Turboexpanders have been used in natural gas processing for more than 40 years. Over this period of time, applications have demanded increased machine size and power, as well as improvements to reduce maintenance and to permit more automated operation. Not all improvements have taken place within the machine, but have also involved the auxiliary systems, control systems, and the process interface.In this paper, the authors will discuss and present their experiences with process installation and operation issues and their effects on the reliability of turboexpanders. They will provide recommendations for: inlet gas conditioning, seal gas conditioning, start-up and shut-down valve sequencing, process piping design, and surge prevention.The aspects of both oil bearing and magnetic bearing equipped turboexpander-compressor units will be addressed.
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