The customer required a replacement impeller, but the original trim was unknown due to severe erosion.
Because of the high erosion rate, impellers were being treated as consumables, with service life under one year before requiring replacement.
Blackstone in collaboration with CST:
Captured the corresponding nozzle geometry to accurately redefine the impeller trim.
Manufactured and installed a replacement rotor to restore reliable operation.
Provided process insights and operational guidelines to help reduce erosive conditions within the compressor.
Blackstone can now supply alternative components for this compressor and has gathered the technical data needed to support a deeper engineering study, including tip velocities and geometric factors contributing to unfavourable conditions.
Analysis confirmed the erosion was caused by droplet formation during the compression process.
Blackstone is now working with the customer to evaluate the effectiveness of process changes and, in parallel, exploring impeller improvements, including re-design and coating options.
