The compressor is tasked with compressing the boil-off gas (BOG) that naturally occurs due to evaporation during transportation. By efficiently managing this BOG, the compressor ensures safe and effective transport of liquid petroleum gas.
In this particular case, a temperature rise in the second-stage cylinder indicated a possible malfunction. Any prolonged malfunction of such a critical component could lead to significant operational delays.
Upon detecting the temperature rise, the vessel’s operator contacted Burckhardt Compression for assistance and a team of its experts was assigned to analyse the data from the shipping company’s integrated automation system. The analysis showed the cylinder was beyond economic repair.
Burckhardt’s compressor, a Laby 2K140, operating at 202 kW (270 hp), with a suction pressure of 2.3 bar and a discharge pressure of 18 bar, is often used in this application. The refurbished cylinder, taken from the OEM’s stock, was adapted to fit this application. The cylinder diameter was modified, along with the pipework connections, at Burckhardt Compression’s service centre in Winterthur, Switzerland.
In the face of operational challenges, Burckhardt Compression’s decision to utilise a second-hand cylinder ensured that there were no operational delays.
The technical superintendent at the vessel’s operator said: “As a long-standing partner, we very much appreciate the expertise and understanding for our needs and processes of Burckhardt Compression. It could provide a quick solution, completely tailored to our technical requirements, within budget. This is what we call a partnership – a company we can rely on. From the technical discussion, to offer and execution, we are very satisfied with the solution provided.”