Analysis of Turbine Oils: Performance and Quality Control Methods
Importance of Turbine Oil Testing
Turbine Oils
Turbine oils are high-performance and long-lasting lubricating fluids used in systems such as power plants, hydroelectric turbines, gas turbines and steam turbines. They protect the moving parts of turbines, reducing friction and wear, dissipating heat and ensuring efficient system operation. However, there are various factors that affect the performance and lifetime of the oils. Therefore, regular analysis and quality control of turbine oils is essential to prevent failures and ensure optimum system performance.
“Turbine Oils”, which are prepared by blending paraffinic base oils with different blending agents, are used in lubrication systems of gas, steam and hydraulic turbines, pumps, valves and auxiliary equipment.
In general, the areas of use of Turbine Oils can be listed as follows:
- For lubrication of plain bearings, rolling bearings, parallel and bevel gears,
- No-Twist Bar mills, medium load spur, bevel, helical, helical, sergeant gear sets, circulation systems,
- In hydraulic systems where oils with high viscosity are required,
- It is used in all applications involving pumps, valves and auxiliary equipment where water mixing is likely.
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Oil Type
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Parameter
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Method
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Turbine Oil
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Viscosity Index
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ASTM D 2270
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40 °C mm2/s
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ASTM D 445
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Density, @ 15°C g/ml
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ASTM D 4052
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Flash Point Analysis
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ASTM D 93
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Pour Point, °C
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ASTM D 97
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Tasks and Importance of Turbine Oils
- Lubrication: Reduces friction and wear between turbine components.
- Heat Dissipation: Carries away heat generated during operation and prevents the system from overheating.
- Corrosion Protection: Prevents oxidation and rusting of metal surfaces.
- Contaminant Control: Helps remove solid particles and other contaminants from the system.
- Energy Efficiency: It increases the operating efficiency of the turbine and minimizes energy losses.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Turbine Oils
- Oxidation: High temperature and the presence of oxygen cause oil degradation and the formation of acidic compounds. Oxidation increases the viscosity of the oil and leads to the formation of deposits.
- Pollution: Water, dust, metal particles and combustion by-products adversely affect the performance of the oil. The presence of water reduces the lubricity of the oil and promotes corrosion.
- Thermal Stability: Turbine oils must be able to resist high temperatures and maintain their properties for a long time.
- Viscosity Changes: The viscosity of the oil varies depending on the operating temperature and this value should remain within the optimum range.
Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Lubricant Analysis. We also provide services in Hydraulic Oil Analysis.
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