Long Life

Oil problems are estimated to be the cause of nearly one-fifth of all forced turbine outages, according to “A Comprehensive Guide to Industrial Turbine Lubricants,” by Afton Chemical Corp. Chief among the various mechanisms inside a turbine system that can result in degradation of the oil while in service are oxidation and thermal degradation. Lubrication Engineers has created unique blends of high performing gas combustion turbine oil, combined cycle turbine oil, steam turbine oil, hydroelectric turbine oil and environmentally friendly turbine oil to protect the parts of even the most high-maintenance machines.

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Turbine Oil Formulation

Turbine oil formulations are relatively simple; they are a mixture of the following ingredients: Base oil, corrosion inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, defoamants, and demulsifiers. The base oil is usually 97 percent or more of the turbine oil formula. Additives are blended into the base oil at low levels to protect both the oil and the turbine parts. Additives should be chosen so that they provide optimized performance in the turbine, per OEM requirements. However, many newer turbine oils have been formulated with base oils that were refined with newer techniques. Most laboratory bench test data indicate that the use of these new base fluids should provide longer lubricant life in field applications. Unfortunately, this has not been found to be true. In addition to the newer base fluids, studies have linked certain antioxidant combinations to the formation of sludge and varnish.