Castrol, a provider of lubricants to the wind energy industry, is launching the Castrol Wind Academy. The new Academy is a multi-channel training program designed to up-skill wind energy operations and maintenance (O&M) technician teams with the latest insights, technologies, processes, and examples of how best practices in O&M can improve operational efficiency, equipment life…
Castrol Optigear reduces gearbox friction and wear
Castrol Optigear, a solution to the problems listed, provides a range of leading high performance gear oils, proven to reduce friction, actively resist wear and extend the life of your gearbox.
Castrol and Romax partner to grow wind-turbine predictive maintenance business
Castrol, a global and leading lubricant brand, has announced the creation of a joint venture with Romax Technology’s InSight business, a pioneer in predictive maintenance solutions. With over 30 years’ experience working in the wind sector, this deal will combine Castrol’s global reach and knowledge of turbine lubrication with Romax InSight’s expertise in predictive maintenance,…
Analyzing the lifeblood of wind turbines
If wind is breath to turbines, then oil is the lifeblood that keeps these machines running smoothly. And a healthy, well-oiled machine is one that can offer reliability and longevity. It’s not unlike our own bodies, which tend to last and function better with proper care and nourishment. This, according to David DiNunzio, Wind Application…
Measuring the performance of extreme-pressure gear oil
In the wind industry, extreme pressure (EP) gear oil, also called anti-scuff oil, has two jobs that are equally important. For one, the oil is expected to provide a high level of protection for a costly turbine component, and second, it has to last for five or more years. The need to meet both criteria…
Water’s effect on wind-turbine gearbox oil
More than a few recent wind industry discussions have focused on the effect of high water content in wind-turbine gearbox oil. Some research suggests that high-water content could be problematic for rolling contacts (friction) and have a detrimental effect on bearing life. The impact of water content in synthetic gearbox oil depends on whether the…
Photoblog: AWEA Windpower 2014, Day Two
Windpower 2014 attendees: Read the most recent windpower news on the Windpower Engineering and Development homepage, check our Twitter (@windpower_eng) for updates from the show floor, and each day watch out for a new photoblog! Missed yesterday’s photoblog? See it here.
Castrol and Vestas sign three-year deal
Global lubricants specialist Castrol has signed a global three-year deal with Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems, the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturer, to deliver first and service fills for all of Vestas’ newly built and existing turbines with more than 57 GW of installed capacity worldwide. It is projected that Castrol will deliver in excess of…
Vestas approves first fill agreement for Castrol synthetic gear oil
Global deal will see Castrol deliver its gear oil Optigear Synthetic CT to all Vestas built and serviced wind turbines. Global lubricants specialist Castrol has signed a global three year deal with Denmark-based Vestas Wind Systems, the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturer, to deliver first and service fills1 for all of its new builds and…
Using wear metals in oil analysis to determine gearbox health
Ted Vasiliw / Wind Aftermarket Technical Manager / Castrol Industrial / www.castrol.com A quality used-oil-analysis program is an excellent method to determine the condition of the oil within the gearbox. We all know the importance of a lubricant’s ability to reduce friction and wear in gearbox components, thereby improving the reliability of the entire wind turbine. However, most drivetrain…
OEM approves synthetic CT gear oil
Lubricant specialist Castrol Industrial has signed a purchase agreement for the global supply of its synthetic lubricants with Vestas, a wind turbine manufacturer which has 46,000 turbines and 50 GW of installed capacity around the world. Following a successful three year trial, Castrol Industrial’s Optigear Synthetic CT will be listed by Vestas as an approved…
Turbine OEM prefers this synthetic lubricant
Turbine OEM Siemens Wind Power has signed a purchase agreement with lubricant manufacturer Castrol Industrial for its gear oil, Castrol Optigear Synthetic X 320. Castrol Industrial says it will be the exclusive supplier of gearbox lubricants for the OEM. The lubricant company says it also supplies complementary products to the OEM, such as hydraulic fluids and greases.…
Thicker oil films protect bearings at low speeds
One way to protect a wind-turbine investment, especially when out-of-warranty, is to apply the Optigear Synthetic X 320 for more sustained protection, according to lubricant company Castrol. It says when comparing its lubricant with the global market leader’s product, engineers find a 5 to 10% thicker protective oil film with advantages at low speeds. A…