Nodal screw compressor failure analysis using data analytics—CSG application

Abstract

An engine-driven oil-injected screw compressor in CSG service failed catastrophically. Instrumentation provided on the package was ineffective in predicting or detecting the failure. As part of the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) process, a statistical analysis of the logged instrument data, as measured across a period of six months prior to the failure, was carried out.

This paper uses data analytic methods to process instrument data, data visualisation techniques, advanced statistical analysis of the instrument data, and techniques to filter signal noise. The analysis recognised the multivariate behaviour and interrelationships between various operating parameters. The paper further provides insight into the interpretation of statistical measures and how to draw conclusions that explain the failure mechanism. The outcomes of the analysis presented in this paper then provided insights into establishing operating envelopes, proposed instrumentation upgrades to be provided in future and helped establish an operation and maintenance regime that should assist in preventing such failures in future.