TO TAKE CARE OF TURBINES, TAKE CARE OF LUBRICANTS

摘要

Through advanced design and engineering, today's turbine systems operate at higher pressures, bearing loads, generator capacities and temperatures than their predecessors. At the same time, most systems also feature significantly smaller oil reservoirs and decreased make-up rates. Therefore, many systems benefit from utilizing high performance turbine oils (in some cases synthetics), which provide better, longer lasting protection and reduce wear and friction compared to conventional mineral oils. "While oil quality is extremely critical to successful turbine operation, executing proper system maintenance is equally critical," says Dan Kellen, industrial technical advisor to ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. "Poor system maintenance can result in reduced lubricant and turbine bearing life, more frequent downtime and less profit per kilowatt."