Maersk drilling, Norway
Customer
MAERSK Drilling, Norway Drilling Rig, “Maersk Inspirer”
System
Drilling Rig, Gas Turbines
Manufacturer: SOLAR TURBINES
Type: Titan 130
Oil type: Shell Turbo Oil T 32
Oil volume: 3,650 L
Filter type: 2 x CJC® HDU 27/54 PV
Problem
Maersk Drilling experienced high particle counts for the gas turbine lubricating oil, which were well above the max. limits for this type of equipment.
Solution
The lubricating systems for the turbines were equipped with 2 x CJC® Fine Filters, HDU 27/54 PV to clean the oil. However, the first oil samples exceeded the limits.
Oil analysis
C.C.JENSEN A/S and Maersk Drilling started a technical cooperation, as this result did not seem valid. C.C.JENSEN suggested to try another analysis method.
A second set of oil samples were taken and sent to another oil laboratory, showing a totally different and much lower particle count. The two sets of samples were analysed using two different methods; the ISO 4406, which is an automatic particle count and the ISO 4407 using a manual count under a microscope.
Result
The conclusion was that the automatic particle count ISO 4406 gave significantly higher amounts of particles 19/17/13, as this method not only counts particles, but also water and air bubbles as particles. The microscope ISO 4407 gave precise measurements and resulted in an ISO class 12/11/6.
Technical cooperation
Due to the technical cooperation and know-ledge sharing between Maersk Drilling and C.C.JENSEN, the problem was resolved by switching from one analysis method (ISO 4460) to another (ISO 4407).
Reliability
Condition based monitoring and selection of the correct analysis method is important to obtain precise measurements.
Reliable and safe operation of the equipment is of highest priority to avoid unforeseen problems and costly breakdowns, affecting the drilling operation.
Environmental benefits
From an environmental point of view, the increased oil lifetime results in less oil changes. The oil is reused and the cost and carbon footprint is minimized.