Emerson expands product line into petroleum, oil and gas

“If you find an opportunity to improve your plant,” noted Mike Sander, “you’ve got to move quickly.” That’s especially true in the petroleum, oil and gas industry, where unscheduled shutdowns have a ripple impact.

By Bob Vavra October 15, 2008

“If you find an opportunity to improve your plant,” noted Mike Sander, “you’ve got to move quickly.”

That’s especially true in the petroleum, oil and gas industry, where unscheduled shutdowns have a ripple impact. Taking down a refinery line to replace or upgrade a motor system, even to improve efficiency, is a major decision at a time when refineries are racing to meet demand. At the same time, the reliability of any motor is critical for exactly the same reason.

Emerson is entering the oil and gas process industry market with a series of products designed to meet both the existing IEEE 841 standard as well as the American Petroleum Institute’s API 547 specifications. The API standards, focused specifically on the oil and gas market, refine many of the existing IEEE specifications.

The standards and the Emerson product offerings come at a critical time for the industry, said Sander, industry director for Emerson Motor Technologies. “If you look at the industry trends right now, the industry, especially upstream, is rapidly growing,” said Sander. “Refineries are running flat out to meet demand. If you believe the analysts, some of the refineries will have a little reprieve, and they can start looking at upgrades.”

Emerson stepped into the oil and gas motor market because of past success in industries such as water and wastewater, Sander said. “We wanted to take the initiative just as we have done with our vertical motors, which are recognized as industry leaders, and manufacture another leader.”

Another major driver was the convergence of standards between IEEE 841 and API 547. A report on the creation of the standard noted, “API 547 was modeled after IEEE 841 and meant to establish a standard for 250 hp to 3,000 hp motors for general purpose use and be less complicated than API 541. Medium voltage TEFC versions of API 547 motors should provide a robust motor suitable for the petroleum, oil and gas industry just as the 841 standard does today. Electrical and mechanical standards were selected for general-purpose use as in the IEEE 841 standard but also incorporate many of the more severe requirements from API 541.”

“API 547 is so detailed,” Sander noted. “It meets the 85 db OSHA standard for noise. It takes a look at heat loss. It looks at a whole array of issues around robustness and efficiencies. It’s all in there.”

Emerson introduced its Titan III motor Oct. 1 to complement its existing motor line. The Titan III horizontal motor meets the API 547 specifications and features TEFC enclosure, 2, 4, 6 and 8 pole design in sizes that range from 250 hp to 700 hp. The Vertical Solid Shaft motors meet the API 610 shaft tolerance standards and come in standard, energy and premium efficiencies. The 841 Plus motors meet the IEE 841 standard for severe duty indoor, outdoor or corrosive environment applications.

For more information, go to www.emersonmotros.com/oil-gas .

The Titan III motor line was introduced Oct. 1 to complement Emerson’s existing motor line.


Author Bio: Bob is the Content Manager for Plant Engineering.