The decision to operate a turbomachinery oil tank under vacuum depends on various design, operational, and environmental considerations. Below is a detailed explanation of the factors involved:
- Vacuum Tanks: Designed to minimize the ingress of external contaminants like dust, moisture, or gases. By maintaining a vacuum, the pressure inside the tank is lower than the external environment, which prevents contaminants from entering the system. This is especially critical in environments with high levels of airborne particles or humidity.
- Non-Vacuum Tanks: In some applications, the risk of external contamination is minimal, making vacuum operation unnecessary. Instead, these systems may rely on breathers or desiccant filters to control contaminant ingress.
- Vacuum Tanks: Help in managing volatile contaminants or dissolved gases in the oil, such as water vapor or air. A vacuum promotes the release of these substances, improving oil quality and reducing the risk of oxidation or foaming. This is often critical in steam turbines or processes where oil is exposed to high temperatures and moisture.
- Non-Vacuum Tanks: In systems where the oil operates at stable conditions with minimal exposure to volatile contaminants, there’s no need for degassing, making a vacuum system redundant.
- Vacuum Tanks: Typically used in more complex systems where the machinery is highly sensitive to oil cleanliness and quality (e.g., in power generation or critical process industries). Vacuum operation may require additional components like vacuum pumps and sealed systems, increasing system complexity and maintenance requirements.
- Non-Vacuum Tanks: Simpler systems, like those in less critical applications or smaller equipment, often operate without a vacuum due to cost and design simplicity.
- Vacuum Tanks: Require energy to maintain the vacuum and additional equipment for monitoring and maintenance. This can increase the total cost of ownership but is justified in high-risk or sensitive operations.
- Non-Vacuum Tanks: Cheaper to install and operate, making them more common in less demanding environments where vacuum systems are not economically justifiable.
- Some turbomachinery manufacturers specify vacuum operation to meet design standards for lubrication and cooling. These specifications are often based on the machine’s sensitivity to contaminants, temperature, and oil quality.
- In high-humidity or dusty environments, vacuum tanks offer significant advantages. Conversely, in clean and controlled environments, the benefits of a vacuum system may not outweigh the costs.
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President/Executive Board Member at Armite Lubricants?. Military & Industrial Grade Lubricants, Anti-Seizes, etc. AS9100/ISO-9001Certified. DoD CMMC 2.0 Compliant & Sandstrum Law LLC, a Business Law Firm.
1 周Great question! The decision to operate turbomachinery oil tanks under vacuum often depends on the specific design and performance requirements. Tanks under vacuum help minimize oil oxidation, reduce contamination, and improve reliability in high-performance environments. In contrast, non-vacuum systems may prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness. It's always about balancing operational needs with system complexity!
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1 周Input added by Peter Dufresne The #1 reason for vacuum is to promote the oil return from the bearings.? The primary reason for using vacuum in some turbomachinery oil tanks is indeed to promote oil return from the bearings to the reservoir. In high-speed turbines, the oil discharged from the bearings may carry entrained air or form a mist, which can hinder its flow back to the tank. A vacuum ensures the oil drains efficiently by reducing the resistance created by these factors.