Availability is key to the operation of wind turbines as unplanned downtime resulting from component wear can be very costly. Repairs or bearing exchange are to be undertaken in times of planned downtime and should be prevented whenever possible.

Lubricant analysis can provide helpful information. While used oil analysis is already standard for gear oils, Klüber Lubrication’s analysis service is now also available for greases in generators, blades and main bearings of wind turbines. Grease Condition Analysis (GCA) is available as part of the “KlüberMonitor” service range.

Bearing grease condition analyses by means of standardised methods on a regular basis provide information on the current condition of the grease. Based on analysis results, the failure risk of expensive components or systems can be reduced and useful life increased. Grease condition analysis is not only recommended for standard condition monitoring, but also prior to changing over to another bearing grease.

“Klüber Lubrication considers this offer to be an element of sustainable customer care”, explains Dr. Victor Camargos, Head of Business Unit Wind Energy at Klüber Lubrication. “Our responsibility does not end after having sold a bearing grease. Our new grease condition analysis service informs operators on the status quo and gives a sign of warning whenever something is wrong.”

Grease condition analyses made in Klüber Lubrication laboratories provide information on several aspects of a grease’s current condition, including general grease condition, behaviour of the additives, oxidation, wear particles, mixing with foreign matter and oxidation and the degree of mixture of old and new lubricant after changeovers. A sampling kit with detailed description is available from Klüber Lubrication.

The experts from Klüber Lubrication will be providing a straightforward, clear report on the results containing recommendations on how to proceed. Grease condition analysis is available as standard for selected lubricating greases from Klüber Lubrication.