The lubrication system supplies clean, cool oil to the turbine journal bearings, thrust bearings, and governing system. It comprises oil pumps, coolers, filters, an oil reservoir, and conditioning equipment. Reliable oil supply is critical, loss of lubrication causes bearing failure within seconds.
AQ Process Systems sources and exports replacement pumps, cooler tube bundles, filter elements, oil tank internals, and purification equipment for turbine lube oil systems. We support both shaft-driven and motor-driven oil supply configurations across all turbine frame sizes.
Oil cleanliness and temperature are the primary factors in bearing life. We supply the filters, coolers, and purifiers that maintain oil condition, preventing bearing damage, governor malfunction, and unplanned outages.
| Component | Specification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oil Pumps | ||
| Main Oil Pump (MOP) | Centrifugal or gear | Shaft-driven | The primary oil pump, typically shaft-driven from the turbine rotor, providing oil supply at operating speed. |
| Auxiliary Oil Pump (AOP) | Motor-driven | AC or DC | Motor-driven backup pump providing oil supply during startup, shutdown, and MOP failure, a safety-critical component. |
| Emergency Oil Pump (EOP) | DC motor-driven | Battery-backed | DC-powered emergency pump providing lubrication during total AC power loss, the last line of defense for the bearings. |
| Oil Pump Mechanical Seals | Cartridge or component | Oil-rated elastomers | Mechanical shaft seals for all lube oil pumps, preventing oil leakage at the pump shaft exit. |
| Oil Cooling | ||
| Oil Cooler Tube Bundles | CuNi or SS tubes | U-tube or straight | Replacement tube bundles for shell & tube oil coolers, maintaining oil temperature within bearing tolerance. |
| Oil Cooler Gaskets | Cover gaskets, tube-to-tubesheet seals | Gasket sets for oil cooler covers and floating heads, replaced during every cooler opening. |
| Temperature Control Valves | 3-way thermostatic | Oil temperature regulation | Self-acting or controlled valves blending cooled and bypassed oil to maintain target oil supply temperature. |
| Oil Filtration | ||
| Lube Oil Filter Elements | 10 micron absolute | Pleated or depth | Duplex | Replacement filter elements for the main lube oil filters, duplex arrangement for online changeout. |
| Oil Purifier / Centrifuge | Centrifugal or vacuum | Removing water and particles | Oil purification equipment removing water contamination, sludge, and fine particles from the oil system. |
| Vapour Extractor / Mist Eliminator | Oil tank vent | Preventing oil mist discharge | Oil mist eliminators on the oil tank vent, capturing oil vapour and returning it to the tank. |
Parts are manufactured to OEM specifications with full material certification, dimensional inspection, and NDE documentation as required. Provide the turbine manufacturer, frame/model designation, and part number for precise identification.
The most frequently replaced items are oil filter elements (scheduled replacement every 3-12 months), oil cooler gaskets (replaced during cooler cleaning), oil pump mechanical seals (wear), oil purifier bowls and discs (centrifugal types), and vapour extractor elements. Oil cooler tube bundles need replacement less frequently, typically every 10-20 years or when tube leaks develop.
Oil filter elements should be changed based on differential pressure, when the DP reaches the manufacturer's recommended limit (typically 1-1.5 bar). Preventive replacement every 6-12 months is common even if DP hasn't risen, as filter media can degrade. Always use duplex filters that allow online changeout without interrupting oil supply.
Yes. We supply replacement tube bundles for shell & tube lube oil coolers, in copper-nickel (CuNi) or stainless steel, U-tube or straight-tube configuration. We match the bundle to the cooler shell dimensions and thermal duty. We also supply gaskets, covers, and temperature control valves.
Turbine lube oil should maintain ISO cleanliness Class 18/16/13 or better (per ISO 4406). For governing system servo valves, cleanliness of 16/14/11 or better is recommended. Water content should remain below 200 ppm. Regular oil analysis (every 3-6 months) and continuous purification are essential for maintaining these targets.
The EOP is DC motor-driven (battery-backed) and provides lubrication when all AC power is lost, for example during a plant blackout. Without it, the turbine would coast down without bearing lubrication, causing catastrophic bearing damage. EOP function is tested regularly, typically monthly, and the DC motor, pump, and battery system must be maintained in ready condition.
Share your turbine make, model, and part numbers, we respond within 24 hours.