Advanced Centrifugal Compressor

COURSE OUTLINE:

Introduction to Centrifugal Compressor Training

The journey begins with a comprehensive overview of centrifugal compressors. This first session covers the fundamentals, including compression methods and an introduction to compressor types. Participants will explore positive displacement and dynamic compressors while learning how to select the right compressor for specific applications. Additionally, detailed descriptions of centrifugal compressor types provide clarity on their unique characteristics and uses.

Understanding the Design and Components of Centrifugal Compressors

As the training progresses, the focus shifts to the intricate design and construction of centrifugal compressors. This session dives into the various components and their functions, offering a thorough understanding of the machine’s anatomy. Topics include the compressor casing, aero assembly, diaphragms/diffusers, and rotors. Participants will also learn about critical parts like impellers, balance drums, thrust collars, coupling hubs, radial and thrust bearings, and seals, including oil seals, dry gas seals, and barrier seals. To complete the module, the lube oil, seal oil, and seal gas systems will be discussed in detail, emphasizing their roles in compressor operation.

Ensuring Reliability Through Maintenance

The third segment focuses on centrifugal compressor maintenance to ensure reliability and efficiency. Participants will review recommended maintenance schedules and strategies, including run-to-failure, preventive, predictive, and reliability-centered maintenance. Hands-on insights into standard disassembly, inspection, and reassembly processes provide practical knowledge for maintaining these machines. The module also outlines the repair process for compressors and their components, empowering participants to handle common maintenance tasks confidently.

Mastering Compressor Control and Operation

Understanding how to control and operate centrifugal compressors is critical for achieving peak performance. This segment introduces participants to essential support systems, including the lube oil, seal oil, and seal gas systems. Monitoring systems for vibration, temperature, and performance are also highlighted. The training includes step-by-step guidance on compressor operation cycles, covering valve positions for prestart, normal startup, reset, and shutdown sequences. Special attention is given to anti-surge/recycle valve operations during both startup and shutdown processes. Emergency shutdown procedures, whether pressurized or depressurized, are also addressed. Finally, participants will gain insights into performance curves, the compressor map, flow rate limits, surge, stonewall, and operating speed limits.

Troubleshooting Centrifugal Compressors: A Practical Approach

The final module focuses on diagnosing and resolving issues in centrifugal compressors. Through case studies and real-world scenarios, participants will refine their troubleshooting skills. This interactive session provides ample opportunities for questions and answers, ensuring that participants leave the course with a clear understanding of the concepts covered and practical strategies for addressing challenges in the field.

ABOUT THE COURSE LEADER:

William C Cawthon

Mr. Cawthon is a practitioner (Bill), self-motivated and focused person who has over six years of experiences working in senior managerial roles, and over 35 years’ technical experience, managing people and projects. His last position in Indonesia was Vice President & Operation Director of Sulzer Turbo Services Indonesia for almost 5 years managing more than 150 people. He also spent his time as Singapore Country Head of Sulzer Rotating Equipment Services for 3 years. He was also member of Asia Pacific Management Team, Reporting to the Asia Pacific President.

In the fields, he has very broad industrial experiences in oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, geothermal, and also pulp & papers. Mr. Bill has the opportunities to worked in various countries such as: Indonesia for sure, Singapore, China, Rusia, Taiwan and surely abundant of good track records & accomplishments in USA, his home country.

Mr. Bill started his career as Electrician Mate in US Navy for more than 5 years, continued as Field Service Engineer also for more than 5 years. He was responsible for installation, start up, repair, commissioning, operation & troubleshooting of centrifugal compressors, integral gear compressors, gears, steam turbines and pumps with all related Auxiliaries Systems.

When he was then assigned as Field Engineer in USA (1990-2006). In addition to his routine jobs, he also conducted training for onsite personnel on the operation, repair & maintenance of all equipment and helped onsite personnel to set up maintenance & parts inventory.

Since 2016 Mr. Cawthon spends his time as Consultant in Rotating Equipment after having more than 30 years of solid experience in this area, starting as a technician all the way up to Top Level Management positions in Asia Pacific Region.