Machinery startup

Smooth starts are possible with steam turbine installations that include an auxiliary boiler because the startup phases of the turbocompressor can be matched to different plant operating conditions. Aside from process-related timing issues, the time elapse or machinery startup duration is generally determined by the temperature gradients admissible on both steam turbine and expander. These factors are influenced by the relative expansion rates of the fixed and rotating components in these machines. 

Just before a plant startup, the operations team wondered if the piping upstream of a flammable gas compressor may not have been cleaned sufficiently to prevent dirt from entering the precision machinery. Concerned employees had a temporary filter installed in the suction line. The operations team was correct there was a sufficient amount of foreign material in the upstream piping to plug up the filter. [8]... 

One of the best ways to avoid damage to machinery is to use purging compound during shut-down and startup. Familiarity of this compound will be a guide for the proper soak time. Often it is acceptable to purge with a safer material, such as linear low density polyethylene (LLPE). 

Inadvertent activation of equipment — Unexpected startup of equipment and machinery can injure and kill. That s why we have lockout/tagout procedures. 

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