Kittiwake provide a range of specific tests for specialist Hydraulic Oil & Turbine Oil fluids.
The Directory of Bearing Failures illustrates what can happen if hydrualic oil & turbine oils are not monitored regularly.
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Hydraulic Oil & Turbine Oil
There is much similarity between lubricants used in hydraulic systems and those used in turbine applications; indeed Hydraulic Oil & Turbine Oil are sometimes interchangeable. They all fall in to the category of R&O - Rust and Oxidation inhibiting oils.
Turbine applications fall in to three categories; Steam, Industrial and Aero Derivative.
Steam Turbine Oil
Steam turbine lubricating oil can last many years in service and are seldom changed. Not much goes wrong in service and the make-up rate is low. The major contaminant is water from condensation around the steam glands or other parts of the system. Water vapour condensing in the head space of storage tanks can cause unusual secondary corrosion contaminants which will accelerate further degradation.
Industrial Turbine Oil
Industrial turbine oils are more stressed in service, mostly as a result of higher bearing operating temperatures where the oil is often used to cool as well as lubricate within the turbine frame. Sump sizes are quite large and again, if carefully managed, the oil will for extended periods. TAN and viscosity are the major tests but water, especially from storage tanks and particulates are also worth consideration.
Gas Turbine Oil
Aero derived gas turbines place considerable stress on the oil, often necessitating the use of synthetics. Bearing temperatures are much higher and sump sizes are small. TAN is again a primary monitor, both from oxidation and hydrolysis of the synthetic oil. The Kittiwake viscosity test is used on aircraft maintenance stations searching for fuel dilution, a tell tale sign of microcracks in the oil cooler groups. The insolubles test is also used for monitoring black oil, a failure mode seen on very highly stressed military aviation turbines. Traditional vibration monitoring is insensitive for bearings buried deep within the turbines. consider ANALEX RS Oil Condition Monitroing Equipment technology for this critical application that will give an instantaneous warning of even slight bearing damage.
Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic oil systems share commonality with the above applications. Additionally, particles will cause increased wear and high pressure systems are very intolerant of water. TAN is indicative of thermal stress on the oil, leading to gum and lacquer build-up, especially on control spools.
Hydraulic Oil & Turbine Oil Test Equipment
Kittiwake provide a range of equipment suitable for testing Hydraulic Oil & Turbine Oil, including the following tests:
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