Bibby Turboflex Service Success Story: High-Performance Coupling Rebuild for Gas Compressor

Problem

A global gas compressor manufacturer needed a customer’s coupling inspected and refurbished after years of continuous service at a European oil refinery. The high-performance coupling is installed between a compressor and a gas turbine at the facility.

Solution

The Bibby Turboflex high-performance 305S Torquemeter disc coupling was delivered to the Twiflex Repair and Rebuild Service Center in Bedford, UK. The facility offers comprehensive repair and rebuild services for several Regal Rexnord brands, including Twiflex, Bibby Turboflex and Wichita Clutch. As original equipment manufacturers, Regal Rexnord teams at the center have the expertise and advanced manufacturing technologies to perform refurbishment work to the same exacting standards as the components initial production specifications.

The unique 305S coupling features an integrated torque meter that measures the efficiency of the high-speed drive to ensure maximum output. A decrease in torque indicates a problem such as excessive compressor or turbine wear that causes an efficiency loss.

A team of highly experienced technicians and engineers disassembled, inspected and shot blasted the coupling upon its arrival at the Rebuild Center. All major components were found to be in good condition after being measured on a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and subjected to non-destructive Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) testing. All fasteners and flexible elements were replaced. The coupling was phosphate-coated for corrosion resistance, re-assembled and balanced.

The refurbished coupling was shipped back to the customer in “like new” condition with a full 1-year warranty. Cost savings for a coupling rebuild is typically 30-40% of the cost of a completely new coupling.

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