TEAM PLAYERS
In this series, we introduce young team members in departments responsible for shaping the future, along with their daily work.
From Hiroshima
Energy Systems
Welding & Assembling Team,
Production Branch, Rotor Production Section,
Production Division,
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation
Every day, he carefully polishes his lens in order to get a clearer look at what's happening at MHI Group's plants. His dream is to become a leading expert on these plants.
Put simply, a compressor is a machine that squishes a gas tightly and then lets it go quickly!
-
Manufacturing the impellers at the center of compressors, The driving heart of plants around the world
The large compressors manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation serve as the driving heart of plant operations. They play a key role in the core processes of energy production, from extracting natural gas at production sites to transferring it to chemical plants, power plants, and other facilities, supporting operations across a wide range of industries. The Welding & Assembling Team manufactures impellers according to each compressor’s specifications, honing individual skills while working together in coordinated manufacturing. The impeller is the part attached to the shaft of a compressor. As the impeller rotates, the gas is compressed through centrifugal force and becomes highly pressurized. Multiple impellers of varying diameters are arranged in a specific sequence along a single shaft, making our company’s unique, single-shaft, multi-stage product. We want to send this product from Hiroshima around the world. Our technology is ceaselessly supporting the world’s infrastructure, earning the trust of our customers.
Lupech
Every day, he carefully polishes his lens in order to get a clearer look at what's happening at MHI Group's plants. His dream is to become a leading expert on these plants.
Put simply, a compressor is a machine that squishes a gas tightly and then lets it go quickly!
-
Manufacturing the impellers at the center of compressors,
The driving heart of plants around the worldThe large compressors manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation serve as the driving heart of plant operations. They play a key role in the core processes of energy production, from extracting natural gas at production sites to transferring it to chemical plants, power plants, and other facilities, supporting operations across a wide range of industries. The Welding & Assembling Team manufactures impellers according to each compressor’s specifications, honing individual skills while working together in coordinated manufacturing. The impeller is the part attached to the shaft of a compressor. As the impeller rotates, the gas is compressed through centrifugal force and becomes highly pressurized. Multiple impellers of varying diameters are arranged in a specific sequence along a single shaft, making our company’s unique, single-shaft, multi-stage product. We want to send this product from Hiroshima around the world. Our technology is ceaselessly supporting the world’s infrastructure, earning the trust of our customers.
Our Work
Our work is very unique. That’s why we have unparalleled, nonreplicable technology.
Scanning the QR code shows the process and steps!
In 2020, the Production Division introduced a management system that uses QR codes. Scanning the QR code with your smartphone shows the process, a diagram, related components, etc., all in an instant. In addition to going paperless, it has made the entire process visible at a glance.
The team uses more than ten different welding nozzles. It takes a long time to learn to weld by sound alone!
-
Welding by sound
Blades have a complex shape, requiring advanced welding techniques. Welders rely on sound to weld at angles where they can’t see, requiring meticulous and delicate work.
-
Heat treatment with a large furnace
Just as they come in a wide range of shapes, materials such as stainless steel alloy vary in hardness. In order to realize the desired hardness, we treat the impeller using heat, carefully setting and controlling the temperature.
Because they can’t use their eyes, experience is key! It’s amazing how they can control a large furnace!
-
Balancing with a grinder
Balance is important to a rotor. The team checks the impeller after it has been processed and meticulously fixes any unbalanced areas in increments of 1/1,000 g.
It’s an incredibly delicate process. It just goes to show how important the final touches are!
Pickup Member
I want to be a well-rounded engineer with welding and heat-treatment skills!
Tsutomu Hashimoto
I balance the impeller and run spin tests*1 to make sure it rotates correctly. Recently, I was put in charge of spin tests at the GTCC Business Division’s Hitachi Works and had a chance to collaborate with workers there. I learned a lot, such as methods for addressing warping from thermal stress*2 and pre-operation preparations. I am helping to transfer these skills by explaining them clearly to my team.
- 1A test for measuring an impeller’s rotation performance and durability
- 2The force generated within an object that attempts to resist deformation when it expands or contracts due to temperature changes
He has the most experience in balancing impellers. He is confident in his explanations, making him a reliable team member!
I want my skills to be recognized by my senior colleagues, so I give my all every day!
Jin Tasaka
I joined the company in 2024 and was assigned to my current team this fiscal year. I now mainly weld. Depending on the spot to be welded, I sometimes have to use my nondominant hand, which was really hard at first. However, thanks to the support from my senior colleagues, I have steadily improved. I look forward to continuing to grow together with my friendly senior colleagues!
He is very bright and social, brightening everyone’s day like the sun!
