SPECIAL-PURPOSE CENTRIFUGAL FANS

FOR REFINERY SERVICES

AUGUST 1984 PAGE 1 OF 9 EGE 15-B-21 1984
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Scope
2. References
3. General
4. Modifications to API Standard 673
1. SCOPE
This Guide covers the basic requirements for special-purpose centrifugal fans in refinery services. It is
primarily intended for fans that are in continuous duty on process units, heaters, and boilers and are
generally not spared. Cooling tower, air cooler, and ventilation fans are not covered by this Guide.
2. REFERENCES
The following publications form a part of this Guide. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest
edition.
Mobil Engineering Guides:
EGE 00-B-5 Equipment Noise Control
EGE 00-B-21 Pressure Equipment and Piping Welding and Inspection
EGE 00-C-4 Equipment Purchases General Engineering Requirements
EGE 15-B-7 General-Purpose Steam Turbines
EGE 15-B-8 Special-Purpose Steam Turbines
EGE 15-B-9 Lube and Seal Oil Systems
EGE 15-D-9 Oil System Data Sheet
EGE 15-B-13 Special-Purpose Couplings for General Refinery Services
EGE 15-D-21 Centrifugal Fan Data Sheet
EGE 15-B-22 General-Purpose Gear Units (draft available)
EGE 33-B-9 Electrical Induction Motors
API (American Petroleum Institute) Standard
Std 673 Special-Purpose Centrifugal Fans for General Refinery Service
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code:
Section IX, Welding and Brazing Qualifications
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Standards:
E125 Magnetic Particle Indications on Ferrous Castings
E709 Magnetic Particle Examination
3. GENERAL
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EGE 15-B-21 1984 PAGE 2 OF 9 AUGUST 1984
3.1 Centrifugal fans shall conform to the requirements of API Standard 673 except as modified in Section
4 of this Guide.
3.2 Vendors shall also comply with the requirements of EGE 00-C-4.
4. MODIFICATIONS TO API STANDARD 673
SECTION 2 DESIGN
Paragraph 2.13 (Substitution)
Equipment and auxiliaries shall always be designed for outdoor installation in accordance with the conditions
stated on EGE 15-D-21.
Paragraph 2.1.4, Last Sentence (Substitution)
Other arrangements are acceptable only with specific Mobil approval.
Paragraph 2.1.6 (Addition)
The vendor shall specify all losses that constitute an addition to the purchasers inlet and outlet conditions.
Losses associated with the control system shall be included by the fan vendor only when he furnishes this
part of the system.
Paragraph 2.1.8 (Substitution)
The rated speed of the fan shall not exceed 1800 rpm unless approved by Mobil. The selected speed for
a specific application shall not exceed 90 percent of the maximum allowable speed permitted by the vendor.
Paragraph 2.1.13, Second Sentence (Substitution)
The air intake shall be 4.5 (15 ft) minimum above the rotor centerline, except where there is a potential for
injecting hydrocarbon-laden air or other possible source of hazardous vapors into the fan. For these
applications, the air intake shall be located 8 m (26 ft) minimum abovegrade.
Paragraph 2.1.15, Second Sentence (Substitution)
The fan noise levels shall be in accordance with EGE 00-B-5.
Paragraph 2.2.2 (Addition)
Access doors less than the minimum stated sizes shall require Mobil approval.
Paragraph 2.4 (Addition)
The vendor shall state on EGE 15-D-21 the maximum allowable external forces and moments.
Paragraph 2.5.2, First Sentence (Substitution)
Fan wheels shall have nonoverloading characteristics and shall be of the highest possible efficiency.
Paragraph 2.5.2, Item 1 (Addition)
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AUGUST 1984 PAGE 3 OF 9 EGE 15-B-21 1984
Hollow airfoil construction may be offered only for forced draft service applications.
Paragraph 2.5.2, Item 2 (Addition)
This design shall be used for induced draft fan applications. The blade section shall be aerodynamically
shaped for correct flow; it shall have smooth diverging passages for maximum static pressure conversion
in the wheel and a stable, efficient performance curve.
Paragraph 2.5.3, First Sentence Substitution)
The fan wheel shall be of welded construction unless other designs are specifically approved by Mobil.
Paragraph 2.6.5 (Addition)
The range and rate of temperature excursion shall be stated in the proposal.
Paragraph 2.7.8, First Sentence (Substitution)
Torsional natural frequencies of the complete fan-driver unit shall be at least 10 percent removed from any
source of excitation and any operating speed to trip speed.
Paragraph 2.7.10.4 (Substitution)
Balanced couplings shall be supplied and shall be mounted on the shaft after dynamic rotor balancing.
When hydraulic fit couplings are specified, a taper of 1 in 24 shall be used. If balance correction is required,
it shall not be made on the couplings when the assembly is being balanced.
Paragraph 2.7.12 (Substitution)
A shop test is required. During the test the vibration for all antifriction- and sleeve-bearing fans shall be
measured on the bearing housing at maximum continuous speed or at any other speed within the specified
operating speed range. This vibration shall not exceed an unfiltered velocity of 5.1 mm/s (0.20 in./s) or a
filtered velocity of 3.8 mm/s (0.15 in./s), peak.
Paragraph 2.8.3, First Sentence (Substitution)
Antifriction bearings may be used for fans requiring less than 56 kW (75 hp). When used, they shall be
self-aligning and the selection shall be based on the following ratings.
Paragraph 2.8.6, Last Sentence (Substitution)
A permanent indication of proper oil level shall be accurately located at the required oil level line and clearly
marked, on the outside of the bearing housing adjacent to the constant-level sight-feed oiler, with metal tags,
marks inscribed in the castings, or other durable means. An oil level tag that locates the proper oil level by
a field measurement down from the shaft centerline is not acceptable.
Paragraph 2.8.10, First Sentence (Substitution)
A noncontacting speed probe and a mechanical speed-activated switch shall be provided on the outboard
bearing when specified on EGE 15-D-21.
Paragraph 2.8.10 (Addition)
The switch shall signal a limit speed. The probe shall signal a measure of speed.
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EGE 15-B-21 1984 PAGE 4 OF 9 AUGUST 1984
Paragraph 2.8.12.3, Second Sentence (Substitution)
When a spot-faced surface is specified for mounting a seismic vibration sensor (Paragraph 2.8.12), a
protective cover shall be provided even if the sensor is not installed.
Paragraph 2.9.3 (Substitution)
When the driver power exceeds 746 kW (1000 hp), the lubrication system shall be supplied in accordance
with EGE 15-B-9 and EGE 15-D-9. When the driver power is less than 746 kW, the vendor shall provide
a self-contained system complete with the following items:
1. A shaft-driven main oil pump mounted on a main driver gear box.
2. A full-size, motor-driven auxiliary oil pump fitted with an auto/manual
control system arranged to start automatically on low oil pressure. Shutdown of the auxiliary pump shall be
manual only. The following minimum criteria shall be used in sizing pumps and drivers:
a. The total equipment-required oil demand (including transient oil requirements) shall be increased by
2.27 m/h (10 US gpm) or 20 percent, whichever is greater, to establish the pump capacity and
provide bypass oil flow for system control.
b. When pumping rated flow at relief valve set pressure and minimum operating viscosity [sized as in
Item (a)], the selected pump shall not exceed 75 percent of the pump manufacturer's maximum
differential pressure rating at operating viscosity. This selection criterion is required to avoid
pump/rotor contact during operation.
c. Pump drivers shall be sized according to pump horsepower and required starting torque at 1000
SUS or highest design viscosity and relief valve set pressure, whichever is higher.
d. Pump flow at normal pressure and viscosity shall be indicated by the vendor. All system
components required to pass this flow plus the total flow from the standby pump shall be sized to
handle this increased capacity.
3. Necessary controls and instruments, including a low-oil-pressure alarm and shutdown for the main driver.
4. Oil reservoir with the following characteristics:
a. A thermostatically controlled heater. Maximum watt density of an electric heater shall be 2.3 W/cm
(15 W/in.). The heater shall increase the oil temperature from minimum site ambient to
manufacturer's required startup temperature in four hours.
b. Five-minute retention time, based upon normal flow and additional capacity to provide adequate
allowance for the contents of the system when drained (rundown) capacity).
c. Provision to eliminate air and minimize flotation of foreign matter to pump suction.
d. Fill connections, level indicators, and breathers suitable for outdoor use at the intended location.
e. Sloped interior bottom and connections for complete drainage.
f. Cleanout openings as large as practical.
g. Interiors descaled and protected from rust by the manufacturer's standard procedure, subject to
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AUGUST 1984 PAGE 5 OF 9 EGE 15-B-21 1984
Mobil approval. Permanent surface coatings shall not be applied without Mobils specific approval
as to the type of coating and method of application.
5. A single oil cooler if spare turbine-driven units are used. If unspared units are used, dual oil coolers with
transfer valve shall be furnished.
6. Means for providing cool, clean oil to the driven equipment bearings.
7. Dual filters (10 micron orlon-type material or finer) with provisions for cleaning during operation. Filter
bypasses and relief valves are not acceptable. Maximum clean pressure drop of 34.5 kPa (5 psi) is required.
The cartridge collapse differential pressure drop shall not be less than 345 kPa (50 psi). The filters shall be
equipped with vent and drain connections.
8. All necessary piping and valves in accordance with the specific project specifications.
9. Instruments, local panel, alarms, etc., as specified on EGE 15-D-21.
10. Lube oil pumps, all provided with steel casings.
11. Lube oil reservoir and lubricating oil piping, all of Type 304 stainless steel.
12. Relief valve to protect pump. The minimum relief valve set pressure shall be 10 percent or 172 kPa
gage (25 psig) higher than the highest required operating pressure, whichever is greater. To establish the
highest required operating pressure, the following must be determined: the system pressure drop at a
minimum bypass control oil flow and maximum filter pressure drop while pumping 150 SUS oil. The relief
valve and relief valve piping shall be designed to relieve the full flow of one pump without valve chatter or
piping vibration.
See Figure 1 of this Guide for a typical schematic.
A functional test to completely demonstrate the performance of all components is required.
Paragraph 2.9.33, 2.9.3.4, 2.9.3.5, 2.9.3.7, 2.9.3.8, 2.9.3.9 (Delete)
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EGE 15-B-21 1984 PAGE 6 OF 9 AUGUST 1984
Paragraph 2.9.3.10 (New Paragraph)
Pressure lubrication systems shall be designed to ensure that the oil pressure is always higher than the
cooling water pressure.
Paragraph 2.10.3.1 (Substitution)
All welding, including weld repairs, shall be performed by operators and procedures qualified in accordance
with Section IX of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and EGE 00-B-21. The stress-relieving
temperature and procedure, as well as the radiographic technique and interpretation, shall conform to the
code or specific project specification, whichever is more stringent.
Paragraph 2.10.5.3, First Sentence (Substitution)
Magnetic particle inspection as described in ASTM E709 is required for welds, weld repair, and castings.
Acceptability of defects shall be based on a comparison with photographs associated with ASTM E125.
SECTION 3 ACCESSORIES
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AUGUST 1984 PAGE 7 OF 9 EGE 15-B-21 1984
Paragraph 3.1.1.2, Second and Third Sentences (Substitution)
Motor drivers for forced draft fans shall be sized for undampered fan performance at minimum ambient
temperature and test block conditions. Motor drivers for induced draft fans shall be adequate for the
following loads:
1. Approximately 125 percent of normal operating loads at normal operating temperatures.
2. Cold startup (specified minimum ambient temperature) to normal operating temperature undampered.
3. Approximately 125 percent test block condition at test block temperature.
Paragraph 3.1.2.1 (Substitution)
The sizing of motor drivers in accordance with Paragraph 3.1.1.2 shall include gear and/or coupling losses
and losses from any clutch device that i installed in the drive system. Motor drivers shall conform to EGE
33-B-9.
Paragraph 3.1.3.1, First Sentence (Substitution)
Steam turbine drivers shall conform to EGE 15-B-7 or EGE 15-B-8 as specified on EGE 15-D-21.
Paragraph 3.1.4.2, 3.1.4.3, 3.1.4.4, 3.1.4.5 (Substitution)
Unless otherwise specified, all gear units shall conform to EGE 15-B-22.
Paragraph 3.2.1, First Sentence (Substitution)
Couplings and guards shall conform to EGE 15-B-13 unless otherwise specified.
Paragraph 3.2.2 (Substitution)
Flexible couplings and guards between driver and driven equipment shall be supplied by the manufacturer
of the driven equipment. The guards shall totally enclose the coupling and be supplied with an oil drain that
is no smaller than 38 mm (1 in.) in diameter. The minimum distance between the inside diameter of the
guard and the outside diameter of the coupling flange shall be 51 mm (2 in.).
Paragraph 3.3.1 (Substitution)
The gear unit and its associated driver shall be furnished with a common fabricated baseplate.
Paragraph 3.3.2.6 (Substitution)
Pilot holes and spot faces for final doweling shall be drilled in bearing pedestals in such a way as to ensure
that final doweling can be achieved after the unit is assembled.
Paragraph 3.3.3.1 (Substitution)
Refer to Paragraph 3.3.1 of this Guide.
Paragraph 3.3.3.2 (Substitution)
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The baseplate shall be provided with leveling pads or targets, protected with removable covers, and
accessible for field leveling after installation of the equipment mounted on the baseplate and the foundation.
Paragraph 3.3.3.3 (Substitution)
The baseplate shall be suitable for column mounting (that is, of sufficient rigidity to be supported at specified
points) without continuous grouting under structural members.
Paragraph 3.3.3.5, Last Sentence (Delete)
Paragraph 3.4.1.4, Last Sentence (Substitution)
The vendor shall review the purchasers overall fan control system for compatibility with vendor-furnished
control equipment.
Paragraph 3.4.2.4, Last Sentence (Substitution)
The maximum control signal shall correspond to the maximum continuous speed or to the maximum flow.
Paragraph 3.4.2.5, First Sentence (Substitution)
Provision shall be made to automatically lock the dampers or guide vane setting on loss of motive force (air
supply, electric power, etc.). An alarm signal shall be provided to indicate the loss of motive force.
Paragraph 3.4.3.6 (New Paragraph)
Vane damper designs are not acceptable for induced draft fan service unless approved by Mobil.
Paragraph 3.5.3.1, Item 2 (Substitution)
2. The pressure drop through each silencer shall not exceed 12.5 mm (0.5 in.) water.
Paragraph 3.5.3.2, Item 3 (Substitution)
The material and corrosion allowance shall be as specified on EGE 15-D-21.
Paragraph 3.6.1, Item 2 (Addition)
The required coating shall be specified on EGE 15-D-21.
Paragraph 3.7.1 (Substitution)
Turning gear shall be provided when specified on EGE 15-D-21.
Paragraph 3.7.3 (Substitution)
The type of turning gear shall be specified on EGE 15-D-21.
SECTION 4 INSPECTION AND TESTING
Paragraph 4.1.3, First Sentence (Substitution)
See EGE 15-D-21 to determine the extent of the purchasers participation in testing.
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Paragraph 4.4.1 (Substitution)
When a full-load witness performance test is specified on EGE 15-D-21, it shall be conducted in accordance
with AMCA (Air Moving and Conditioning Association) procedures. The vendor shall supply a calculation
sheet supporting one observed data point, as well as a data record of all points and performance curves.