Page 8 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 19th July 2021

state-of-the-art solutions. By developing theoretical
models and fine-tuning the design, engineers can
highlight the benefits and ensure that the
equipment is suitable for refurbishment.
The ability to improve efficiency and reduce
energy consumption through modern engineering
also offers the opportunity to reduce the
environmental footprint of the business. As more
pressure is placed on industrial plants to improve
the environmental impact of their operations, so the
retrofit project has the potential to deliver both a
cost and CO2 emission reduction.

Reaping the benefits
Every piece of plant equipment presents its own
challenges, but it is possible to address many of
them by working with experienced engineers who
understand the demands of the process as well as
applied to the bezel rings and segment plates, the design of the equipment involved. Using a well-
mixing elbows and inner casing, increases the defined and integrated upgrade program can deliver
resistance to thermal distress in the hottest areas of significant improvements to the expected service life
the unit. of the equipment as well as improving productivity.
Other improvements can be made to the cooling Retrofit projects represent an opportunity for the
performance of certain parts, such as the flame cost-effective and efficient introduction of new
tube, to increase durability of the parts by reducing components that use modern materials and
oxidation and erosion. Together, all of these manufacturing techniques. The ability to create one-
improvements can extend reliability and ensure off parts quickly, without OEM drawings, minimizes
continued efficiency of the gas turbine. downtime and ensures a successful turnaround
during a planned outage.
Meetign new standards By making significant improvements in
As legacy equipment continues to deliver reliable efficiency and reliability, chemical plants can reduce
service, modern standards evolve for the benefit of their CO2 emission by making better use of the
the environment and the improvement of operation energy-from-waste gases, which in turn reduces the
and efficiency. Many of these can be applied amount of energy that is required from steam
retrospectively, and it is often quicker and more powered generators. Independent service providers
cost-effective to modify existing machinery, rather can offer expertise in reducing losses, improving
than replacing it with new equipment. turbine performance and upgrading rotating
Understanding what can be achieved by a equipment, enabling chemical manufacturers to see
retrofit project and how best to apply it, are enhanced performance and improved life-cycle
important skills that are gained through experience costs.
in both the industry in question and in developing www.sulzer.com

July 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p8