GE

Oil & Gas

Overhung Centrifugal
Compressors
D Series Single-Stage

D Series Single-Stage
Compressors
Overhung, single-stage centrifugal compressors are
designed for lower pressure, high volume applications,
including mechanical vapor recompression, sulfuric acid
plants, chlorine, combustion air, process gas boosters
and many more. With different combinations of materials,
seal designs, and impeller configurations, D Series
compressors are capable of handling a wide range of
gases and processes. Packages can be tailored to meet
specific customer specifications as well as API and
other industry standards.

A long history of innovation and service

Technology is the backbone of this industry and GE is well
known as a leader in the field with more than 100 years of
experience in compression solutions for oil and gas applications.
Our Oil & Gas business includes manufacturing plants, service
facilities and technical support offices in 48 countries, and
5,500 dedicated employees worldwide who are backed by an
extensive network of partners, distributors and representatives.
Our team provides complete solutions to all segments of the
industry, from production to transmission and processing,
with a broad and expanding portfolio of high-tech products
and services.
We continually invest the time and resources to develop more
efficient products and processes. We offer shared technology
strengths from across the global GE organization and regularly
partner with customers to develop innovative solutions to the
most demanding applications.
Recent initiatives include the establishment of ISO 9000 design
and production consistency; processes for expanding flow and
head capabilities; and customer-focused processes designed
to meet special job data and submittal requirements.
Products and Solutions
GE offers complete solutions from initial project conception
through installation, life-cycle support and decommissioning. To
date, we have more than 40,000 machines installed worldwide.
Our products include a full line of compression equipment:

How they work

Gas enters the compressor axially and is accelerated
by the rotating impeller. At the impeller exit, the kinetic
energy of the gas is converted into pressure energy in
the parallel wall diffuser and the compressor volute or
collecting ring. Whether controlled by adjustable inlet
guide vanes or by variable speed operation, the
compressor can meet a wide range of varying flow and
pressure requirements. This simple compressor design,
incorporating a single overhung impeller with a shaft
mounted on two tilting-pad radial bearings, provides
many years of dependable service.

Axial, centrifugal, reciprocating, screw and rotary

vane compressors
Gas and steam turbines for mechanical drive, power
generation and cogeneration applications
Expanders for energy recovery
Pumps
Static equipment from heavy-wall reactors to valves and
metering equipment

No matter what the sector or the challenge, we are keenly

aware of the impact that new technology can and does
have on our customers operations so we are continually
searching for innovative ways to help improve the performance
and efficiency of our equipment.
In order to achieve this goal, we have assembled a world-class
team of oil and gas specialists and provided them with the
most sophisticated engineering tools available. GE technology
developers work closely with other GE Technology Centers
of Excellence, universities and other industry leaders. These
extended capabilities, combined with longstanding experience
and a history of innovation, form a unique resource that our
customers are able to leverage to their advantage.

Time-tested, tough performance

For over 40 years, we have built single-stage compressors that
deliver consistent, reliable service in heavy-duty industrial
applications. This success is the result of a single, focused
objective: to manufacture and service top-quality compressors
that work better, last longer and meet or exceed every
customers specifications.
For low pressure, high volume applications, our single-stage
overhung compressors offer a compact design, wide-ranging
flexibility and long service life. With a variety of models and
seal options, we can tailor a system to meet your specific
needs. Our Six Sigma quality management system helps
ensure trouble-free operation and short lead times.

Service solutions include full turnkey plant capabilities from

conceptual design to installation and start-up:
Complete aftermarket services for rotating equipment
including machinery uprating
Life extension and Contractual Service Agreements (CSAs)
Complete pipeline integrity and optimization services
Conversions, Modifications and Uprates (CM&Us) that
enable customers to introduce the latest technology into
their installed equipment

1 Heavy-duty casings
Cast iron standard, other materials
available depending on application
Low point drain on all casings
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2 Inlet nozzles
Removable
Cast iron standard, other materials
available depending on application
3 Optional inlet guide vanes
Creates infinite array of performance characteristics
Maximizes efficiency in variable
operating conditions
Power savings of up to 15% possible
Increases turndown, broadening
operating range
Pneumatic, electric or manual operators
Variety of housing materials to suit customer needs
Standard vanes made of 316 stainless steel

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7 Variety of shaft seals

Configurations available to suit specific
applications including:
multiple labyrinth type
segmented carbon ring type
dry gas seals
8 Rotating elements
Designed to boost uptime, simplify maintenance
Shaft and impeller assembled and balanced as
a unit
Entire element can normally be removed and
installed without removing impeller from shaft
Integral thrust collars

4 Efficient impellers
Milled, fabricated or cast
Available in a variety of materials and
configurations
Absence of shroud ring reduces
particle accumulation

9 Selection of bearings
Full line of pivoted-shoe radial bearing packages
Tilt-pad, double-acting thrust bearings
Interchangeable shoes for each bearing size
Horizontal split housing and bearing eases inspection
and maintenance

5 O-rings
Ensure tight fit to avoid contamination or leakage
Ease disassembly and reassembly
of compressor

10 High speed couplings

Unlubricated couplings
Include spacers and guards

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6 Exclusive balance ring on back of impeller

Permits trim balancing while compressor remains
in place
No removal of process piping or inlet nozzle required
Reduces downtime

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Outstanding features
designed for top
performance and
minimal maintenance
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Single-stage compressor details

Frame sizes
Backplate support: D8 to D36
Centerline support: D42 to D72
Impeller options
12-78 diameter
One-piece milled impeller, forged hub/welded blades or
cast impeller
Material options
- AISI 4140 alloy steel
- 410 stainless steel (to 1,000 fps)
- 17-4 stainless steel (to 1,400 fps)
- Milled titanium (above 1,400 fps)
- Other materials available for specific applications
Speeds: 2,000 to 20,000 rpm
Shaft
Single-piece bar stock or forging
Integral thrust collar
Tapered impeller fit, no key required or hydraulic removal,
if specified
Coupling fit to meet specific requirements
Keyed cylindrical fit
Tapered hydraulic fit
Renewable stainless sleeve in seal area

Typical installations
Casing
Cast iron for lower working pressure
Smaller machines go to 200 psig/13.8 bar g
with steel casing
Other materials available for specific applications
Inlet nozzle
Cast iron
Nickel plated for steam applications
Other materials available

Sulfuric acid production

Model D42JR
Volume: 100,300 ICFM / 170,400 m3/hr
Speed: 3,915 rpm
Inlet: 11.63 psia / 0.8 bar a
Discharge: 20.45 psia / 1.41 bar a
Driver: 4,700 hp / 3,506 kW

Backplate
Fabricated steel or cast iron
Other materials available
Inlet guide vane assembly
Cast iron housing, steel and stainless
steel available
Nickel plated housing for steam applications
One-piece 316 stainless steel vanes
Teflon bushings at vane shafts
Other materials available for specific applications

Mechanical vapor recompression

Model: D42JR
Volume: 90,000 ICFM / 152,900 m3/hr
Speed: 4,452 rpm
Inlet: 15.0 psia / 1.03 bar a
Discharge: 21.6 psia / 1.49 bar a
Driver: 3,500 hp / 2,611 kW

Air blower in fertilizer plant

Model: D48JR
Volume: 124,040 ICFM / 210,750 m3/hr
Speed: 3,540 rpm
Inlet: 14.25 psia / 0.98 bar a
Discharge: 24.0 psia / 1.65 bar a
Driver: 6,360 hp / 4,745 kW

Main air supply for wind tunnel facility

Model: D54JR
Volume: 240,000 ICFM / 407,760 m3/hr
Speed: 3,600 rpm
Inlet: 8.3 psia / 0.57 bar a
Discharge: 14.9 psia / 1.03 bar a
Driver: 7,500 hp / 5,595 kW

Support systems manufactured to meet

specific requirements

Bearing packages

Because each systems operation depends upon unique

requirements, GE offers a variety of factory assembled
accessory packages.

To ensure reliable service, pivoted-shoe radial bearings and

tilt-pad, double-acting thrust bearings are used exclusively
on all heavy-duty, single-stage centrifugal compressors. The
oil-flooded radial bearings feature five pivoted-shoe pads,
equally spaced around the base of a horizontally split
bearing body. Each shoe is self-aligning to compensate for
shaft angularity. A separate oil wedge is formed between
each shoe and the shaft journal. This design eliminates shaft
instability caused by oil whirl, a common problem with
lightly loaded sleeve bearings.

Drivers
Most drivers are electric motors or steam turbines, with or
without speed change gears. For special applications, gas
turbines, gas expanders or reciprocating engines are available.
Lubrication Console
Designed to exacting standards as an integral part of each
component, a lubrication console provides clean, cool,
pressurized lubricant to the equipment bearings.

For easy inspection and maintenance, the bearings

and housing are split. The bearing can be removed without
disturbing the shaft. Shoes for each bearing size are
completely interchangeable, shoe-to-shoe. Should parts
replacement become necessary, only the affected
parts must be replaced, not the entire bearing.

Seal packages

Sound attenuation

Buffered labyrinth
Designed for corrosive, dirty and toxic gas or steam use
where some buffer gas consumption is permitted, these
seals contain a buffering port for gas or steam. Sealing
touchpoints located on either side of the buffering port
prevent the process gas from leaking into the atmosphere.
The seal is horizontally split and bolted to the backplate
from the bearing side, providing accessibility for inspection
or removal of the seal.

A custom designed sound attenuation blanket can be affixed

to the exterior of the compressor casing. Each segment of
the blanket is comprised of a heavy lead sheet surrounded by
layers of fiberglass mat encased in an oil-resistant covering.
Segments are individually marked and form-fitted around the
casing. A stainless steel wire hook-and-loop system facilitates
installation and removal. This design reduces the calculated
sound level by as much as 25 dB from the compressors
unprotected sound pressure levels and can dramatically
reduce the exposed temperatures in hot applications such
as vapor recompression.

Carbon ring
Used where more positive sealing is required and only a
small amount of buffering gas usage is acceptable, these
segmented carbon rings are held in position by two garter
springs and antirotation stops. Carbon rings are stacked in
the chamber and fastened in place by an end plate bolted
to the seal housing. The entire seal housing is horizontally
split and bolted to the backplate from the bearing side,
providing accessibility for inspection or removal of the seal.
Other seal options
For applications requiring zero leakage of buffer gas to the
process, dry gas seals with a buffer system can be provided.
Other seal arrangements are available.

Bearing package
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Buffered labyrinth seal package

Control panels
Panel enclosures typically include instrumentation designed
to integrate the compressor into the specific installations
operating philosophy. Monitoring equipment measures shaft
vibration and bearing temperature to provide continuous
protection. Push-button controls govern local start and
emergency stop. Other options may include antisurge and
performance controllers or other specific components to
meet customer specifications.

Carbon ring seal package

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Comprehensive testing
Every single-stage centrifugal compressor we manufacture
must pass stringent testing and inspection procedures.
Each component is thoroughly tested individually, then the
entire assembled compressor goes through a comprehensive
testing and inspection process.
Shafts
Full magnetic particle inspection is conducted on the shaft.
Other tests include complete sonic inspection, dimensional
checks, and tests for electrical and mechanical run-out
and concentricity.
Rotating elements
To ensure top performance at installation, the shaft and
impeller are assembled and balanced as a unit in our
facility. Both static and dynamic balancing are conducted.
Impellers
Hub-disc forgings undergo complete sonic inspection.
Physical and chemical properties are verified as well. After
preliminary machining, full magnetic particle inspection or
dye-penetrant tests are run.

Oil & Gas Global Services

Fully welded impellers pass magnetic particle inspection or
dye-penetrant tests of all welds. A full radiograph inspection
is conducted on cast impellers. All impellers are statically
and dynamically balanced. Mechanical integrity is assured
through over-speed tests, followed by final magnetic particle
inspection or dye-penetrant tests and dimensional checks.

Our Global Services teams provide a complete spectrum of

services for the oil and gas industry from installation to
maintenance, refurbishment and uprates. We support the
entire product value chain from large gas and steam turbines
to pumps and valves for both our own and multi-vendor
equipment.

Casings
Each casing undergoes hydrostatic testing to 150% of
maximum application pressure. Physical and chemical
properties are verified as well.

Global Services offers an extensive portfolio of proactive and

interactive service products such as Conversions,
Modifications & Uprates (CM&Us), Condition-based
Maintenance and Contractual Service Agreements (CSAs).
These complement our traditional offerings of OEM-quality
spare parts, repairs and field services.

Inlet guide vanes

Dye-penetrant tests are conducted on all vanes. Assembled
units are also bench tested.
Assembled compressors
Every compressor is fully assembled and mechanically tested
with the same clearances required for field operation. All
operational data is recorded for future reference. To confirm
that design standards have been met, vibration, bearing
performance, oil temperatures, as well as oil flows and
pressures are checked and confirmed.

Impeller blades undergo full magnetic particle inspection or

dye-penetrant tests, and physical and chemical properties
are verified.

Peak performance

Our unique position gives us access to the world-class

GE engineering organization and the advanced technology,
design experience and manufacturing capabilities that ensure
our customers the highest quality engineering know-how, spare
parts, repair and field service, plus state-of-the-art product
uprates. This same expertise can also be called upon for the
repair, refurbishment and upgrading of third-party equipment.
To protect our customers investment in equipment, we have
developed the following set of Reliability, Availability,
Maintainability (RAM) solutions, all of which play an important
role in optimizing plant operations and maintenance:
Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics for proactive
maintenance planning
PILOT, a system for tracking availability and
outage documentation
Reliability Engineering, a process using field experience
for continuous product improvement
Finally, to simplify and streamline the way we serve our
customers, we have implemented a Customer Service Center
and a series of e-Service solutions.
Industries
Global Services has acquired a broad range of expertise through
meeting the varied needs of such diverse industries as:

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Chemical and petrochemical

Petroleum
Refining and production
Food processing
Pulp and paper
Military
Natural gas

Applications
We have a proven record of performance in applications as
tough as:

Sulfuric acid production

Brine concentration
Mechanical vapor recompression
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
Sulfur removal/recovery
Chlorine
Combustion air
Tail gas
Exhauster
Cogeneration
Synthetic fuels production
Fluidized bed

Environmental
GE takes great pride in helping meet environmental
challenges through processes such as:

Water purification
Sewage treatment
Recompression evaporation
Solvent recovery

Nuovo Pignone S.p.A.

Via Felice Matteucci, 2
50127 Florence, Italy
T +39 055 423 211
F +39 055 423 2800
GE Oil & Gas
1333 West Loop South, Suite 800
Houston, Texas 77027-9116 USA
T +1 713 803 0900
F +1 713 803 0499
GE Oil & Gas Operations, LLC
3300 Medalist Drive
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54902 USA
T +1 920 237 6000
F +1 920 237 6013

www.geoilandgas.com
Customer support
1 800 577 5155
1 920 237 2200
24-hour emergency service
1 920 380 8000
The information contained herein is general in nature
and is not intended for specific construction, installation
or application purposes. GE reserves the right to make
changes in specifications or add improvements at any
time without notice or obligation.
2005 General Electric Company
All Rights Reserved

GE Oil & Gas Operations, LLC - Rotoflow

540 East Rosecrans Avenue
Gardena, California 90248 USA
T +1 310 329 8447
F +1 310 329 8502

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