Atlas Copco GT-040-T1K1 Centrifugal Compressor | 17000 m3/h

Atlas Copco GT-040-T1K1 Centrifugal Compressor

The Atlas Copco GT-040-T1K1 is a high-efficiency industrial-grade integrally geared centrifugal compressor built to meet the demanding needs of air separation, maritime and process gas applications. This turbocompressor has a nominal volume flow capacity of 17,000 m³/h, and is optimized in terms of polytropic efficiency and pressure stability using sophisticated thermodynamic profiles and backward-leaning mechanical impeller shapes. The GT-040-T1K1 is based on an integral-gear platform, with numerous pinion shafts driven at independent speeds to allow the aerodynamic components to work at their exact optimum velocity for changing thermal and mass-flow circumstances.

Main Features

1. Advanced Flow turndown through IGVs: Equipped with automatic Variable Inlet Guide Vanes to alter the gas swirl angles before entering the first stage impeller, providing efficient turndown and surge protection down to 70% of nominal flow without bypassing gas.
2. Extreme Mechanical Containment & Sealing – Features heavy-duty, tandem dry gas face seals with carbon ring support that separate the process media from the lubricating loop to minimize the potential for fugitive emissions and processing risks.
3. API Compliant Architecture: Fully fabricated, dynamically balanced and API 617 Centrifugal Process Gas Compressors and API 614 Dedicated Lubrication Consoles compliant.
4. Marine-Grade Compact Footprint: Designed for structural stiffness in high-vibration marine situations, commercial ship recycling yard procurement availability, and restricted space allocations characteristic of offshore or onboard installations.

Compatible Equipment Models

The GT-040-T1K1 interfaces seamlessly with the following equipment platforms:

• Prime Movers: Siemens SGT series industrial gas turbines, ABB/GE synchronous induction electric motors (high-voltage configurations up to 37 MW).
• Lubrication Consoles: Atlas Copco Custom API 614 Lube Oil Skids (LG Level Glass, dual oil coolers, auxiliary AC/DC backup pumps).
• Control Systems: Atlas Copco Elektronikon Mk5 industrial controllers, Siemens Simatic S7-1500 series PLCs, and Allen-Bradley ControlLogix matrices.
• Part Number Cross-References: AC-GT040T1K1, 196403313525, B&I-85141FEC06

Where to Use?

1. Marine and Offshore Gas Handling: Used on large LNG carriers and offshore production platforms for boil-off gas (BOG) reliquefaction, cargo vapor recovery, and high-pressure gas boosting.
2. Air Separation Units (ASU): Main air compression (MAC) and nitrogen gas boosting for cryogenic gas liquefaction and distribution infrastructures.
3. Petrochemical & Chemical Refining: Transporting and boosting synthesis gas, hydrocarbon mixtures, carbon dioxide for CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), and light industrial gases.

Chief Engineer’s Directive:

Centrifugal compressors operating at high mass flows like 17,000 m³/h are vulnerable to flow reversal (surging) if resistance rises abruptly. Always cross-reference the anti-surge valve (ASV) response time with the Elektronikon control loop parameters. Ensure the dry gas purge for the Variable Inlet Guide Vanes (IGV) is kept at a constant differential pressure of at least +0.5 bar above the internal casing pressure to prevent particulates from jamming the vane linkage rings.

Hydrodynamic Bearing Maintenance

1. When re-commissioning a surplus unit sourced from a ship recycling asset, a full inspection of the 5-pad tilting-pad bearings is critical.
2. Check the babbitt metal faces for cavitation pits or wiping signs.
3. Ensure the proximity probes (Bently Nevada dual-channel or equivalent) are precisely calibrated to read the pinion shaft journal oil film clearances—typically between 40 to 75 micrometers.
4. Use only high-demulsibility turbine oils matching ISO VG 32 or 46, and verify the API 614 auxiliary pump cuts in instantly if the main shaft-driven oil pump loses head pressure.