Power Recovery Expanders

Ebara Elliott Energy has the most dependable and durable power recovery expanders in the industry. We pioneered power recovery expander turbine technology in the 1950s and have been a leader in the field ever since. Our TH power recovery expander turbine converts high-temperature, low-pressure flue gas energy into usable power. The turbine often is used to drive compressors or generators in refinery fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) service. Recovery power for these applications can approach 50,000 hp (37,300 kW). 

Our design engineers continue to advance expander technology to meet the changing demands of the FCC process. By using computational fluid dynamics to verify flow path design and minimize blade erosion, we have significantly extended typical time between turnarounds far beyond the industry average, without sacrificing efficiency. To ensure reliability, we design all critical components using finite element analysis. We are continuously developing new coatings and materials to resist the erosive and corrosive environment of the FCC process.

Power recovery expanders pose unique challenges. High temperatures, gas volume, and the continuous flow of very hard and potentially erosive catalyst particles entrained in the gas stream require special design considerations.  We developed new alloys and metallurgical treatments for superior reliability and availability equivalent to other equipment in less arduous services. Our expanders routinely operate for nine years or more with a single rotor assembly. We recently overhauled an FCC unit that had operated reliably and efficiently for 10 years with the same blades.