Solar Gas Compressor Test Facility

CLIENT OBJECTIVES

Construct a new testing facility for high pressure gas compressors used to test turbines.

VALUE DELIVERED

UMEC constructed the mechanical systems for a new gas compressor testing and manufacturing facility, which allows Solar Turbines gas compressors weighing up to 100 tons to be built and undergo PTC testing.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

This was a two-phase project consisting of construction of a new test facility for a 9,100 square foot assembly building, gas compressor test bed and turbine driver.

SOLUTIONS

UMEC provided and installed approximately 2,500 feet of natural gas, industrial air, com-pressed air, and nitrogen piping for an assembly building and test skid modules. UMEC set and connected the turbine driver package and compressor skid. The second phase consisted of complete installation of the Combustion Loop Test Facility (CLTF) process gas piping, including rigging, alignment, bolting and field welding of 30" main loop piping spools, manifold piping and control valves. UMEC also performed the rigging and installation of header manifolds, heat exchangers and valve support steel, and hydrostatic testing of completed piping system.

BACKGROUND

Solar Turbines, Inc. designs and manufactures gas turbines and packages under various quality systems ensuring the highest reliability. Headquartered in San Diego, California, USA, Solar Turbines Incorporated, a subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., is one of the world's leading manufacturers of industrial gas turbines, with more than 13,900 units and over 1.7 billion operating hours in 98 countries. UMEC has a long-standing relationship with Solar, understanding their quality requirements and responding with the highest degree of workmanship.