|
|
Steam
Turbine Oil Analysis
You are not limited to the standard package . Please contact
us for discount volume pricing for contracts or custom tailored programs
to meet your special needs.
For more information contact Customer Service
Potential for Varnish
What’s Going On?
Industrial lubricating oils are generally categorized at Turbine Oil
(Rust & Oxidation inhibited, R&O) or Antiwear (AW) lubricants.
These oils contain antioxidants that protect the base oil from oxidizing.
The antioxidant levels are normally measured using American Society
of Testing and Materials (ASTM) methods for onset of oxidation or
the presence of the additive.
Over the last few years there have been growing indications that the
antioxidant levels may be high enough to be considered acceptable
but varnish like materials have been separating from the base oil
and causing a build up of deposits. The precise mechanism is not yet
understood but it is clear sludge (varnish) problems exist.
In many cases, we see deposits are formed from cross-contamination
of R&O oil with AW oil. In other cases, we see deposits forming
when there is no apparent contamination.
There are four likely reasons for the later;
1. The type of base oil, Group II, currently used does not hold varnish
precursors in suspension as old generation base oils, Group I, does.
These insoluble's may form deposits.
2. The antioxidant precipitate as they are preferentially oxides causing
the varnish.
3. The new generation antifoam additives have less effective short
time domain air release characteristics and these small air bubble
are adiabatically compressed causing the varnish.
4. The oil is contaminated with an incompatible lubricant.
Varnish Potential Testing
Herguth Laboratories, Inc has developed a series of tests to evaluate
the potential of your oil to form deposits.
The Analyses:
Herguth uses state-of-the-art methods to determine the potential of
your oil causing varnish in the system. We perform a series of tests
to measure antioxidant levels. These include Fourier Transform Infrared
(FTIR) analysis and Remaining Useful Life Evaluation Routine (RULER).
These standard analysis packages will provide you with the comprehensive
testing most often used when trending equipment and oil condition.
Purchase OAK sample kits by contacting us. You will receive sample
results within 48 hours of our receipt of your samples.
 |
| In the FTIR Analysis above note the high
level of antioxidant in the new oil vs. the used. If varnish
has not begun to form it soon will form since the oil is not
protected from oxidation. |
 |
| The RULER results above also show that the
levels of antioxidants both phenolic and amine are extremely
low. |
 |
| Varnish Potential Rating |
In addition to measuring the levels of antioxidants, a filter sample
is weighted to measure the insoluble's. These insoluble's are then
rated according to their relative color. There are times when the
antioxidants are high but the oil has harmful varnish precursors that
the filter test will measure. The analysis of the filter color allows
trend analysis to be performed.
Varnish Package
| • |
Infrared Analysis |
| • |
RULER Analysis |
| • |
Acid Number |
| • |
Filter Residue |
| • |
Analysis of Color |
Rapid Turn Around Time!
We perform our analysis with a sense of urgency! The typical turnaround
for the complete analysis is 4 working days. If you require a rushed
report, the complete analysis can be done in less than one day.
When to Sample…
The Varnish Potential testing is not designed to replace your normal
condition monitoring program. Regular samples should be drawn to analyze
for machine condition and contamination. Varnish testing should be
done every year if trending shows everything is fine. If the results
are marginal than more frequent samples should be taken.
For more information call 1-888-HERGUTH (437-4884) |
