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Understanding of the BETA factor

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  We concluded in our last article on Beta Factor. In this article, we will talk more about BETA Factor for buying new filters. What is the Beta Ratio? The beta ratio refers to the efficiency in which a given filter element removes the particle of a given size. The Beta Ratio is calculated using the ISO multi-pass test standard 16889:1999. How is it measured? The test involves adding particles of a known size to the test fluid until the fluid reaches a saturation point and then bringing the filter online to remove particles in one pass through the element. It is important to consider that the beta ratio is valid for a particular size of the particle. For Example for a 5-micron filter, how many particles are above 5-micron mark in upstream of the filter and how many are downstream is measured. And then by using the below formula, the Beta Ratio is calculated. Each Beta factor corresponds to an efficiency of the filter, the same can be matched as per the below chart. Get your filter chec

Importance of Filter Carts and how to select the right one?

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  A lubricant filter cart is an important tool that can be used in many ways. From filtering all types of new and used oil to taking samples and transferring oil, filter carts are considered to be a must-have for an effective lubrication program. Oil filter carts have many benefits; they can be customized to fit any plant as per the uses and specifications. If designed, it can also give a warning if the unit needs servicing. The uses and importance of filter carts are as follows For cleaning the lubricants stored For transferring the filtered oil to a machine or containers For reconditioning of oil (currently in use) For flushing (power, line, wand, etc.) For contamination control functions (hose cleaning) For meeting cleanliness standards Subscribe to our Website Blog for more insightful Articles and Case Studies:  Click here How to select the right filter cart? If you don’t want your money to get wasted, select the right filter cart considering the below check-points: Check the type

Case study

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  Place:  A steel plant in Rourkela with production capacity - 4.5 MTPA Date of Execution:  20th July 2019 Equipment Criticality:  High Background: A Steam turbine blower was to be commissioned in a steel plant by a leading EPC company, the pipelines were erected on the site and as per the Standard Operating Procedure listed by the Steel Plant Owner Company the flushing was completed with a single auxiliary pump at 1500 LPM. However, during the trial run of the turbine, the inline lube oil filters would clog very frequently and lead to halted operations. Problem Statement: Frequent clogging of inline lube oil filters were hindering the operations and delaying the steam turbine commissioning project Underlying Issues: On inspection, a root cause analysis was done and the required rate for effective flushing was calculated as 3500 LPM. The Particle contamination level was also found to be NAS 10. Hence following things were concluded: The rate at which flushing was done was too low and l

13 test parameters to test turbine oil, as per standards

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  *Test Parameters: Viscosity Viscosity Index Flash Point Pour Point Demulsification Copper Corrosion Acid Number Foam Characteristics Oxidation Characteristics Water Separation Rust Prevention Cleanliness Oxidation Stability Test :  Turbine Oil Oxidation Stability Test (TOST) is a valuable tool in order to indicate oil life for lubricants that are continuously exposed to gross water contaminations, high temperatures, and air entrainment in field service. ASTM D943 commonly referred to as Turbine Oil. Oxidation Stability Test (TOST), is widely used in the lubrication industry to evaluate the oxidation stability. Best Practices for Steam Turbine Lubrication: Keep Oil Clean, Cool and Dry Install High Capture Efficiency Breathers to your Oil Respective Oil Tanks Monitor returning bearing oil temperature regularly Maintain proper alignment Inspect for signs of foaming and/or Air Entrainment Install primary (return line) and secondary sampling points Perform regular oil analysis Routinely i

Understanding the Pareto principle in terms of maintenance

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  In our previous segments, we have discussed several aspects of Lubricant contamination and ways to prevent or treat that contamination. But, as we all know that for every company the maintenance budget is limited so focusing on all the factors is not possible. In such cases, The Pareto Principle comes handy. The Pareto Principle (also known as the 80/20 rule ) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. In terms of maintenance, it can be reflected upon as  20% of Machines cause 80% of the Downtime. Few key causes that constitute this 20% are: Particle Contamination Moisture Contamination Wrong/Degraded Lubricant Misalignment Imbalance High Temperature We at Minimac study your maintenance needs and provide the highest quality & service quality solutions.  Call +91 7030901266 for Mechanical Maintenance & Oil Check.

Mandatory properties for steam & gas turbine oil

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  1. Steam Turbine Oil Good Demulsibility:  Means the ability to release water, This is important when the equipment is operating in humid climates or in a plant atmosphere that is wet or humid. Foam Suppression and Air Release:  Foam is used whenever there is a possibility of liquid fire. The Foam will mix with water and then expand over the liquid that is on fire, cool the fire, and will finally suffocate it. Anti-rust protection:  Rustproofing is the prevention or delay of rusting. Anti-wear protection (Certain Cases):  Antiwear additives (AW additives) are lubricant components that chemically react with Oil to protect metal-to-metal contact between parts of gears. 2. Gas Turbine Oil Anti – Corrosion Protection:  Help protect the base oil from oxidation and the metal from damage by corrosive acids. Anti – Scuff (Certain Cases):  Anti-scuff additives are designed to react with the parent metal surfaces to provide protection under severe loads and high temperatures where the oxide lay

How to choose the right lubricant?

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  Maintaining the cleanliness level of the lubricants is important, however, selecting the right lubricant is a start towards a journey to have minimum downtime due to lubrication issues. Effective lubrication selection must strike a balance between quality, application, and affordability. In order to achieve and maintain this balance, it is essential to have some guidelines for purchase & use of lubricants, and the same are mentioned below: Scope of Application:  This defines the usage purpose of oil, it also defines application within a facility. This step ensures that the lubricant doesn’t underperform. Physical & Chemical Properties:  This is an important thing to understand as it outlines the testing parameters and expected results. Performance Properties:  This refers to properties like demulsibility, dropping point, pour point. An important choice of these properties is required to ensure maximum and seamless performance at affordable prices. Product Compatibility:  It i