New Active Magnetic Bearing Requirements for Compressors in API 617 Eighth Edition

Active magnetic bearings (AMBs) are being used for an increasing number of compressors in the oil and gas industry. The applications include cryogenic compressor-expanders, subsea processing, pipeline and other process compressors. The use of AMBs allows totally sealed machines, reduced maintenance, elimination of the lube oil system, enhanced monitoring and diagnostic capability, and provides extremely high levels of reliability. Over the past several decades, these bearings have gone from unique, one-of-a-kind demonstrations to being the bearing of choice in an increasing number of applications.