We are all familiar with blood clotting and its role in constricting blood flow after injury. Clotting depends on the coagulation of platelets and blood cells aided by fibrin molecules to trap and bind them together. This coagulated mass effectively plugs capillaries to stop uncontrolled hemorrhaging and bleeding.
One of the most important but underestimated factors impacting the operation of turbines (both steam and gas) and other machinery is the condition of the oil, especially its “mechanical” cleanliness (presence of solid particles). Although the need for appropriate oil care is commonly accepted among power plants with regular maintenance practices, the cleanliness of the oil system interiors (piping, tanks, coolers, etc.) remains an issue.
We have seen a lot of confusion about pressure reducing valves and regulators in fluid power systems. This confusion is largely due to the nomenclature and partly because the schematic symbols are not always as intuitive as they could be.
It is widely recognized that contamination creates problems in hydraulic fluid power systems. The explanation is straight-forward – minimizing the gaps or clearances between moving parts improves efficiency and permits precise machine control.
Service stations, fleet maintenance facilities and quick-lube businesses that generate and handle used oil need to know the “good housekeeping” requirements for used oil handlers.
