Frame 40

The Frame 40 is the workhorse of GE's radial expander line serving numerous typical applications from approximately 3 to 7MW.

Design Philosophy
GE's Frame 40 expander is custom engineered to recover the maximum amount of useful energy available in your process, which can be used to drive another piece of equipment or for power generation. It is designed to run continuously, year after year, in extreme conditions with the primary objective of reliability and ease of operation. Wheels are milled to computer-generated profiles, customized for performance and efficiency, dynamically balanced, and overspeed tested for integrity.

Applications
Typical applications include:
  • Cryogenic Natural Gas Processing - NGL & Ethane recovery, dew point control, LNG production
  • Petrochemical - LPG, Ethylene recovery, MTBE & CO processing
  • Energy Recovery - Pressure let down, geothermal power generation, tail gas

Testing Capabilities
Our modern test facilities are instrumented with real time data acquisition systems and are capable of testing in accordance with ASME PTC10 Class I, II, or III. GE can perform full load/speed tests with virtually any gas mixture along with performance mapping.

Performance & Product Characteristics
The Frame 40 expander is custom designed for peak performance at a specified design condition. In addition, a unique patented Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) controls the turboexpander gas flow in order to maintain high efficiency over a wide range of operating conditions. The wheels can withstand any amount of liquid formation. Oil or Active Magnetic Bearings are available.

Expander-generators can be configured with direct-drive, external gearbox, or internal gearbox. Multi-stage arrangements can accommodate up to 4 expanders on a common gearbox.

GE can provide expander and compressor housings capable of pressures up to 200 bar absolute (3000 psia).