Oil and water shouldn't mix

Removal of water from steam turbine oil conditioning system is discussed. The capability of handling significant water ingression is more critical for steam turbine oil conditioning system than particulates. Excess water in the lubricating oil increases the operating viscosity and can decrease the film thickness to the point where metal to metal contact and wiping of the bearings occur. Gravity precipitation is one of the coalescing technologies to remove water from light, mineral-based oils like turbine oils. A coalescing type oil conditioner uses a unique combination of media to grab free and emulsified water from the turbine oil. The other technologies for water removal are Centrifugal separation, mass transfer, and vacuum distillation. In steam turbine where the potential for sudden water ingression exists, a system that can remove water rapidly and attain the dryness can be of great help.