Using wear metals in oil analysis to determine gearbox health

摘要

A quality used-oil-analysis program is an excellent method to determine the condition of the oil within the gearbox. We all know the importance of a lubricant's ability to reduce friction and wear in gearbox components, thereby improving the reliability of the entire wind turbine. However, most drivetrain failures are not lubrication related. Oil analysis can also be useful in determining the condition, or health of the gearbox itself. Using oil analysis to determine wear conditions in the gears or bearings, corrective actions can be taken to prevent premature failures. The different analysis tools include spectrographic analysis, PQ Index, and wear particle analysis. Each tells a little something different.