Turboexpander repair and maintenance for sustained performance and profitability

Turboexpanders are critical equipment for many applications including gas processing, industrial gas, power recovery and power generation, and their longevity and sustained performance is often key to the profitability of a business. This article provides an overview of the major elements involved in the work of maintaining turboexpanders. The discussion traces issues related to the design and field operation of the machine, as well as shop repairs. Users will find valuable insights and suggestions made by practitioners with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket perspective. What is a turboexpander? A turboexpander is a rotating machine equipped with a radial inflow expan