Specifically designed for versatility and to accommodate the most modern turbine rotors, the lathe has a 200,000 lbs. capacity, with a 76 foot (23 meters) over bedway and a 14 foot (4.25 meters) swing.
Industrial gas turbines are increasing in size. As a result of this, repair facilities that overhaul and repair these machines must keep pace. One of the key tools is a large lathe. As one of the leading industrial gas turbine and rotor repair providers in the world, Sulzer has recently upgraded its service center in La Porte, near Houston, Texas, by installing a new, state-of-the-art, large and versatile lathe. With the addition of this modern equipment, the facility, Sulzer’s largest for rotating equipment repair, offers complete repair and balancing services for the world’s largest industrial gas turbines.
The new lathe was constructed based on current designs of large gas turbine rotors. Specifically designed for versatility and to accommodate the most modern turbine rotors, the lathe has a 200,000 lbs. capacity, with a 76 foot (23 meters) over bedway and a 14 foot (4.25 meters) swing.
The new lathe complements the other state-of-the-art machines, including a large, low-speed dynamic balancing machine with a 200,000 lbs. capacity and a vertical stacking system that is designed to protect valuable rotors and the technicians working on these rotor repairs. The combination and arrangement of this cutting-edge equipment, makes the most efficient use of the workshop space and speeds up the workflow by reducing the time required to repair a rotor.
Billy Bottera, Manager of Gas Turbine Rotor Repairs, comments: “This large lathe significantly improves the workflow in our turbine rotor repair bay, allowing us to streamline work on larger turbines. Its versatile design will ensure that the final machining operations are completed more efficiently by alleviating previous bottle-necks in the system.”
Sulzer is the leading worldwide, independent service provider for the repair and maintenance of rotating machines including turbomachinery, pumps and electro-mechanical equipment. With a global network of over 150 technically advanced manufacturing and test facilities, Sulzer offers a collaborative advantage that delivers high-quality, cost-effective, customized and turnkey solutions, providing its customers with the peace of mind to focus on their core operations.
Sulzer Rotating Equipment Services, a division of Sulzer, can accommodate all brands of rotating equipment including turbines, compressors, generators, motors and pumps. With an enviable track record, dedicated teams of on-site engineers provide best-in-class solutions to ensure that the most effective service is delivered.
Sulzer is dedicated to providing superior service solutions to a range of industries including power generation, oil and gas, hydrocarbon and chemical processing, water and air separation. Every solution is customized to suit the business needs of each application – whenever or wherever that may be.
With a long history of providing engineering service support, Sulzer is headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland where it began in 1834. Today, with sales over US$ 3 billion and with approximately 15,000 employees, the Sulzer footprint spans across the globe. The core aim is to deliver a flexible and cost-effective service that optimizes customer operational efficiency and minimizes downtime.
For more information on Sulzer, visit www.sulzer.com