HOVE Develops method for switching lubrication type.
Using the right type and amount of lubrication is pivotal in prolonging the lifespan of the bearings in big machinery, such as the main bearings in wind turbines.
Hove A/S (Denmark) has in the past few months been working with a European OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) to change from one type of lubrication to another in their turbines. When doing so, it is important to remove all trace of the old lubrication to ensure a smooth and safe transition. The collaboration has resulted in a new way of rinsing and flushing the main bearings in wind turbines.
Peter Elm Nielsen, sales engineer and project lead, says: “This is an exciting project to be involved in. The OEM that we are working with on this project, wanted to change from one kind of lubrication to another in their fleet of wind turbines. To this end, we are modifying our Hove pumps, which are usually only used for lubricating bearings. For this project they will also be able to rinse the main bearings with a specific rinsing solvent, and then flush them afterwards with a heated oil solution. The whole process takes approximately six hours. Afterwards, the same pumps can be used to lubricate the bearings for many years to come.”
“The way we are doing this, is really from the point of view of empowering the OEM to use their own technical staff. We are working closely with the OEM’s own technicians, so they have the skills and right equipment to go out and do this themselves, thus keeping the cost down.”
Peter ELM Nielsen, sales Engineer, hove
It is expected that the flushing project will run over several months in 2022. Hove has a long history of collaborating with OEMs to solve their specific challenges. Machinery which is maintained with the right type and amount of lubrication perform much better, for longer. By prolonging the mechanic durability, OEM’s can vastly reduce their downtime.
To find out more about switching from one kind of lubrication to another and bearing flushing, contact sales engineer Peter Elm Nielsen on pen@hove-as.dk / 0045 61100608
