Development of an 11000-r/min 3500-HP induction motor and adjustable-speed drive for refinery service

Faced with the need to revise the refining process to produce reformulated gasoline in compliance with state and federal clean air requirements, the Chevron El Segundo Refinery found justification to purchase special high-speed electric motors with adjustable-speed drives to replace existing steam turbine recycle compressor drivers. This paper explains the decision-making process and rationale that led to this purchase. Further, it describes the design/development process and testing/approval procedures to demonstrate the necessary reliability levels for critical refinery service in this first-of-its-kind application.