Interior of a large industrial turbine hall

Oil change avoided through restored oil condition

Continuous removal of particles and varnish restored the oil, avoiding replacement and ensuring stable, efficient operation.

Application Snapshot

Industry:

Power

Country:

France

Oil type:

Mobile Teresstic 68

(Turbine control oil)

Executive summary

As part of a multi-year reliability programme, Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) installed CJC® Fine Filters on its hydraulic turbine control oil systems after severe contamination was identified in the turbine governor oil. The solution restored the oil to within specification, avoided a 20,000-litre oil change per turbine, and reduced in-line filter servicing from every 2-3 months to once per year.

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Oil change avoided

An oil change of 20,000 liters was avoided, resulting in significant financial savings

Maintenance costs reduced

Service intervals have increased from 2-3 months to once a year.

Reduced environmental footprint

By avoiding an oil change, all associated emissions were prevented, contributing significantly to a more sustainable operation.

Oil restored within specification

Oil properties were restored to within specification through continuous filtration.

Exterior of a hydroelectric power plant building

Client brief

Compagnie Nationale du Rhône (CNR) is a leading French producer of hydroelectricity along the Rhône River.

Contaminated oil sample before filtration

Challenge

As part of a programme to extend turbine and oil lifetime, CNR identified severe contamination in the turbine governor oil system. Gravimetric analysis showed contamination levels reaching 159 mg/L, negatively affecting operational reliability and increasing maintenance requirements.

CJC fine filtration unit installed on-site

Solution

C.C.JENSEN supplied six CJC® Fine Filters HDU 2x27/108 for the turbines and one CJC® Fine Filter HDU 27/108 for two hydraulic systems controlling emergency water discharge. The filters continuously remove particles, varnish, and humidity, helping maintain the oil within specification.

Graph showing contamination reduction before and after filtration

Gravimetric contamination was reduced from 159 mg/L to 6 mg/L following installation of CJC® Fine Filters.

Improved oil cleanliness through filtration

To evaluate the effectiveness of the implemented solution, gravimetric contamination levels were monitored before and after installation to establish valid comparison basis. As illustrated in the graph, prior to filtration, gravimetric contamination levels reached 159 mg/L. Such contamination negatively affects system performance, leading to inefficient operation, increased maintenance and operating costs, and a higher environmental impact.

Following the installation of a CJC® Filter, gravimetric analysis shows a significant reduction in contamination levels, decreasing to 6 mg/L. This confirms that the oil condition was effectively restored, supporting reliable and smooth operation while ensuring compliance with the oil’s physico-chemical parameters.

Results and operational impact

The installation of the CJC® Oil Filters restored the oil to within specification and avoided a complete oil change of 20,000 litres per turbine.

In-line filter servicing was reduced from every 2-3 months to once per year, lowering maintenance requirements and associated costs.

By maintaining clean hydraulic turbine control oil, stable turbine governor operation was ensured while reducing the environmental impact associated with oil replacement and disposal.

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