Compressor Foundation Analysis & Repair Reduces Vibration Structural Technologies

A North American Refinery had a 4-throw compressor that was experiencing foundation cracking and equipment wear.

The owner hired STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to isolate the foundation problems, then design and implement a solution.

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Placement of steel reinforcement and anchor bolts

Equipment grouting

Foundation main block removed and holes drilled for reinforcement

Formed foundation prior to concrete placement

The main foundation block was sawcut and removed in one piece

Concrete placement for enlarged pier foundations

FEA revealed excessive movement in the pier foundations

Project Overview

Foundation vibration analysis isolates problems
Modeling of repairs with FEA to validate solution
Repair program executed in 6-week turnaround
Vibration reduced an average of 32%

A North American Refinery had a 4-throw compressor that was experiencing foundation cracking and equipment wear. The owner hired STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to isolate the foundation problems, then design and implement a solution.

Initial foundation vibration analysis revealed the most significant issues were located in the piers and transferring vibrations to the main foundation. Based on this analysis, STRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGIES created a design that strengthened both the pier foundations and main block foundation. The repairs designs were applied to a FEA model to validate the foundation modifications would reduce vibration in the foundation system.

The repair solution, which included equipment removal for refurbishment, was implemented during a 6-week shutdown. Upon completion, vibration was retested resulting in an average reduction of vibration by 32%.