An investigation to detect leakage of oil using wear debris analysis in journal bearing of 1 MW hydel power plant

Abstract

In the hydel power plant a small leakage of water is comman hence it is difficult to detect the leakage of oil from naked eye. The leakage of oil is experienced by the level indicator of oil tank. Based upon the complain of decreasing oil level in the oil tank frequently, it is decided to monitor the whole oil channel as well as bearing on the periodic basis. In the monitoring process, Wear particle analysis as well as temperature of oil inside bearing and pressure of oil inside the bearing was considered. wear debris was filtered using vacuum pump and filter paper and then it is analyzed based upon their aspect ratio(Major length/Minor length), its color and the length of particle. It is found in investigation that there are (non metallic wear (irregular and large) that can be co- related with oil seal. It is investigated that the leakage of oil is mainly because of wear and tear of oil seal.