API RP 687 Chapter 0: Section 13 Assembly and Section 14 Shipment and Storage Containers

This week we get some interesting topics in our journey through API RP 687 Chapter 0.

Section 13: Assembly

Section 13: Assembly is more like a teaser than a section. It contains only two clauses.

The first states that equipment assemblies should be per the appropriate sections within the document.

The second clause says, “review the assembly work to ensure all work was completed correctly”.

Hence, it will be on another day that we get to cover rotor and equipment assembly when we get to each equipment chapter.

Having extensively covered the contents of Section 13, we now move to Section 14.

Section 14: Shipment and Storage Containers

This chapter contains several clauses for many things that should be done in terms of shipping and storage. We can summarize all these suggestions into four key takeaways.

The key points:

1. Container Design

2. Labelling and Handling Instructions

3. Preservation for Long Term Storage

4. Minimizing the Total Cost of Ownership

1. Container Design: Ensuring Safe Transit

We must remember that when API RP 687 was first written, it contained only suggestions for the treatment of rotors; therefore, most of the suggestions about containers still apply mainly to rotors.

Most assembled steam turbines and compressors that are in the shop for an overhaul are to be returned to service without spending much time in storage.

But spare rotors, on the other hand, may spend several years in hibernation before being needed.

Therefore, the design of shipping and storage containers for rotors is critical because rotors are often large, heavy, and sensitive to environmental conditions.

Improper container design could expose rotors and their sensitive bits to mechanical or environmental damage (such as dents, scratches, corrosion, pitting) leading to operational failures once installed.

The right container design acts as the first line of defense against damage during transport.

Figure: Nondescript rotor container in the back of a truck.

The most popular rotor containers look like a cylinder, especially if the container will be filled with nitrogen, as an added measure to protect the rotors from air and moisture.

I am not in the business of designing or manufacturing rotor containers, but I know of a company that does an excellent job.

http://easternalloy.com/

2. Labelling and Handling Instructions: Clarity for Every Step

Miscommunication during shipping or storage can result in mishandling, especially when dealing with specialized equipment.

Clear labelling provides handlers with the necessary information to treat the equipment appropriately. For instance, labeling a package as fragile or indicating specific warnings ensures that those responsible for moving, uncrating, or storing the parts are aware of the conditions under which the components need to be maintained.

Detailed and durable labeling helps ensure that everyone involved in the transport process—from the loading crew to the final destination crew—knows how to handle the equipment, reducing the likelihood of accidental damage.

I’ve mentioned before how vibration probe target areas often get wrapped in tape.

And if someone who is not familiar with rotating equipment is even involved in uncrating a rotor, every fiber of their being will be tempted to grab a box knife and cut all that wrap off that rotor.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen this happen in real life.

Therefore, always include handling instructions and warning signs.

Another good suggestion is to mark which areas of the container are to be used as lift points or forklift slots.

This will ensure that any warehouse operator understands how to rig a container for safe handling.

You don't want to confuse a lid lifting loop, as a "container" lifting point.

Figure: Container with clear LIFT point markings.

Another great suggestion is to make sure there are warnings on Nitrogen-filled containers that warn individuals never to fill containers above a safe working pressure.

For the containers I have worked with, the maximum Nitrogen pressure was 3 psig. We also make sure purged containers are equipped with an emergency relief valve set to 5 psig.

Figure: Container with clear warning on Nitrogen pressure limits.

Never underestimate the power stored in a compressed gas.

One time, I overheard some mechanics talking about filling a rotor container with Nitrogen to 30 psig. They simply did not know any better. Their rationale was: “if the tires in my car can handle 30 psig and they are made from rubber, surely this container made of steel can handle 30 psig”.

I was able to stop them in time, and when I calculated the area and multiplied it by 30, they understood how many pounds would be pushing onto the walls of that container.

Warnings are important; they save lives.

3. Preservation for Long-Term Storage: Defending Against Environmental Hazards

Many rotating equipment components are made of materials that can corrode when exposed to moisture.

Long-term storage in a non-climate-controlled environment could lead to rust and pitting of precision surfaces like journals or probe target areas.

By utilizing climate-controlled storage or purged containers for long-term storage (over six months), you ensure that these critical parts remain in near-new condition and avoid issues like corrosion or moisture contamination.

4. Minimizing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Proper shipping and storage practices might seem like an extra expense, but they significantly reduce the total cost of ownership by preventing unnecessary repairs and downtime.

This goes for all components, not just rotors. Rotors are often stored along with other items, such as special tooling or other spare parts, like new coupling fasteners or other trim parts.

You don’t want to find out at the last minute that a probe target needs to be re-burnished or that a box with special tooling or new coupling fasteners has been misplaced.