Page 53 - North American Clean Energy July/August 2019 Issue

e following laboratory tests analyze properties within grease to target potential problems that could cause equipment failure.
• Die extrusion | Measures the grease’s consistency by applying di erent loads on the sample and extruding the grease through a die, and measuring the resistance
• FTIR | Identi es contaminants and oxidations levels by looking at the absorbance of di erent functional groups in the spectra
• Colorimetry testing | Finds changes in appearance that are caused by overheating, aging and contamination
• ICP-OES | Evaluates grease for wear metals, additive elements, and contaminants
• Linear sweep voltammetry | Measures antioxidant content and estimates life expectancy of the antioxidant package in the grease
• FdM+ | Identi es ferromagnetic materials in the grease to determine wear concentration by passing the sample through a magnetic eld, and measuring the disturbances of that eld from the entrained magnetic particles
Unfortunately, grease as a lubricating agent will continue to be a mystery for the foreseeable future. Accurate grease sampling, coupled with laboratory analysis can help alleviate the confusion, provide insights into what is going on in the system and help protect your grease investment. e results from testing your grease can give you an inside look into your system, the grease-lubrication properties to stop problems from occurring, and extend the health of your system.
David Swanson is Director of Technical Services
for POLARIS Laboratories, an independent uid analysis laboratory specializing in oil, grease coolant, and diesel fuel analysis. David has more than 25
years of analytical laboratory, industrial processes and management experience, including quality control, laboratory analysis and leadership roles for petrochemical and industrial chemical companies. He leads the science, quality and maintenance teams at POLARIS, and also oversees the laboratory processes, ensuring our science operations are compliant and functioning under the highest quality standards. He is the ISO 17025 Quality Manager for the company.
POLARIS Laboratories
/// polarislabs.com
Fuchs Lubricants Product: Gleitmo 585K
Application: Gleitmo 585K is used in Pitch and Yaw Bearing in Wind turbines. It provides the much needed protection from wear and micropitting that is evident in the modern pitch bearing systems.
cSt @ 40°C: 50 cSt
Temperature Range: -49°F to 284°F (-45°C to 140°C) Dropping Point: >356°F (>180°C)
Oil Type: Synthetic
Thickener Type: Lithium
NLGI Grade: NLGI #2
Oil Separation (40°C for 40 days): <5% www.fuchsus.com
AMSOIL, Inc.
Product: Synthetic Main Bearing Grease
Application: AMSOIL GMB grease is engineered specifically for use in wind turbine main bearings. Its combination of synthetic PAO base oils, lithium complex thickeners, and carefully chosen additives specifically solve common main bearing issues such as wear, rust, and grease deterioration
or hardening. AMSOIL GMB grease works well in large slow- speed bearings with high loads and in the moisture-laden environments that wind turbine bearings are subjected to. AMSOIL GMB allows bearings to run freely with an ultra-low starting and running torque, yet provides wear protection and prevents drag. AMSOIL GMB grease can be used in other applications and is a solution for pitch and yaw bearings.
cSt @ 40°C: 460 cSt Viscosity Index: 181 www.amsoilwind.com
North American Clean Energy
53
wind product spotlight: lubricants and greases
Lubricants and Greases
An important part of the planned maintenance of a wind turbine, proper lubrication will help keep the machinery working well for years. Keeping a wind turbine’s gearbox properly lubricated is essential to extending the life of the turbine. Herein we highlight some of the solutions available on the market today...
OILS
American Chemical Technologies, Inc.
Product: EcoGear 270XP Application: Wind turbine
gearboxes
cSt @ 40°C: 270 cSt
cSt @ 100°C: 39.5 cSt Viscosity Index: 215
Pour Point: 13.9°F (-25.5°C) Flash Point: 426°F (219°C) www.americanchemtech.com
Shell Lubricants Product: Shell Omala S5 Wind
Application: Shell Omala S5 Wind is designed to help extend maintenance intervals. It will defend against deposit formation and prolong gearbox life.
cSt @ 40°C: 320 cSt
cSt @ 100°C: 39 cSt
Pour Point: -54°F (-48°C)
FVA micro-pitting fail load stage: >10
www.shell.com
Hydrotex
Product: SYN-Nth Gear Oil
Application: SYN-Nth Gear Oil maximizes gearbox reliability. Its protection against gear scuffing and micropitting has been documented with FZG testing and field-proven in wind turbines. Its high oxidation stability extends drain intervals. Guaranteed ISO 4406 cleanliness: 16/14/11.
cSt @ 40°C: 390 cSt
cSt @ 100°C: 43.6 cSt Viscosity Index: 167 www.hydrotexlube.com
GREASES