ISSN: 1546-962X
Published Online: 27 November 2007
Page Count: 5

Contamination of Power Generation Lubricants

Butke, Betsy
Technology ManagerProject Manager, The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe,OH

Barber, Allan
Technology Manager, Lubrizol International Laboratories, The Knowle, Hazelwood, Belper, Derbyshire,

Oliveto, Christina
Technology ManagerProject Manager, The Lubrizol Corporation, Wickliffe,OH

(Received 25 September 2007; accepted 24 October 2007)

Abstract

This paper examines the potential sources of fluid contamination that may occur during the manufacture, transportation, delivery, and use of a turbine oil for power generation. A turbine oil is a very precise formulation. If it becomes polluted with other lubricants or water, its performance could be compromised. The paper first identifies the potential sources of contamination that may be found when using a turbine oil. Then the consequences of contamination of the lubricant are considered. In conclusion, the paper proposes possible solutions to some of these practical problems regarding the sources of contamination. The paper will not consider the effects of particulate contamination. Because this is a well documented subject, the need for high levels of cleanliness in turbines is accepted practice.

Keywords:
turbine oils, contamination, demulsibility, filterability, metals, calcium, zinc, lubricant, compatibility

Paper ID: JAI101456
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101456
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