GE | POWER CONVERSION SOLUTIONS FOR THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY

Steam Turbine Replacement

Electric motors and drive systems for downstream process optimization

REPLACING STEAM TURBINES WITH ELECTRIC SYSTEMS CAN HELP SAVE COSTS AND IMPROVE PERFORMANCE
Oil & Gas companies are tightening their grip on costs, and evaluating new ways to improve efficiency. In the downstream segment
of the oil and gas industry—refineries, petrochemical and fertilizer plants—rotating machines process trains (such as compressors,
blowers or pumps) are an important area for achieving potential process optimization. Previously, these process trains could be driven
by steam turbines. For processes that do not develop or only partially generate steam, like recycle hydrogen, feed gas, and in some
instance wet gas applications, electrification represents one of the best solutions today. Replacing old steam turbines with electric
systems offers clear benefits like increased process efficiency hence lowering operational costs without compromising on reliability.

ENHANCED EFFICIENCY AND INCREASED PLANT PERFORMANCE

GE's Variable Speed Drive Systems (VSDS) feature a unique combination of Voltage ELECTRIFICATION CONSULTING
Source Inverter (VSI) and a high-speed motor to help increase reliability and With current oil prices, and
availability of VSD systems. Thanks to the compactness of its high-speed motors, increasing costs, it is more critical
GE solution offers a similar footprint and preserves the plant layout in constrained than ever that industrial operators
environments, allowing a smooth plant integration. adopt innovative ways to reduce
CAPEX and OPEX.
Key components GE experts can help you make
informed decisions that continue
to deliver across the lifetime of
your project.
• Support in the economic
evaluation: high level estimations
of value in technology selection
• Site survey: existing field data
Transformer Drive (frequency converter) High Speed Motor capture & hardware audit, to
VARIABLE FREQUENCY DRIVE (VSI) HIGH SPEED INDUCTION MOTOR understand the technical and
MV7 range: reliable, scalable and Efficient, compact, cost-effective environmental constraints and
modular determine the opportunities
Features
Features • Variable frequency standalone motor • Documentation analysis:
• 1 to 100 MW, up to 13,8 kV directly coupled to a compressor current operating profile review
• Standard drive with high performance without gearbox and analysis (existing compressor,
control • 2 poles, up to 18,000 rpm consumption, operating costs, etc.)
• Power factor >0.95 helps to eliminate • Water to air cooled motor or TEPV
reactive power injected to the grid motor • Replacement studies:
Benefits • Several rotor diameters configuration proposals
• No torque pulsation on the shaft line • Magnetic or sleeve bearings • Estimations: OPEX estimations
• No harmonics filter needed due to • Copper cage and value demonstration
minimum harmonics level on the • Certified Exp according to ATEX (maintenance costs, efficiency
network • Shaftless rotor (patented)
savings, emissions, availability
• Reduced noise and vibrations on the Benefits and reliability value, spares
motor, allowing longer life cycle and • No critical speed: reduced vibrations needed, etc.)
reduced maintenance • Laminated rotor reduces Eddy currents
• IEC 60034 & IEC 60079 compliant • Business plan: commercial offer
• Proven track record: almost 200 high (report out and implementation
speed motors installed globally roadmap)
TECHNOLOGY COMPARISON
BENEFITS OF THE
STEAM TURBINE ELECTRIC VSDS
ELECTRIC SOLUTION

DRIVER EFFICIENCY 50-80% >95% High efficiency

SPEED RANGE 50-105% 0-105% Full flexibility

Load Step capability Full flexibility in terms of

DYNAMIC RESPONSE Almost immediate
depends on temperature power demand

Minimum startup time

> 15 minutes and depends requirement/Very high starting
STARTING TIME < 1 minute
on temperature and operating reliability and
availability

INRUSH CURRENT DURING Inrush current =

Not applicable
START-UP nominal current

CO2/NOX emissions Emission-free/Meets with

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Not applicable
(boiler) environmental restrictions

Usually >100 dB(A)

Usually between
NOISE LEVEL May require noise Lower noise
85 and 90 dB(A)
enclosure

Large (lube oil coolers,

Small in hazardous area,
ventilation ducts, Minimum space
FOOTPRINT medium in electrical
exhaust silencers, requirement
room
noise enclosure if any)

Complex auxiliary
INSTALLATION & Limited to electrical & Reduced pipework
pipework and electrical
COMMISSIONING instrumentation tie-in requirement
& instrumentation tie-in

1-yearly periodic 1-yearly periodic

Minimum
inspection (few days inspection (few days
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE maintenance period
without shutdown) without shutdown)
over life cycle
+ shutdown every 5 years + shutdown every 5-6 years

Minimal parts Minimal parts Minimum

MAINTENANCE COST
replacement required replacement required maintenance cost

Suitable for most areas,

POWER REQUIREMENTS Low voltage (415 V) High voltage (>3 kV) including with limited
power availability

CONTACT US OUR CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE OIL & GAS INDUSTRY:
[email protected] DRIVE SYSTEMS: ROTATING MACHINES:
www.gepowerconversion.com GE Energy Power Conversion France SAS GE Energy Power Conversion France SAS
18 Avenue du Quebec, F-91140 Villebon-sur-Yvette 442 Rue de la Rompure, F-54250 Champigneulles

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GEA32683 A - Steam Turbine Replacement