Testimonials
Monolec 6403 oil significantly improved turbine efficiency and reduced maintenance costs for Trigen Energy.
key takeaways
Challenge
The pumps introduce significant water into the lubricating oil, and the previous turbine oil brand caused excessive sludge buildup in the sump, necessitating annual draining and manual cleaning.
LE solution
Monolec® R & O Compressor / Turbine Oil (6403) is a versatile, long-lasting lubricant that prevents corrosive wear and is suitable for various industrial applications, including compressors, turbines, gears, and bearings, while effectively separating from water.
Results
Switching to Monolec 6403 has eliminated bearing wear, reduced sludge by 85%, resolved waste oil issues, and decreased oil purchases and disposal by 75%, highlighting significant maintenance and cost savings.
I did not know there could be that much difference in oils.
- Jeff Tate, Lead Mechanic
Customer Profile
Trigen Energy produces heat and cold air for customers in downtown Oklahoma City. They have been in business since 1962 and an LE customer since January 2002.
Application
Trigen Energy uses Murray steam turbines to drive refrigeration compressors.
Challenge
The pumps generate large amounts of water into the lubricating oil. The previous brand turbine oil would leave excessive amounts of sludge in the sump which required draining it and manually cleaning it every year.
LE Solution
The local LE lubrication consultant recommended Monolec® R & O Compressor / Turbine Oil (6403). Monolec 6403 is a rust and oxidation inhibited oil for reciprocating and rotary compressors, steam turbo generators, smaller industrial turbines, gears, bearings, and circulating systems. It separates readily from water and prevents corrosive wear. It is extremely long lasting and is nonfoaming in service.
Results
It is normal maintenance procedure to check bearing and thrust wear on the turbine bearings every year. After three years using Monolec 6403, there was no measurable wear on the bearings or thrust. With the previous oil, the bearings needed to be replaced every three years on the average. With Monolec 6403 there is not even a swirl mark on the bearings.
Monolec 6403 is now in its fourth year of service. The previous commercial grade oil had to be changed every year.
Sludge in the sump has been reduced at least 85%.
Waste oil used to be a problem. After being pumped into the used oil container, it would contain so much water that the oil recovery company would not pick it up.
Since the conversion to Monolec 6403, this problem has been alleviated. In addition they now purchase 75% less oil and have 75% less to dispose of.
Lead mechanic, Jeff Tate stated, “I did not know there could be that much difference in oils.”