Challenge
Sulzer is a leading independent service provider for all brands of rotating equipment, such as turbines, pumps, compressors, generators, and motors. "At the Texas location," explains Joe Drury, division superintendent at Sulzer, “Rotating equipment is removed from the site, dissembled, inspected, repaired, coated, assembled, and installed at the customer site. The repair and coating processes can require dust collection.”
Sulzer knew that compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations was not only important, but also necessary. In 2005, they began installing Gold Series dust collection units as the location expanded. Sulzer replaced several aging dust collectors with Farr Gold Series units due to performance gains and reduced maintenance. Drury mentioned, “Other unit designs led to leaks at filter seals during service.”
Solution
From 2005 to 2009, Sulzer installed a total of 15 Gold Series industrial dust collectors of varying models—from GS6 up to GS60. The units have proven themselves by improving their work environment. The GS36, GS48, and GS60 were installed on their thermal spray applications; the 12 GS6 units were installed on metal grinding applications.
“We installed the Gold Series collectors in the coating shop, where we do grit blasting, HVOF, and air plasma coatings, and in our component repair shop, where we do welding, blending, and grinding on gas turbine components,” Drury described. “The main improvements we've seen are increased filter life, increased suction and decreased collector maintenance,” he added.
Drury cited the modular design and construction of the Gold Series units as its best features. “Maintenance is moderate to none. Removing and cleaning filters is much easier than with competitor units,” he continued. The units have alleviated the problems Sulzer faced. They offer no more leaks, easier maintenance, and longer filter life.
