FAQ - RoTechBooster

The RoTechBooster will range in size from 14” in diameter and 38” in height to 22” in diameter and 49” in height. Additional equipment is required for monitoring and operation, so when assembled on a skid it will be approximately 3’ X 4’ or 4’ X 6’ depending on all the equipment that is required for the application.

The RoTechBooster requires 3 phase power and standard applications use 5.5 to 15 kW motors dependent on application conditions.

The RoTechBooster uses an EagleBurgmann proprietary high efficiency magnetic coupling design to eliminate the need for a seal on the rotating component. The magnetic coupling design has been used for applications to 1,100 Bar. For the RoTechBooster the standard models are available with pressure ratings up to 360 Bar, but special designs are possible for higher pressure applications. Contact EagleBurgmann should you have such an application.

The RoTechBooster is designed to operate continuously for 24,000 hours.

Pressure increase for the RoTechBooster is the same as a centrifugal compressor, where pressure increase is defined by the gas density. Gas composition, pressure and temperature are all important factors to define the pressure increase a RoTechBooster will provide. The RoTechBooster selection tool can assist with identifying the pressure increase for your application.

It is possible to provide one RoTechBooster for supporting two compressors. Incorporating such a design requires additional valves and special logic to cover all the operating conditions. Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are often needed for supporting multiple compressors with a single booster.

Due to the type of impeller used on the RoTechBooster, a change in gas density or flow produces no adverse effects for the RoTechBooster operation. Flow through the unit can be shut off and the only effect is a gas temperature increase.

A temperature monitoring device is part of the required system for damage protection should conditions produce a gas temperature exceeding limits, which would damage the RoTechBooster or the seal gas system.

Double seals require low seal gas flow and higher pressure increases, which a positive displacement type booster is the better selection for these applications. Double seal applications are typically low-pressure applications and the RoTechBooster produces a low pressure increase with a low-pressure supply. The RoTechBooster design is for high flow and lower pressure, which is ideal for the seal gas in a tandem seal arrangement.

The RoTechBooster can be used for the double seal buffer gas (the gas injected between the dry gas seal and process labyrinth) to ensure buffer gas flow during transient conditions. This would be for applications where the compressor process gas is used as the buffer gas.

Temperature monitoring is the main requirement for the RoTechBooster. When flow is restricted through the unit, the gas temperature can increase to a level damaging it. Monitoring and shutting down the unit prevents costly damage and downtime from occurring.

A check valve in the main seal gas supply line is required to produce a positive flow in the seal gas system when the RoTechBooster is operating.

An automated control valve to turn the flow on and off when the RoTechBooster is required to operate is recommended.

Filtration should be provided upstream and downstream of the unit. The gas coming into the unit requires no more than 5-micron particle. When the seal gas system filters are upstream of the RoTechBooster, this is taken care of. If this is not the case, then a filter will be required for this.

For downstream, this is a precautionary filter, which prevents debris from a RoTechBooster failure that would be injected into the dry gas seal cavity without a filter.

A differential pressure transmitter across the unit can assist with troubleshooting should it appear the unit is not performing as needed. It can also prevent exceeding the max differential pressure rating of the RoTechBooster when operating conditions can produce this.

Flow monitoring at the outlet of the unit can also assist with troubleshooting.

These are the basic instruments and equipment required for a RoTechBooster skid. Additional equipment may be required depending on implementation into an existing system or operating conditions for the application. This can include a variable frequency drive (VFD) with extreme variations in flow requirements or pressure, which can produce gas temperatures or differential pressures that exceed the RoTechBooster limits.

Contact EagleBurgmann to fully assess the instruments and equipment required for your applications.

The variable frequency drive (VFD) can be a means of controlling seal gas flow when the control valve is bypassed. This provides the ability to better manage static restrictions like check valves at lower pressure operation.

A VFD is required when operating conditions produce a differential pressure or temperatures that exceeds the RoTechBooster limits, or the seal gas system design temperature. Contact EagleBurgmann to assist with accessing your applications.

Essential monitoring for the RoTechBooster is temperature. Monitoring and shutting down the RoTechBooster prior to exceeding temperature limits, will prevent damage to the unit.

Vibration should be monitored on a periodic basis to assess maintenance requirements. This can also be achieved by monitoring hours of operation and performing require maintenance after 24,000 hours of operation or after 5 years in service, whichever comes first.

Vibration mounts are also available as an option for users who wish to use continuous monitoring.

EagleBurgmann’s recommendation is to bypass the control valve and other possible restrictions to deliver the highest efficiency from the RoTechBooster.

It is possible to include these restrictions in the RoTechBooster flow path when they are minimized to ensure effective seal gas flow and no excessive seal gas temperature increase is produced. When restrictions are not bypassed, it can limit or prevent seal gas flow during initial compressor pressurization at low-pressure conditions. At low-pressure it is not be possible to overcome static restrictions like check valves. Pressurization procedures can eliminate this situation.

To effectively incorporate a RoTechBooster into a seal gas system, the required differential pressure for producing the desired flow at all the expected RoTechBooster operating pressures and temperatures is required. This ensures selecting the best RoTechBooster model to meet the application requirements.

The RoTechBooster selection tool can assist in assessing the various model capabilities. Contact EagleBurgmann to fully understand.

The RoTechBooster cannot be certified under pressure codes such as ASME and PED, as pressure is not a significant factor in the design, as stated in these codes. All components are designed to meet applicable pressure codes and hydrotesting is completed per code requirements to verify the booster for the applicable pressure rating.

The RoTechBooster is ATEX (Zone 1) and CE certified.

All materials are compliant with NACE and NACE certification can be provided on request. The RoTechBooster has been used offshore and qualified by different certifying bodies for offshore applications.

Other certifications have been provided and are available on request. Contact EagleBurgmann for certifications not mentioned.

Yes, the RoTechBooster fully complies with the API STD 692. Click here and learn what API 692 defines regarding seal gas boosters.     

The RoTechBooster model LNG300 has been designed for applications, where the process gas is at low pressure and a higher flow is required for the system compared to the seal requirements. These are the requirements for LNG refrigeration applications.

A dynamic seal gas booster like the RoTechBooster is effective for delivering continuous flow, which is the requirement for these applications. Numerous piston boosters are required to support the flow to produce a differential pressure required for the start permissive for LNG refrigeration compressors and it is a pulsating flow rather than a continuous flow.

The low-pressure starting conditions are much lower than the higher pressure settle out conditions. Without the VFD, a 125-horsepower electric motor is required rather than a 20-horsepower motor. The increased cost for the RoTechBooster with this size motor makes the unit more expensive along with the wiring and associated support equipment the user must install. Using the VFD makes the RoTechBooster cost and installation a more feasible option.

The intricate machining and special proprietary magnetic coupling are major parts of the cost. Special hybrid bearings are used to eliminate the concern with contaminating the seal gas with bearing grease and a bearing cartridge assemble for easy maintenance, all contribute to manufacturing costs. The heavy stainless-steel housings to meet pressure requirements are also a major cost.

The cost of ownership is lower for the RoTechBooster than an air driven piston booster. Taking into consideration the total equipment required for an air driven solution, the RoTechBooster is a more cost-effective solution.

The RoTechBooster also consumes ~62% less energy to produce the required flow for seal gas applications, so cost of operation is much lower.

Any other questions?  Talk to an EagleBurgmann technical expert.