How long should a turbo compressor be in operation?

You would probably say around 20 years.

So what does it take to make a compressor survive that long?

The answer is competent and effective service as well as correct compressor operation. Thousands of our HV-TURBO compressors around the world are still in operation more than 20 years after installation. When service is needed, competent service is key. Howden’s trained Service Technicians are the most experienced in the business; this is essential for the lifetime of a compressor.

We think the best way to illustrate this is with a story from real life:

In 1996 at the wastewater treatment plant of Crispijana in the north of Spain, we supplied three HV-TURBO single stage integrally geared compressors, KA10S-GL210, with constant speed flow regulation via Variable Diffuser Vanes (VDV).

Since the installation, all maintenance services have been performed by Howden's partner in Spain, Pasch y Cia. S.A.U. , and the plant has followed our combined recommendations regarding compressor operation.

In 2016 and 2019, when each compressor had been in operation for almost 100.000 hours, Crispijana decided to upgrade two compressors from S to SV, incorporating additional variable Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV) to optimize energy efficiency via Dual-Point Control™. Both IGV and VDV adapt fully automatically to changes in inlet air temperature and discharge pressure assuring that the compressors supply the requested airflow at the lowest power consumption.

Statement from Crispijana wastewater treatment plant:

We experienced an energy savings of at least 6-7% due to the upgrade from S to SV.

The Service performed and our cooperation with Pasch have had a big influence in the fact that our compressors now have been in operation for 24 years with no major incidents.