Course Contents
Module 1 - Introduction and Basics of Centrifugal Pump
Key Topics
Pump Introduction
- Hydraulics – A Few Basics
- Vapor Pressure
- Pump Classification
- Centrifugal Pump Basics
- Principle of Operation,
- Pump Classifications
- Mixed Flow Pumps
- Axial Flow Pumps
- Low-pressure & High-pressure pumps
- Single-suction & Double-suction pumps
- Single-stage and Multi-stage pumps
- Volute & Diffuser pumps
- Closed impeller, open, impeller or Semi-open impeller
- Casing Construction (Radially Split, Axially Split, Double Casing)
- Impeller Shrouds (Open, Partially Open, Closed)
- Shaft Position (Horizontal, Vertical)
- Wear Ring Running Clearances
- Pump Bearings
- Antifriction bearings
- Journal bearings
- Range of applications
- Lubrication of bearings
Module 2 - Operations, Trouble Shooting & Maintenance of Pumps
Key Topics
Pumps Operation Procedures
- Operating conditions
- Pump curve against piping system curve
- System curve calculation
- NPSH available and required
- Suction system configurations
- NPSH measurement
- Normal operating range
- Best operating condition
- The minimum flow rate limit
- The maximum capacity limit
- Off-design operation
- Operation difficulties
Pump Troubleshooting
- Pump Installation, Startup and Operation Guidelines
- Pump Inspection and Performance Control
- Pump Maintenance Based on Daily Observations of Pump Operation,
- Diagnoses of Pump Troubles and Records of Inspections and Repairs
- Control of Lubrication System
- Mechanical Seals, Bearings and Couplings
- Vibration Control and Analysis
- Cavitation in pumps
- Net Positive Suction Head
- Available against required NPSH
- Symptoms of cavitation
- Effects of Cavitations
- Avoidance of cavitation
- Water Hammer Problems and Troubleshooting
- General Troubleshooting Checklist
- Shaft deflection
- Critical speed and shaft deflection
- Parameters affecting shaft deflection
- Effects of shaft deflection on Mechanical seals and Bearings
Failure or Deviation Symptoms
- Pump does not deliver
- Insufficient capacity delivered
- Insufficient discharge pressure developed
- Pump loses prime after starting
- Pump requires excessive power
- Stuffing box / mechanical seal leak excessively
- Packing / mechanical seal has short life
- Pump vibrates or noisy
- Bearing have short life
- Pump overheats and seizes
Introduction to Compressors
- First Law of Thermodynamics
- Second Law of Thermodynamics
- Compressor Types and Applications
- Introduction to the compressor types
- How a centrifugal compressor works
- How a positive displacement compressor works
- Different between dynamic and positive displacement compressor
- How screw compressor works
Module 3 - Thermodynamics, Compressor Basics & Operations
Key Topics
Centrifugal Compressor Configurations and Components
- Casing Configuration
- Horizontally Split Compressor Casings
- Vertically Split Compressor Casings
- Axially vs. Radially Split
- Compressor Impellers
- Impeller Arrangements on Compressor Shafts
- Impeller Thrust
- Balance piston
- Diffusers
- Diaphragms
- Compressor Bearings
- Radial Bearings
- Thrust Bearings
- Compressor seals (Labyrinths, carbon rings, liquid films and dry gas seals)
- Dry Gas Seals and Support Systems:
- Comparison of Dry Gas Versus Wet Sealing Systems
- Principles of Dry Gas Seals and Construction Features
Centrifugal Compressor Control
- Performance Characteristics
- The performance curves
- Limits of operating speed: First and second critical speed
- Effect of speed variation
- Effect of inlet conditions
- Effect of gas molecular weight
- Performance of different types of compressors
- Limits of flow rates: Surge line and stonewall line
- Surge and Surge Control
- Stonewall
- Off-design Operation
- Vibration control system
- Alarm and trip system
Module 4 - Centrifugal Compressor Control, Operations & Troubleshooting
Key Topics
Centrifugal Compressor Operation
- Compressor start-up and shut down.
- Speed limits.
- Required speed calculations
- System Resistance
- Inlet conditions Effects
- Parallel and series operation
Centrifugal Compressor Troubleshooting
- Guidelines for trouble-free centrifugal compressor operation
- Examples from recent failure incidents attributed to design defects, processing and manufacturing deficiencies, assembly errors, off-design or unintended service conditions, maintenance deficiencies, etc.
- Liquid Entrainment
- Compressor fouling
- Cleaning Centrifugal Compressors
- Compressor off-design performance, low rotational speeds, high rotational speeds
- Performance degradation
- Excessive vibration
Gas Turbine Basics and introduction
- What’s the gas turbine?
- Historic tips on gas turbines invention
- Brayton thermodynamic cycle
- Gas turbine as a continuous ICE
- Advantages and disadvantages of a gas turbine over a diesel engine
- Categories of gas turbines
- Main factors affecting gas turbine performance
- General package description
- Core engine main components
- Engine support systems
- Turbine Ancillary components
Core Engine Components
Axial air compressor
- Principle of operation of axial flow compressors
- Characteristics of axial flow compressor
- Compressor definition and function
- Axial flow compressor performance
- Stall and bleed valve
- Compressor washing
Module 5 - Steam Turbines Basics, Components & Operation
Key Topics
Air inlet system
- Air filter
- Inlet air conditioning system
- Primary and secondary air
Combustion chamber
- Combustion process
- Combustion chamber construction and design
- Combustor arrangements (tubular, can annular & annular)
- Combustor chamber performance
- Combustor components
Turbine stages and Exhaust
- Gas turbine configuration
- Blades arrangement and design
- High pressure and power turbines
- Turbine nozzles and blades cooling
- Exhaust duct
Engine support systems
- Starting system
- Lube oil system
- Fuel system
- Control and monitoring system
Turbine Ancillary components
- Acoustic enclosure
- Coupling
- Battery Charger
- Gas and flame detectors
- Firefighting system
Gas Turbine Operation and follow-up
- Pre-start preparation
- Start up procedures
- Steady state operation follow-up
- Performance evaluation
- Shut down types and procedures
- Alarms investigation
Gas Turbine Troubleshooting
- Simplified troubleshooting flow chart
- Main troubles possible causes
Gas Turbine Inspection and Overhaul
- Maintenance definition and policies
- Preventive maintenance PM program
- Condition monitoring and diagnosis
- Predictive maintenance PdM program (oil analysis, vibration analysis, boroscope inspection)

