Experience of operating the first batches of ATKA-445-8000 and ATKA-545-5000 ammonia refrigeration turbo-compressors

OAO Nizhnekamskneftekhim is operating ammonia turbo-compressor units ATKA-545 and ATKA-445 of high capacity since June 1975. The machines with the first serial numbers came to the construction site in 1974.
The decision made by the designer (Giprokauchuk) to implement domestic equipment instead of expensive imported equipment in multi-tonnage production of synthetic rubbers was justified. Technical and repair base, material and human resources allowed performing this task at Nizhnekamsk petrochemical plant. As time showed, mastering of new refrigeration compressors in other regions of the country was very difficult. The technological chain of petrochemical productions is an interconnected structure, if one of its links is unstable, the whole production stops. Timing of mastering the new equipment was complicated by the specifics of production. There was no experience in installation, adjustment and operation.