Since 2005 we have an ISOPUR MR unit installed. The idea was to use this unit for two gas turbines Frame 6 by running the treatment for half year each turbine lube oil system (cannot run in parallel). Therefore we had to transport the ISOPUR every half year to the parallel turbine and of cause this ends sometimes by damaging some parts. So, we make the decision to keep the treatment with one gas turbine and we will order (already) a new unit for the other gas turbines.
The 1st treatment unit is type ISOPUR MR, the new order is a ISOPUR LR20S – actually we order now for all gas turbines one unit in total 4 units.
The purposes for running the ISOPUR was/is the removal of vanish at the lube oil system as well with the target of a longer life time of the lube oil (at least 2 MI). Removing of vanish is an reliability issue as in our case we had problems on servos and solenoid valves which end in problems during fuel change over and in controlling the fuel system. Every 6 to10 weeks we did an off-line wash and at the same time the above items need to be cleaned. Also we could see high vanish at bearings (load gear) and at the lube oil tank.
However, first I get some information about the lube oil treatment by Kleentek (I think from Germany). But this brand is quite expensive and there is no local service. Two Kleentek units are installed here in Thailand at Frame 9 units. Yes, they are doing their job but it seems they are to small (information by the plant was not very happy but not complain direct).
Than we start to talk with Focus Lab (ISOPURE) and Clean Energy (CJC Filtration System) and the discussion ends that we trial run both systems. You understand correct, we install both systems – the ISOPUR at our unit 15 and CJC at our unit 16.
After a trial run of 3 month we could see clearly the different: the CJC system showed no positive result while the turbine with the ISOPURE unit was changed significant, means servos and solenoids were clean. So, I did a proposal to go for the ISOPUR MR as explained above. A positive result we could see as well during last MI (2008) by much lower brown layer a the turbine and load gear bearings.
A using of a lube oil treatment unit should go in hand with a regular testing of the lube oil. This will give you a good feedback about the status of the lube oil and will train you to get more experience in this matter.
I would recommend to use a water coalescer in front of the system (option by ISOPUR). This avoids plugging of the filtration and short circuit at the system.
Reiner Fingerhut
Thaioil Power
Consultant
Dear Khun Andy,
According to our ST turbine lube oil problem of last year, we got your best consulting investigation and the machine to improve and maintain and use the existing ST lube oil for a long time. We hope to use it until the next major outage in year 2010 and we hope to continue work with your team in future.
