PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE
FEATURE SPONSOR
AUTOMATIC LUBRICATION
Automatic lubrication is one of the turbines sub systems that helps to extend the time between maintenance periods, therefore substantially contributing to reducing overall the total asset operating cost.
These systems are like any other mechanical devices; they suffer the same types of operational degradation as the Turbine systems they are designed to service. They need maintenance in the form of operational checks and component replacement, this can be done on a costly reactive basis, the system has failed so repair it, or as part of the whole asset predictive maintenance plan.
Whichever way is adopted if the lubrication system fails and it is not repaired in a timely manner, the chances of damage to the major asset increases exponentially.
What are the most common causes of failure in these automated lubrication systems?
CONTAMINATED LUBRICANT – this is more often than not caused when the pumps are being filled. Fundamentally good housekeeping such as clean grease nipples or pipe fittings on the pump unit itself, not forgetting the refilling equipment. Even a very small amount of contamination can lead to metering devices failing.
DAMAGED PIPEWORK – faults due to pipe work being damaged often occur during normal operations and/ or maintenance activities.
While some issues are noticed as grease leaks from a pipe line, others such as damaged or crushed pipes will cause restrictions or blockages, air locks in lines, even aging hardened grease can all contribute to system failures.
MECHANICAL FAILURE – a less common fault, but can take place in either the pump or the lubricant metering device. System monitoring and regular maintenance of the maintainable components within the lubrication system, will further reduce any unplanned maintenance.
In essence, look after the lubrication system and it will look after your asset.
Matt Preston Applications Engineer SKF Lubrication Business Unit UK
90
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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