A manufacturer of lubricants has developed at least three gear oils for the wind-power industry. After extensive R&D and testing, Klüber Lubrication says its products meet the severe requirements of gear oil in wind-turbine drives:
Kluber’s three recent synthetic lubricants.
Klübersynth GEM 4 N series (polyalphaolefin). These oils meet requirements of DIN 51 517–03, CLP. Corresponding gears can be switched to GEM 4 N oils without prior consultation with the gear manufacturer provided the crew follows general application notes. The oils offer a high scuffing load resistance. Gears are sufficiently protected against scuffing even at high peak loads. The oils’ high micropitting resistance offers sufficient protection to gears subject to high loads and would normally be susceptible to this type of damage.
Klübersynth GH 6 series (polyglycol)
Klübersynth GEM 2 series (rapidly biodegradable ester) achieves the scuffing load stage of API GL 5. Gears are sufficiently protected against scuffing even under high peak loads. GEM 2 provides much longer service life than mineral oils due to its excellent ageing and oxidation resistance of the base oil. Thus, maintenance intervals can be extended, and in certain cases, lifetime lubrication is possible. Owing to a wide service temperature range, a single viscosity grade can cover low and high temperatures in many applications.
The lubricants are said to provide excellent wear protection and resistance to micro-pitting, foaming, and residue formation. Compared with standard gear oil, these products show a high-load capacity, low-friction values, and good resistance to ageing. Consequently, oil change intervals may be increased while improving the efficiency and overall life of turbine components. In addition, the company’s ADDED value program makes it easy for manufacturers and operators to simplify their lubrication requirements.
Klüber Lubricants
Filed Under: Lubricants, News, O&M
