Wind turbine pitch hydraulic oil contamination reduced
Increased particle and water contamination was detected in the pitch hydraulic systems of Vestas V90-2MW wind turbines. After installing a refurbished CJC™ HDU 15/25 PV Fine Filter, particle levels were reduced by 95% and water content significantly lowered, improving oil cleanliness and extending hydraulic component lifetime.
Application Snapshot
Industry:
Wind
Country:
Sweden
Oil type:
Texaco Rando HDZ 32
Executive summary
Arise AB, operator of Vestas V90-2MW wind turbines at the Oxhult wind farm in Sweden, identified elevated levels of particle contamination and water in the hydraulic oil. The deteriorating oil condition threatened hydraulic component reliability and could increase wear and maintenance requirements.
To improve oil cleanliness, a refurbished CJC™ HDU 15/25 PV Fine Filter was installed in a bypass filtration setup. After one month of operation, the number of 2 µm particles was reduced by 95%, ISO cleanliness improved significantly, and water content dropped to stable, low levels. The improved oil condition enhanced the protection of hydraulic components and contributed to more reliable turbine operation.
Significant particle reduction
2 µm particles in Pitch Hydraulic System #7 were reduced by 95%, from 34,631 to 1,539 particles per 100 ml within one month of filtration.
Improved ISO cleanliness
ISO cleanliness improved from 16/15/8 to 11/10/7 in System #7 and from 17/15/8 to 13/12/8 in System #12 after installation of the CJC™ HDU Fine Filter.
Water content reduced to stable level
Water content in System #7 decreased from 1,859 ppm to 86 ppm, while System #12 was reduced from 347 ppm to 82 ppm, improving overall oil condition.
Extended component lifetime
Improved oil cleanliness and reduced water content help protect hydraulic components from wear and support longer service life.
Measured oil condition development
After one month of operation with the CJC™ HDU Fine Filter, significant improvements were recorded. In Pitch Hydraulic System #7, 2 µm particles were reduced by 95%, from 34,631 to 1,539 particles per 100 ml. ISO cleanliness improved from 16/15/8 to 11/10/7, and water content decreased from 1,859 ppm to 86 ppm.
In Pitch Hydraulic System #12, ISO cleanliness improved from 17/15/8 to 13/12/8, while water content was reduced from 347 ppm to 82 ppm.
According to industry experience and Noria Corporation, this level of oil cleanliness can extend hydraulic component lifetime by a factor of more than 2.5.
Results and operational impact
The installation of the CJC™ Fine Filter significantly improved oil cleanliness in the pitch hydraulic systems. Particle contamination was reduced dramatically and water levels lowered to a fraction of the initial values.
Improved oil condition enhances wear protection and supports reliable turbine operation. Based on industry experience, the improved cleanliness can extend the lifetime of hydraulic components by more than 2.5 times.
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