OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE SECTION SPONSOR
IN THE BEGINNING INGENUITY
WHEN I BEGAN MY ROLE WITHIN THIS MAGAZINE, I ANTICIPATED MEETING WITH INGENIOUS AND INNOVATIVE COMPANIES AND PEOPLE, HOWEVER I HAVE TO SAY THAT WITH EVERY ISSUE AND WITH EVERY SUBSEQUENT MEETING AND CONVERSATION HELD THERE IS AN ABUNDANTLY CLEAR REALISATION OF A COMMON THREAD THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE SECTOR: PASSION, ENTHUSIASM AND SELF-EFFACING BRILLIANCE OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS PROLIFERATE MARKET.
He will probably squirm when I mention it of my next guest – for I believe he has high viscosity oil in his veins, a positive displacement and his eyes light up at the mention of an engineering conundrum.
I introduce you to Barry Sutherland, Operations Director for Peter Lonsdorfer UK Ltd and will substantiate my theory in the paragraphs to come!
THE COMPANY A subsidiary of the German parent company Peter Lonsdorfer GmbH, the company offers numerous services ranging from logistics; consumables, rentals, and more recently the introduction of a world first ‘onshore and offshore’ wind turbine oil changes – where we concentrate.
A WORLD FIRST!
Barry recounts the issues and challenges faced regarding oil changes.
He was aware of a brand new filter system (offline) for wind turbines where CCM’s were collaborating with gearbox companies for a more efficient oil change system. He goes on to say that over the years he has witnessed and heard of many toe-curling circumstances when undertaking an oil change, with mobile phones, screw drivers, bolts, paint and other spurious objects dropping into the equipment!
OVERCOMING THE PROBLEM A few weeks later he met with the top Director of Peter Lonsdorfer and introduced the first brand new Peter Lonsdorfer truck, mounted with an oil pumping system becoming Europe’s leading provider of mobile on-shore wind turbine oil changes.
The truck effectively is a mobile laboratory/ pumping station with all manner of equipment on board; particle counters, to clean the oil (for flushing) and the ability to heat the oil offline, circulating it correctly within the parameters of the oil manufacturing company guidelines.
ADAPTATION
This ingenious method was then adapted in 2013 (another world first) with the ability to carry out a vessel mounted combined gear and hydraulic oil change for offshore wind turbines using their specialised vessel mounted pumping system - (incidentally these units can be fitted to any vessel – fully transportable).
This system has proved to be a huge benefit to the sector ensuring a safe, time- efficient (not to mention cost effective) and self-contained method eliminating contamination as the oil is exchanged.
HOW IT WORKS…
This innovative method of oil changing lies in the unique pumping system allowing the oil to be pre-heated and filtered offline within purpose built stainless steel tanks. The whole change is carried out using the loop system for any oil type/manufacturer enabling a guaranteed standard of DIN ISO 4406. What would normally take a traditional offshore oil change 3 days by hand has now been reduced to less than 8 hours.
These have been invaluable in Norway with the harsh conditions where customers have been working on major turbine repairs of the blades. The tents have heating and a generator which means repairs and maintenance can be undertaken on site, within a constant temperature and hence no need to haul them on transporters risking possible damage.
IN A NUTSHELL…
There is no doubt that Barry and his team are positively infused with ingenuity and we shall continue this tale in Issue 25 where we can find out more about the progress and more about the people behind its success.
Interview by Fliss Chaffer Wind Energy Network
Peter Lonsdorfer UK Limited
Click to view more info = Click to view video
Barry goes on to say that with this technology they have just designed a 10 foot pump container (almost a mini-me version of their current 20 x 20 foot container) for smaller boats, fully bunded (adhering to oil storage European Directives).
24/7 SERVICE
The company offers this service 24 hours a day 365 days a year. With the ability to despatch their specialist truck mounted oil pumping systems for onshore turbines anywhere in the country/Europe together with their offshore specialist vessel containers matched with first class customer service they have a winning formula.
Barry continued that they are never complacent and are continuously striving to meet the demands and requirements of this burgeoning sector, striving for more innovative designs to assist in a more streamline and cost-effective service.
AND ANOTHER THING…
There is no end, it seems to ingenuity. As yet another string is added to the bow of Peter Lonsdorfer, they provide a rental service also. Particularly within the realm of repair and maintenance, offering repair tents.
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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