Page 236 - Subyek Teknik Mesin - Forsthoffers Best Practice Handbook for Rotating Machinery by William E Forsthoffer

Be st Practice 3 .24 Compressor Best Practices
I began my career in rotating equipment on the test floor, and
I can still remember how we would see the witnesses come in Per ASME PTC-10 requirements
with an intent to completely participate in the entire test only to Reconfirm test speed is per PTC-10
leave for a long ‘test lunch’ an hour or so later. Why did this Confirm all instruments are calibrated and installed
occur? Usually because the concerned end user and contractor Confirm test gas purity
witnesses did not have the opportunity to review the test set-up Agree that conditions are stable prior to each test point
and the procedure prior to the test. As a result, I have always Confirm vendor's calculations for each test point
Do not accept until all test requirements are met
been a proponent of a pre-test meeting.
Is it always required? I think it is, but the detail and timing of
the meeting depends on certain factors, noted in Figure 3.24.4. Fig 3.24.8 Compressor performance test e key facts

At the conclusion of all test activities, there is still important
work to be performed. These items are defined in Figure 3.24.9.
If the equipment is prototype
If the equipment is complex
If a full load test is required
If the test facility is new
Confirm performance results, corrected to field conditions
Confirm mechanical test acceptance
Fig 3.24.4 When is a pre-test meeting required?
Confirm auxiliary system test acceptance
Inspect components and confirm acceptance
If it is decided to conduct a pre-test meeting, the key facts are Agree to any corrective action in writing
noted in Figure 3.24.5. Accept or reject test – any corrective action requires a retest!

Fig 3.24.9 Post test e key facts
Conduct the meeting prior to the test day
Send the agenda to the vendor well in advance What happens if the test is not successful? Approximately
A typical agenda outline: 50% of the tests that I have either run or participated in over my
• Confirm test agenda requirements
career have not been successful in regards to one component or
• Confirm all test parameter acceptance limits
• Confirm instrument calibration more not meeting test requirements. Possible rejected test
• Review test set-up or concept drawing action is noted in Figure 3.24.10.
• Review data reduction methods
• Confirm all test program agreements

Immediately provide details to the project team
Fig 3.24.5 Pre-test meeting e key facts Confirm if field conditions can handle the abnormality
Determine if the ‘as tested’ machine will meet all reliability
requirements
Figures 3.24.6 to 3.24.8 define recommended test activity for If the decision is to reject, inform the vendor and detail the
the mechanical, auxiliary equipment and performance shop reasons
tests respectively. Do not accept unrealistic delivery delays

Fig 3.24.10 Rejected test action
Per API and project requirements
Confirm all components are installed Finally, do not forget the importance of test report re-
Confirm all accessories are installed quirements. The test report is a most important document that
Monitor progress of test, look for leaks, etc.
Do not accept test until all requirements are met represents the ‘baseline performance of the unit’ and will be
a benchmark for field operation acceptability. Test report e key
facts are noted in Figure 3.24.11.
Fig 3.24.6 Mechanical test e key facts

The shop test is the field baseline!
The test report must be detailed and complete
Must be per API and project requirements Review the preliminary contents of the report before leaving the
Confirm that the test agenda is followed test floor
Confirm all components are installed Obtain the actual test results
Confirm that all required instruments are installed When the final report is received, check the results obtained at
Monitor the progress of the test – look for leaks, etc test against the final report
Do not accept until all requirements are met Immediately contact the vendor if there are any differences

Fig 3.24.7 Auxiliary system test e key facts Fig 3.24.11 Test report e key facts

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