The following problems may affect the ability of the foundation to properly support rotating and reciprocating machinery: - Deterioration of the concrete block (oil seepage, cracks, failed anchor bolts)
- Settling of gravel pad resulting in “rocking”
- Poor connection to piles resulting in local flexibility
- Insufficient stiffness in foundation/structure
A foundation/structural assessment is the first step to evaluating the integrity of machinery installation. Scope - BETA conducts operating deflected shape analysis on the foundation, anchor points and equipment to determine problems and excessive flexibility
- BETA examines foundations visually looking for signs of failure
- BETA checks anchor bolt tightness and the equipment for “soft-foot”
- BETA evaluates web deflections on engines to understand support and foundation concerns
Representative Examples: - Evaluated the foundations of large, slow-speed compressors at a number of refineries. The assessment provided recommendations on the scope, and required timing, for foundation remediation work.
- CNRL Resources on Horizon Project (Oilsands at Fort McMurray, Canada) – designed concrete block foundation for large centrifugal machines.
- Chevron, Encana, Anadarko and Red Cedar – evaluated multiple compressor facilities to assess gravel pad foundation. Using ODS analysis, identified foundation issues and made recommendations to reduce vibration.
- Suncor Energy’s Oilsand Facility in Fort McMurray, Canada – analyzed dynamic stresses in welds on concrete-mounted skid with a D-R 7HOS2 compressor driven by a Siemens VFD motor.
- PennWest Petroleum – performed engineering analysis of pile foundations and provided recommendations to avoid resonance.
- Exmar (oil/gas shipping industry) – analyzed vibration and stress in two two-level compressor skids on FPSO. D-R 7HOS6 driven by engine.
| |  Foundation assessment at a gas plant | |  Impact testing to determine MNF of structure |
| | - Tenneco Station 114 – detailed engineering on concrete foundation (on sand) for VFD Motor/Reciprocating compressor application.
- Concrete foundation analysis of large horsepower compressors at various refineries. The work included an operating deflected shapes. The work was done in conjunction with the a foundation repair service and the recommendations were implemented and the unit is now running trouble free.
- For Shell, performed foundation assessment at various gas plants and compressor facilities.
- BETA assessed concrete foundation at a refinery and identified deterioration, including anchor bolts that could not restrain compressor forces. The foundation is now being repaired.
- At a large gas plant, BETA measured foundation problems where a foundation block had completely broken away from the base mat and required urgent repair.
- Measured the deck vibration of a production platform with four reciprocating compressors and identified the flexibilities. The results were then used to verify Finite Element models of the platform and modifications were designed to allow the units to run to higher speeds.
- Detailed assessments on FPSOs to determine damping and resonant issues. The field work was critical to confirm the required structural changes necessary to avoid resonance.
| | BETA Advantages - Geotechnical engineering capabilities
- Software tools, including dynamic analysis using a selection of software tools for assessing foundations
- Significant field experience in foundation and structural troubleshooting
.jpg) Resolving resonance problems on an offshore platform |