In hydrogen applications, compressor reliability is critical. At a hydrogen production facility in Europe, three dry-running process gas compressors have been operating continuously for more than 14 years, achieving a mean time between overhaul (MTBO) of over 12,000 hours.
A key factor behind this performance is the combination of Burckhardt Compression's service expertise and the advanced machine protection technology from PROGNOST Systems.
Turning Critical Data into Operational Confidence
Hydrogen compression places exceptional demands on rotating equipment. Even minor irregularities can affect availability, safety, and maintenance costs. To address these challenges, the compressors are equipped with PROGNOST®-SILver, a SIL 3 certified machine protection system that continuously monitors critical machine parameters and provides highly reliable protection for both personnel and equipment.
The system delivers real-time protection with automatic plausibility checks and immediate shutdown capabilities whenever operating conditions exceed safe limits. This enables operators to identify developing issues at the earliest possible stage and respond before they can impact production or asset integrity.
The PROGNOST Advantage and the customer's benefits
PROGNOST®-SILver combines certified machinery protection with advanced diagnostic capabilities in a single platform. Its fail-safe SIL 3 architecture, gapless signal acquisition, and scalable modular design provide a robust foundation for safe and reliable compressor operation, even in demanding hydrogen environments.
For the customer, this translates into tangible operational benefits:
- Increased compressor availability
- Enhanced personnel and equipment safety
- Early detection of abnormal machine behavior
- Reduced risk of unplanned shutdowns
- Optimized maintenance planning
- Lower lifecycle costs through condition-based decision-making
These capabilities support the customer's goal of achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable hydrogen production while maximizing the performance of critical assets.
Keeping Hydrogen Compressors Running Safely, Reliably, and Longer
The success of this installation demonstrates that long-term compressor reliability is not achieved through service excellence alone. It also requires intelligent machine protection that transforms machine data into actionable insights and dependable protection.
With PROGNOST®-SILver, operators gain the confidence to run critical hydrogen compressors safely, detect issues earlier, and make better maintenance decisions. Together with Burckhardt Compression's service expertise, PROGNOST Systems helps customers achieve higher availability, longer operating intervals, and greater operational certainty in one of the industry's most demanding applications.
