BPRT unit: oil leakage from the lubricating oil tank; the source of the leakage has not been identified to date
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The 12 m3 lubricating oil tank contains 46# turbine oil. After the oil pump remained stationary for 2 weeks without being started, oil leakage occurred. The temperature was around 3°C in winter. First, no obvious leakage points were found in the main oil pipelines or the high-level oil tank, and there were no signs of oil leakage on the floor at the site. Second, since the oil pump wasn’t running, there was no oil pressure, and the cooling water system also had no pressure. If there was an internal leak that caused problems with cooling, then how could oil leak in the absence of pressure? Furthermore, the cooling water pipe is elevated, with its horizontal center well above the liquid level in the oil tank; how can oil leak up without pressure? Later, with the assistance of the pump room, the water circuits were inspected; no visible oil droplets were found in the circulating cooling water. Thirdly, in the case of tube-type cooling, even if both the upper and lower tubes are completely filled, the amount of oil is still far less than the amount leaking. This is a description of the situation on site; I hope those with experience in this area can provide some advice.
Then it must be that there’s a leak in the fuel tank; many gas stations have obvious oil leaks yet it’s impossible to locate the source of the leak! Pay attention to the answers from experts
How much is missing? How was it discovered? Is it a unit that is not in operation? It’s best to have photos from the scene.
The unit was not in operation; it was only upon returning to work after the shutdown that it was discovered that approximately 3,000 liters of oil had leaked – a serious situation – yet the source of the leak could not be found
Apart from water, nothing else seems to be able to mix with the lubricant. Let’s check again to see if someone else might have released it. . . ;P
When refueling new units, due to the presence of multiple cavities and the thicker consistency of oil in winter, which reduces its fluidity, it is possible for an incorrect liquid level reading to occur; over time, the actual oil level may drop as well. Could this be the reason?
Where did it leak from? At the shaft seal or at the inlet and outlet flanges?
This one is more reliable. So, the key question remains: how to determine if there is a lubricant leak? What is the basis?