Turbine Oil Analysis

Today’s turbines are subjected to increasingly severe working conditions. These demands result in oil degradation which can cause lower performance, corrosion, and eventually equipment failures.

• Oxidation: Oxidation can be initiated by the presence of wear metals, exposure to air, and higher operating speeds and temperatures.
• Thermal Degradation: High operating temperatures cause chemical changes in the base oil and additives, resulting in material deposits and eventually equipment failure.
• Contamination: Through normal operation, turbines are exposed to a variety of contaminants, such as dust, water, chemicals, and wear metals. These elements contribute to a variety of issues, such as oxidation and foaming.