Colorimetric analysis per ASTM D02.C0.01 WK13070 is used to determine varnish potential. A petroleum ether mixture agglomerates soluble by-products rendering them insoluble and visible for patch analysis. The patch is analyzed with a spectrometer measuring DE reported as the MPC DE value.
Figure 1 depicts SVR®1200 installed on 7FA gas turbine experiencing unit trips from sticking servos. The SVR®1200 had an immediate impact on the 6000 gallon turbine lube reservoir running GST32 lube oil. Within 45 days the lube oil varnish potential had been reduced from critical to condition normal.
Starting phenol level was ~5 which means it only had 5% phenols relative to a new sample, well below the lower threshold to condemn the oil for low levels of anti-oxidant additive package. Even though phenols were depleted the SVR® was able to restore and maintain condition normal.
Since installing the SVR®1200 there have been no CT varnish related fail-to-start conditions or unit trips!
Before installing the SVR® the filter elements and servo valves were accumulating varnish deposits. To prevent unit trips the plant was changing servos and elements monthly in hopes of avoiding unit trip. After the successful restoration of the fluid with the SVR®1200 the filter change interval has been extended back to 12 months PM and there has been no evidence of varnish deposits on filter elements or servo valve components.
What HY-PRO provided:
- ICB® Ion-Exchange Acid and Varnish Removal Filter Technology
- SVR® Lubricant Conditioning System Unit
