Structural Performance Enhancement of Compressor Base Frame (Skid) Utilizing Alumina Saffil

In this study, an attempt was made to enhance the structural performance of compressor base frame (skid) using finite element analysis. A 3d geometry of compressor base frame was modeled in Catia v5 and performed static structural analysis on Ansys 14.0. A comparative analysis with original material of compressor base frame i.e. structural steel and replacement material which is alumina saffil which is a composite material was performed. It was found out by static solution of the analysis that alumina saffil is suitable for manufacturing of compressor base frame since less total deformation for alumina saffil when compared with the conventional material of compressor base frame i.e. structural steel was observed. The values of stresses and strains were found to be optimum as well. The weight was also observed to to reduced applying alumina saffil as replacement material. These all contributed to increase the structural performance of compressor base frame.