When conducting maintenance on a Gas turbine, it is essential to replace the entire lube oil system. In cases where there is a shortage of lube oil, some may consider using expired oil alongside new oil. However, it is crucial to understand the risks associated with using expired oil. Is it possible to use expired oil after conducting a thorough lube oil analysis? What specific analysis procedures are necessary to determine the suitability of expired oil for use in the turbine?
Do you mean "expired" in terms of the expiration date on the drums or certificates of the oil you bought? When mixing oils, it's important to consider a few key points. Firstly, ensure that both oils are clean and free of contaminants by using pre-filters. Secondly, confirm that both oils are dry and free of water. Lastly, make sure that the oils are compatible and that any additives in one oil won't react negatively with additives in the other. Regards, Ali M. Al-Shurafa.
Is it safe to continue using drums past their expiry date if the lubricating properties remain effective?
Abdulla raised a question about the expiry date of drums and if they can still be used if the lubricating properties are still good. It is recommended to review internal procedures in such cases. In my experience, we have used "old" oil after sending samples for analysis, particularly when dealing with large quantities. The storage conditions are more crucial than the expiry date in my opinion. Regards, Ali M. Al-Shurafa.
Hi Ali, is it common practice to pre-filter lube oil before adding or changing it in the lube oil tank? Is this a practical procedure? Are there any scheduled maintenance plans to inspect and cleanse the lube oil tank, especially in Gas turbines?
Pre-filtering is essential for maintaining optimal cleanliness levels in oil reservoirs, especially for medium to large machines like steam turbines. Setting up a pre-filtration system may be a challenge for some, but it is a best practice that can prevent issues such as corrosion and pin holes. Regular inspections during oil replacement can reveal key findings that may otherwise go unnoticed. This practice is crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of equipment. Thank you - Ali M. Al-Shurafa.
While it's true that you can perform a thorough lube oil analysis to check the viability of expired oil, using it directly in the gas turbine can present potential risks. The analysis should test for acidity, viscosity, contamination, and oxidation, among other factors. However, even with these evaluations, there's still a risk of reduced lubricity and performance issues as the additives in the oil could degrade over time. Not to mention, the risk of causing extended damage to the turbine significantly outweighs the benefit of temporary solution in a shortage scenario. It might be a better plan long-term to invest in a reliable supply of fresh lube oil.
While it's always best practice to use fresh lube oil for a gas turbine, an extreme scenario might require considering expired oil. However, before using expired oil, a comprehensive lube oil analysis should be performed. This comprises tests for viscosity, water content, particle count, ferrous density, and more. The oxidation level would be a particularly telling indicator as it reveals the degree of degradation. Still, it's crucial to understand the implications - using expired oil might save costs in the short term, but could lead to higher maintenance expenses or even catastrophic failures down the line. Therefore, it should only be a last resort option, not a routine practice.
While I can certainly understand the need to find a solution during a lube oil shortage, it's quite risky to use expired oil in Gas turbines. Even though a thorough lube oil analysis might show some usability, how long can you really trust its performance? That analysis might not account for every possible failure point. Aging oil can develop sludge and acidity that an analysis may not fully reveal. While procedure specifics depend on the equipment used, standard tests should at least cover viscosity, total acid number (TAN), and an oxidative stability test. These don't completely negate the risks, however. It's usually better to prioritize secure supply lines or have reserves to avoid such a situation.
Using expired oil in a gas turbine system is definitely risky, even with thorough analysis, because the oil may have degraded or accumulated harmful contaminants. A comprehensive lube oil analysis should include checks for viscosity, total acid number (TAN), water content, and the presence of metals or soot. It might also be beneficial to conduct a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy test to identify oxidation products and other chemical changes. Even if the analysis shows acceptable results, keep in mind that expired oil may not perform as consistently as fresh oil, which could lead to unexpected failures or maintenance issues down the line. It’s usually safer to stick with new, high-quality oil to protect your turbine’s performance and longevity.
Using expired oil in a gas turbine can be quite risky, even with thorough analysis, as the degradation of oil over time can lead to increased acidity, viscosity changes, and reduced lubricating properties that might not be immediately evident. A comprehensive lube oil analysis is essential and should include tests for contamination (like water and fuel), oxidation levels, acid number, and wear metals through spectrometric analysis. Additionally, conducting a visual inspection for any signs of sludge or particulate matter is crucial. Ultimately, if there's any doubt about the oil's integrity, it’s safer to stick with fresh oil to ensure the turbine's reliability and longevity.
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Answer: - No, it is not recommended to use expired oil in gas turbines even after conducting a lube oil analysis due to the associated risks.
Answer: - The risks of using expired oil in gas turbines include potential damage to the turbine components, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs.
Answer: - Specific analysis procedures such as viscosity testing, oxidation testing, acidity testing, and contamination testing are necessary to determine the suitability of expired oil for use in gas turbines.
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