31 - Lubrication system overview and types

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of lubrication system and its types. A discussion of system operations of the more common types of systems used for critical equipment is pursued. The classical lube system arrangement consists of a steam turbine driven main pump and motor drive auxiliary pump. A particular concern with this system design is to assure priming of the main pump. Frequently, the main pump is at a significant height above the fluid reservoir. An important consideration in this system is that both main and auxiliary pumps operate at essentially the same speed and have essentially the same characteristic curves. The importance of assuring correct similar characteristics of both main and auxiliary pumps in systems incorporating dynamic pumps is emphasized. It is strongly recommended that in the case of equipment shutdown, even though equipment is furnished with rundown tanks and emergency pumps, bearings should be checked for wear upon coastdown.