Although many lube oil analysis reports on gas turbines state: ‘This lube oil is suitable for further service’, a sludge & varnish problem might be already at hand.

When you recognize the following issues:

• Control System Upsets
• Trips and Start-Up Problems
• Sticking Servo Valves
• Plugged Last Chance Filters

All these problems can originate from turbine oil problems, mainly sludge & varnish, which are not clearly identified in the traditional turbine oil test reports.
Ansaldo has concentrated on detection of the degradation and oxidation condition of the turbine oil, using modified test methods.

With these turbine oil test methods, a clear diagnose can be given to confirm why your turbine experiences such issues.

Sludge & varnish have a preference to stick to metals like in servo valves, bearings and filters under low or minimal oil flow
and reduced oil temperature (<40°C).

A common practice to remove sludge & varnish from the oil is to apply electrostatic oil cleaning. This process takes considerable time and meanwhile the problems continue.

Ansaldo offers the instant solution for these problems: the CRV-PLATE

The CRV-plate generates an oil flow through the servo valve up to the actuator. This oil flow results into normal oil operating temperature in stagnant parts of the electro hydraulic control system of your turbines.

MAJOR ADVANTAGES

• Instant Effect
• Improves Unit Reliability and Availability
• Reduces Maintenance Costs
• Easy Installation
• No Modifications are Required

The effectiveness of the CRV plate operation has been proven by extensive field testing. On typical large industrial gas turbine peaking units, severe servo valve problems occur. Even start reliability can be at stake. Extra substantial annual maintenance budget is required to assure unit reliability. After installation of the CRV plates, no servo valve replacement is necessary due to lube oil issues.