Machinery Lubrication

Machinery Lubrication Nov Dec 2013

Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation

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TURBINE LUBRICATION BY WOJCIECH M AJKA AND TOMAS K LIMA , ECOL , POLAND Hydrodynamic Cleaning and Flushing of Turbine Oil Systems O One of the most important but underestimated factors impacting the operation of turbines (both steam and gas) and other machinery is the condition of the oil, especially its "mechanical" cleanliness (presence of solid particles). Although the need for appropriate oil care is commonly accepted among power plants with regular maintenance practices, the cleanliness of the oil system interiors (piping, tanks, coolers, etc.) remains an issue. Problems caused by dirty oil systems in machinery such as turbo-generators, turbo-compressors, turbo-pumps and other large-scale oil systems (hydraulics, large stationary diesel engines, etc.) are quite common. The most reasonable and responsible maintenance strategy is to maintain the proper condition of the oil and oil system based on a correctly applied oil analysis program, determining not only basic oil parameters but also answering questions regarding the potential of varnish formation and other aging-related properties along with the general oil and component condition. Temporarily controlling the system's interior is also advised (using endoscopy, visual inspection of friction nodes, control of used filter elements within their exchange process, etc.). Of Dirt in an oil system course, the lubricant quality matters as well. Unfortunately, from time to time, plants experience significant problems related to lubrication. A big part of these problems is associated with the purity of the oil. While many industry experts speak about Benefits of Hydrodynamic Cleaning the role of oil contamination, the issue of achieving purity of both the oil and oil system is often and Flushing of Oil Systems neglected or not discussed in detail. Hydrodynamic cleaning and flushing with oil at turbulent flow So what can you do when severe deposits, sludge, rates offers many advantages, such as: varnish or rust formation occurs in an oil system, or • Long-term system and oil purity when a newly assembled oil system is corroded or • Retention of the natural protective oxide layer on the inner contaminated with chemical preservatives or walls of the pipeline system machining debris? What can be done with large quan• Reduced quantities of flushing oil tities of wear debris inside an oil system after severe • Reduced wear of lubricated parts and extended mean time seizure and breakdown of a bearing? between repairs • Significant increase in oil durability (reduced quantities of For trouble-free operation, contaminants must be replacement oil) removed from the oil system. However, in extreme • Higher equipment availability cases, the level and type of impurities may exceed the • Significant reduction of fi lter insert consumption separation capability of the system filters and threaten • No turbine outages due to dirt in the oil system future equipment operation, resulting in loss of • Reduced total operation costs production. The standard maintenance approach then 18 N November - D b December 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com b hi l b i i

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