ExxonMobil field engineers have released best practise lubrication guidance to help wind turbine operators protect their turbines. The tips draw on more than 25 years’ experience delivering lubrication solutions for the wind sector, and can help operators reduce bearing failure, a leading cause of unplanned downtime.
The guidance has been released to coincide with the launch of Mobil SHCTM Grease 461 WT, a new high performance grease designed specifically for the wind sector. The advanced grease offers reliable bearing protection and improved equipment reliability and productivity.
Wind turbine bearings are the largest industrial bearings used today and, with up to 70% of generator failure the result of bearing failure, maintaining them can be a challenge.
Diana Schneider, Engineer Chief Central Europe, share the company’s best practice guidance to help overcome these challenges.
- Enhance safety by extending service intervals
Maintenance teams sometimes ascend towers as high as 400ft to inspect turbines and determine whether additional servicing is required. This comes with distinct health and safety risks. To reduce the need for person and machine contact, operators should optimise their lubrication choice.
For example, high performance synthetic lubricants, such as ExxonMobil’s new Mobil SHCTM Grease 461 WT, can help extend service intervals. They do so by improving bearing life thanks to their thermal stability. The right lubricant can also reduce maintenance costs due to the exceptional protection against wear, rust and corrosion. - Protect at extremes
Extreme cold temperatures go hand-in-hand with areas that are subject to high winds. These punishing conditions make protecting equipment even more challenging. Synthetic lubricants have excellent wear protection under fretting corrosion conditions, helping to reduce maintenance and equipment shutdown.
Mobil SHCTM Grease 461 WT grease has been specifically formulated to ensure consistent grease application and distribution, even at temperatures as low as -40oC. - Monitor equipment health
There is no better way to monitor the health of your equipment than through used oil analysis. This service helps you better understand how equipment is performing and identify potential pain points. Such information can help reduce unplanned downtime.
Mobil ServSM Lubricant Analysis, for example, provides operators with an extensive oil programme that saves costs, enhances productivity and offers peace of mind when it comes to maintenance. - Seek expert advice
ExxonMobil field engineers work side-by-side with wind turbine operators every day. We can help identify and execute technical services – such as used oil analysis or gear oil flushing services – to help optimise wind turbine performance.
Our teams can design a bespoke lubrication solution for your operation, and we can provide training to help ensure your staff are knowledgeable and informed.
For more information visit www.mobil.com/en/industrial.
