Contamination of Power Generation Lubricants

Abstract This paper examines the potential sources of fluid contamination that may occur during the manufacture, transportation, delivery, and use of a turbine oil for power generation. A turbine oil is a very precise formulation. If it becomes polluted with other lubricants or water, its performance could be compromised. The paper first identifies the potential sources of contamination that may be found when using a turbine oil. Then the consequences of contamination of the lubricant are considered. In conclusion, the paper proposes possible solutions to some of these practical problems regarding the sources of contamination. The paper will not consider the effects of particulate contamination. Because this is a well documented subject, the need for high levels of cleanliness in turbines is accepted practice.