Applications
Energy

 

Engineers in almost all industries and many applications have to deal with unwanted vibrations. The energy sector is no exception, and with our increasing environmental awareness the demand to reduce noise and vibrations increases. Fabreeka is an established partner in this field. The company has developed and supplied solutions against transformer vibration and for transformer noise isolation for decades as well as consulting customers all over the world in finding the right products for pipe isolation, gas compressor isolation and the isolation of components of wind turbines.

 

Turbines, transformers or pipes equipped with Fabreeka products perform more efficiently and have a longer life while work crews can operate in safer, quieter environments. Fabreeka components help protect these important systems during their extended use in often very harsh environments by isolating vibrations and protecting people.

 

Oil and Gas

 

A major problem facing companies with gas transmission and petrochemical piping is fatigue failures caused by vibration. High frequency, namely ultrasonic and hypersonic gas pulsations at natural gas transmission line compressor stations, causes metal fatigue in piping, supports and pipe clamps. To eliminate excessive vibration, a properly designed mechanical restraint is required.

 

The application of Fabreeka Preformed fabric pad with high damping within these mechanical restraints can provide isolation of piping vibrations, thermal flexibility, and reduction of unwanted noise and prevent non-uniform clamp contact pressure. Fabreeka Pad is available in a range of thicknesses to accommodate any design application and is available with a PTFE Teflon® surface for thermal expansion and insulation for high temperatures. To allow thermal expansion without fatiguing piping and clamps, Fabreeka expansion bearings are often fitted under pipes.

 

In line with the need of pipe and gas compressor isolation, vibration is also present on drilling rigs. Created by mud pumps, compressors, generators and other rotating equipment, the vibration from the equipment is transmitted to the decks on the rig. Fabreeka provides isolation materials for drilling rig equipment to make the rig as quiet as possible and reduce structure fatigue.

 

Power Generation

 

For decades, Fabreeka isolation materials have been used to control structure-borne vibration and noise generated from power and distribution transformers and reactors. With alternative energy generation on the rise, Fabreeka pads, Fabcel pads and isolation washers and bushings are now widely used in wind turbines to provide vibration isolation under gear boxes and generators. Fabreeka isolation products are also the material of choice to prevent metal to metal contact on rotating parts with the rotors to reduce wear and fatigue.

 

Moreover, Fabreeka engineers work with consultants who design power generation facilities involving steam and gas turbine foundation isolation and other turbo-machinery vibration attenuation requirements.

 

When it comes to transformer noise isolation and vibration isolation, engineers can choose from a variety of standard vibration isolation mounts for small transformers that may weigh up to 10,000 lbs. Fabreeka also offers custom solutions for large transformers in transformer yards. They all have in common that they reduce noise and vibration for both single phase and three-phase transformers and protect concrete from fatigue due to vibration. Another benefit is the reduction of noise by 3 to 5 dB on average which may be increased to a reduction of 8 dB depending on transformer configuration.

 

For turbine vibration isolation as well as for engine generator isolation countless clients in many countries have chosen Fabreeka pad, Fabreeka washers and bushings and Fabcel pad. Foundation isolation products such as FAB-EPM, FAB-EFP and Fabsorb are also in use for the isolation of engine generators. For the latter turnkey solutions are available, including demolition, foundation design and concrete construction.

KEY FEATURES/BENEFITS

  • Control structure-borne vibration and noise in single- and three-phase transformers and reactors
  • Prevent equipment “walking” with anti-skid surface
  • Provide for air circulation under transformers to help prevent base corrosion
  • Resistant to weather, most oils, mildew, sunshine, dampness and other environmental and climactic conditions

Fabcel® transformer mounts can reduce transformer noise by 3 to 5 decibels when used as footings for single- and three-phase transformers. They help meet OSHA noise pollution standards. Depending on your application, there are several product options for transformer isolation. Please contact our Engineering Department for assistance to choose the proper solution.