COURSE OVERVIEW:

Rotating equipment preservation and storage for long shutdowns is a specialized field of maintenance focused on protecting critical assets during periods of inactivity. When machinery is decommissioned for extended durations—whether due to plant mothballing, long-lead project delays, or seasonal shutdowns it becomes highly susceptible to environmental degradation, including corrosion, moisture ingress, and static deformation. This course provides the technical knowledge required to implement robust preservation protocols that ensure equipment can be restarted reliably and safely without the need for costly overhauls.

The scope of this course addresses the physical and chemical threats to idle machinery, such as atmospheric corrosion of machined surfaces, "false brinelling" of bearings due to ambient vibration, and the degradation of non-metallic components like seals and O-rings. Participants will learn how to select and apply various preservation media, including vapor-phase corrosion inhibitors (VCI), nitrogen blankets, and specialty coatings. The coverage also includes the mechanical requirements for idle rotors, such as periodic shaft rotation to prevent permanent bowing and the management of internal clearances.

Furthermore, the training details the administrative and logistical aspects of a preservation program, including the creation of detailed preservation checklists, inspection frequencies, and documentation standards. Attendees will explore the specific needs of different asset classes, from large steam turbines and centrifugal compressors to small electric motors and pumps. By mastering these preservation techniques, participants will safeguard the organization's capital investment and ensure a seamless, high-reliability transition from storage back to operational status.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Define the risks associated with long-term storage of rotating machinery.
2. Identify the primary types of corrosion and degradation affecting idle assets.
3. Select appropriate preservation materials and chemicals for different environments.
4. Implement nitrogen purging and blanketing systems for internal protection.
5. Apply Vapor Corrosion Inhibitors (VCI) to sensitive electronic and mechanical parts.
6. Execute manual and automated shaft rotation programs to prevent rotor bow.
7. Protect bearings from false brinelling and moisture contamination during storage.
8. Manage the preservation of auxiliary systems, including lube oil consoles.
9. Develop comprehensive preservation procedures for pumps, motors, and turbines.
10. Establish an inspection and maintenance schedule for preserved equipment.
11. Design storage environments (indoor versus outdoor) based on asset criticality.
12. Prepare detailed documentation and labeling for preserved components.
13. Execute "de-preservation" steps to safely return equipment to service.
14. Audit the effectiveness of a preservation program and adjust as necessary.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is intended for Warehouse Managers, Preservation Engineers, Maintenance Planners, Project Engineers, and Technicians responsible for asset integrity during plant shutdowns or construction delays.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.