Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1275515
ML www . machinerylubrication.com | July - August 2020 | 25 ML rated filter. Best practice recommendation is to review performance curves of each filter. Higher efficient filter will capture more particle of a specific micron size in one pass. is type of filter is necessary if lube oils will be pump directly to lube oil components after the filter. ey are not recommended for recirculation systems. Dirt-holding capacity can be used to determine the cost of filtration based on the number of filters expected to be used. High Temperature For systems with high temperature, many factors need to be reviewed. ese include the use of vibration analysis, infrared ther- mography and airborne ultrasound. Related symptoms are normally beyond the lube oil system. However, the coolant system periodically clogs with minerals. In this case, the coolant system must be flushed. Varnish Varnish has become prominent in many lube oil systems. ere are many precursors to the development of varnish from high heat, contaminants and base oil stocks. In many systems, varnish deposits on machine surfaces can be identified by a very thin dark layer on tank walls, bearings/journals, valve spools and filters. is layer acts as an insulator leading to high temperatures. e effects can be devas- tating. To reduce varnish, many companies focus on varnish removal equipment. Note, many systems may not show any visible signs of varnish unless the system is shut down. Varnish can dissolve at higher temperatures. When the system is shut down the lube oil cools leading to varnish deposits on machine surfaces. Systems designed to remove varnish must be evaluated and considered with temperature in mind. It is recommended to conduct lube oil testing and analysis to deter- mine varnish potential. Varnish can be reduced using technologies such as balance charged agglomeration, depth cellulose media and ion exchange. ese technologies are available in units similar to offline filtration systems. Roadmap Forward A road map is provided as guidance to making decisions with large reservoir turbine oil systems. Both short- and long-term steps are provided. Short Term Step 1: Obtain oil analysis data and determine current issues. Step 2: Based on existing KPIs, determine requirements to address current issues. ese may include the operations schedule and budget, the maintenance schedule and budget, the required resources and asso- ciated costs. Step 3: Obtain and implement the relevant resources. Test the lube oil and analyze the results. Repeat until the desired results are achieved. Long Term Step 4: Reassess existing KPIs and long-term objectives, such as oil testing, best practices, varnish mitigation, oil reclamation, filtration/ dehydration, cooler performance, parts replacement and equipment modifications. Determine the resources required to implement recom- mended best-practice solutions. ese might include training and certification, standardize procedures, parts replacement, equipment modification and implementation and the deployment of oil reclamation strategies. Finally, seek the allocation of funds for oil testing and analysis inclusive of varnish testing, additive health and base oils. Step 5: Obtain budget approval. Step 6: Implement resources. Step 7: Monitor and reassess. Review the current oil analysis reports, maintenance and operations costs and program performance. Summary Turbine oils are critical to companies' operations. If not monitored and supported effectively, increased costs and potential failure remains eminent. Oil analysis is critical to understanding the health of lube oils and equipment. In some cases, the lube oil life has been exhausted. In many applications, lube oils can be reclaimed using detailed oil analysis together with the current technologies and solutions available today. It is mandatory that equipment users consider options to monitor and maintain lube oil health. Life extension and equipment reliability will be achieved and will become the new norm. Companies will be able to manage their core business at peak profitability. ML