SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 2008
STP45724S

Review of Degradation Mechanisms Leading to Sludge and Varnish in Modern Turbine Oil Formulations

Source

In recent years, there has been an unusually large number of reported cases associated with varnish and sludge formation in turbine-generator and compressor applications using Group II turbine oil formulations. Explanations for these problems have varied but typically include Group I/Group II incompatibility, additive instability, bulk oil oxidation, adiabatic compressive heating, electrostatic discharge, among others. This paper reviews these failure pathways and discusses actual case history including root cause analysis. Analytical methods for the sludge/varnish and the degraded oil are also reviewed.

Author Information

Fitch, Jim, C.
Noria Corporation, Tulsa, OK, USA
Gebarin, Sabrin
Noria Corporation, Tulsa, OK, USA
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Details
Developed by Committee: D02
Pages: 54–63
DOI: 10.1520/STP45724S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6467-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-3493-5