked and there is no back pressure (each tank has independent vent line)
We have had Solar FSR and maintenance teams review the problems and try to fix them but have been unsuccessful. They are now proposing a degassing tank system to be installed on each unit at a cost of $125K each, but cannot supply us with technical back up to explain what is causing the high LEL’s.
In order to process and gain approval on an AFE, we need a technical justification of why the problem exists and that the only way to fix it is the installation of the degassing system. Solar to date has only been able to say that they don’t know what is causing it, but by installing this system it will be fixed.
I’m concerned that the problem may be fixed easier / cheaper if we knew what was causing it, and as these are the only two units and are on the same facility that we may be missing something, and if other units in the SBU start to have high LEL’s that we may jump to the conclusion of the degassing tank systems.
Has anyone in the network experience the same problems or have suggestions for us?
Thank you,
c/o J.G