Voith Vorecon Variable Speed Planetary Gear with Dual Torque Converters Improves Natural Gas Transportation

Voith’s Vorecon recently expanded its footprint in the U.S. market, with five Vorecons equipped in compressor stations transporting natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation into markets in the mid-Atlantic and Southeast states. These Vorecons are increasing transport capacity by over 25 percent, and improving reliability and efficiency in the process. The Vorecon with Dual Torque Converter is a variable speed planetary gear with two matched torque converters. It’s built to deliver high efficiency, even into the lower speed range. It is up to two percent more efficient than variable frequency drives (VFD).

“Vorecons with Dual Torque Converters are quickly expanding their presence in markets across the United States,” said Jim Kosalek, vice president of Voith Turbo’s Power, Oil & Gas Division in North America. “From Marcellus to Eagle Ford, customers are turning to the latest in Voith’s cutting edge technology to improve efficiency, reliability, and power in their operating systems. Given the advantages the Vorecon with Dual Torque Converters provides, we expect demand will continue to mirror the tremendous growth of the oil and natural gas sectors in the U.S.”

The Vorecon with Dual Torque Converter is marketed for operating points that frequently fall within 60 to 90 percent of maximum speed, and still provides high torque at low speeds – up to 42 percent higher than VFDs. The mean time between failures for the Vorecon is 48 years.