MPC reduction in steam turbine EHC system
High MPC values of up to 40 were recorded in the electrohydraulic control (EHC) system of a GE steam turbine at a combined cycle power plant. Installation of a CJC® Phosphate Ester Filter PEU 3x27/54 reduced MPC to below 1 and sustained these results over three months.
Application Snapshot
Industry:
Power
Country:
Greece
Oil type:
Shell Turbo S5 DR46 (phosphate ester oil)
Executive summary
Heron Energy experienced high MPC values of up to 40 in the EHC system of their GE A15 steam turbine. The customer requested a single effective solution to address contamination, particularly elevated MPC levels.
A CJC® Phosphate Ester Filter PEU 3x27/54 was installed with specially designed filter inserts. Two PEx1 inserts were used to reduce MPC and acidity, and one PEx3 insert targeted submicron particles such as wear debris and soot.
Initial oil analysis showed MPC values below 1, and these results were sustained after three months of filtration. The customer expressed high satisfaction with the outcome.
MPC reduced from 40.9 to <1
The PEU filter significantly reduced varnish potential and acidity in the phosphate ester oil.
Potential reduction in maintenance costs
Reduced MPC is expected to decrease component failures and lower overall maintenance costs.
Improved EHC system condition
Lower MPC values support stable operation of the electrohydraulic control system.
Reduced oil waste potential
Lower MPC levels support reduced waste oil generation.
Measured oil condition development
Before filtration, oil analysis showed an MPC value of 40.9 in the electrohydraulic control system, indicating elevated varnish potential in the phosphate ester oil. The oil cleanliness level was measured at ISO 16/13/7.
After installation of the CJC® Phosphate Ester Filter PEU 3x27/54, the MPC value was reduced to below 1. Oil cleanliness improved to ISO 15/13/9. These results were not temporary improvements; they were sustained after three months of continuous filtration, confirming stable oil condition in the EHC system.
Results and operational impact
The installation of the CJC® PEU Filter resulted in a significant and measurable reduction in MPC values, addressing the customer’s primary contamination concern. The sustained reduction demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined PEx1 and PEx3 filter inserts in reducing varnish potential and removing submicron particles.
The customer expressed high satisfaction with the outcome and the positive impact on MPC reduction. Based on the documented performance, expected benefits include reduced oil waste, fewer component failures, and decreased overall maintenance costs in the EHC system.
“Positive impact of CJC® PEU Filter with PEx1 and PEx3 Filter Inserts on MPC reduction. After experiencing high MPC’s of up to 40 during 2024 in our Plant’s Electrohydraulic Control System using TXP-free phosphate ester oil, we are happy to see that the PEU Filter has successfully and significantly decreased MPC values of our system.”
-Plant manager, John Lamprakis
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