|
Unusual Particle Counts Confusing
Tom Jasinski, PDM Specialist, Midwest Generation,
Collins Station
To help solve the particle count problem with high particle
counts down stream of filter; One bit of information is missing
here - are the higher counts in the small particle range, medium
particle size range or large particle sizes? It would be very
helpful if that is known, and what are the particle count numbers
(either raw numbers or ISO codes or NAS class for severity). And
has anything else changed about the oil (Viscosity, TAN, water
content, residue or sediment numbers) which would also be helpful.
One additional test would be to examine particles under a microscope.
Either do this yourself or have a reputable lab perform test for
you. If particles are tiny fibre fragments from filter media then
filter could be disintegrating. If particles are wear metals or
dirt then perhaps flow is bypassing filter somehow (either passing
through filter or around filter through "O" ring seals
or bypass valve that may be partly stuck open.
Perhaps the filter design or size was recently changed or different
sealing method (gasket or "O" ring) was changed that
would allow material to bypass the filter. Or perhaps the "O"
ring or filter material is not compatible with fluid (what was
changed that would cause the high particle counts?) Or are the
filters being changed when there is a high differential pressure
and filter is allowed to burst or go to a bypass condition?
See other responses
to this Readers Challenge.
Discuss
this topic on our message boards.
|
