PROGNOST®-NT for hyper compressors in LDPE service
Monitoring of compressors in LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) service demands a highly adaptable and reliable monitoring technology. PROGNOST®-NT is the leading system for monitoring booster/primary and secondary compressors in LDPE plants. Learn how the PROGNOST® technology enables operators to deploy successfully a predictive maintenance strategy and operate safe and reliable compressors.

Currently, more than 70 systems monitoring compressors in LDPE service guarantee proven technology and customer satisfaction on plants operated by e.g. Amir Kabir, LyondellBasell, BIPC Basparan, Braskem, Chevron Phillips, Clariant, Dow Chemicals, Flint Hills Resources (Huntsman), INEOS, Petroquimica Triunfo, Polimeri Europe, Repsol YPF Quimica, Sunoco, Tasnee Petrochemicals, Laleh Petrochemical and others.
p-V analyses
p-V diagrams are one of the most important parameters to determine the condition of a compression asset. Hyper compressors usually cannot or must not be drilled for indicated pressure measurements. PROGNOST Systems developed a unique workaround to produce precise p-V diagrams utilizing strain gauges.
This enables operators of LDPE production lines to monitor gas dynamics e.g. to analyze valve action with different gas compositions, check pulsation levels etc.
This strain sensor is suitable for both, static as well as the dynamic, force monitoring. The retrospective handling makes it a universal retrofit sensor for monitoring force and load. The sensor is durable and resistant to oil and moisture. Same performance features valid for direct application of strain gauges will be achieved with the strain sensor embedded in aluminum half shells. This includes high resolution and low drift. Every half-shell contains a completely wired strain gauge full bridge, which is pressed on the component to be glued by a specially shaped pressing mechanism. Any bending stresses in the column are compensated by the parallel connection of the two strain gauge full bridges.
The null balancing of the strain gauge is carried out after the installation of the strain sensor by the corresponding strain gauge measuring amplifier. Measurement range: ±0.1 μm/m to ±5000 μm/m

Typical PROGNOST®-NT p-V analysis via strain gauge acquisition
PROGNOST®-NT Plunger position monitoring
Erratic plunger run out can be monitored with a PROGNOST®-NT orbit visualization of the horizontal and vertical plunger run out and allows to set a threshold to a maximum deflection based on orbit or horizontal and vertical direction.



Maximum deflection of horizontal and vertical direction of orbit analyses

Sensor arrangements: High pressure packing flange with plunger surface temperature and x/y plunger position sensors
Operating condition based monitoring
PROGNOST®-NT has the unique capability to detect changing operating conditions automatically. This ensures tight and precisely set thresholds for all condition monitoring tasks. After running the compressor in all necessary operating conditions, the automatic detection of these conditions and the parallel setting of thresholds can be activated. The number of different operating conditions is unlimited. This outstanding feature is available for all compressor types.

Adaptive condition monitoring based on operating condition e.g. due to changing suction/discharge pressures to avoid false alarms because of changing operating conditions, e.g. load steps, speed.

The same trend as a 3D-waterfall diagram
Downloads:
- Monitoring of Compressors in LDPE service
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