In some industries, the large turbines that power operations may need to operate continually, with little downtime available for repairs and maintenance. To keep them running efficiently you need to make the most of any open opportunities to perform inspections and routine servicing. Practice the following procedures throughout the year to keep your steam or hydraulic turbine performing efficiently.
Inspect Thoroughly
Create a routine-inspection checklist so that you can find small problems before they grow large. You can break it down into two sections. The first survey should deal with those visual examinations you can perform while the turbine is running. The second set of criteria will address the areas in which you can engage when the engine is shut down.
Replace Broken Parts
You may find it tempting to spot-weld and metaphorically duct-tape your machine to keep it spinning. A better approach is to perform repairs in ways that maintain its original condition. In particular, replace cracked or broken parts before they fail catastrophically. If yours is an old engine, enlist a company with a track record of machining parts Pittsburgh PA to legacy standards.
Clean Regularly
You must ensure proper lubrication to keeping your turbine from grinding to a halt. All moving metal parts, such as gears and bearings, operate best when the grease and oil surrounding them are in like-new condition. To meet this task, inspect the filter for debris and other contaminates. Also, perform condition-monitoring strategies to determine if the oil is near its end-of-life. Neglecting this area can lead to bearing failure or cracked gears.
Turbines are the heartbeat of many industries, from generating power to driving compressors. Depending on your industry, a turbine breakdown can have a tremendous impact on a large number of people. By stepping up your inspection, maintenance and repair plan you can keep your turbine humming and avoid that scenario.