Operation

Lubricating and Control Oils

for Turbines
Specification and supervision

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Revision History
Revision
N
P
Q
R

Content of Change

Document Pages
total :

97-10-21, Extension of content, re-structuring of the text

98-02-11, Oil designations from Castrol have been changed
99-06-16, Additional requirements and oil brands
00-05-17, Cleanliness class ISO 4406 changed to new standard,
div. Oil suppliers added

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Contents
1 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................5
2 SCOPE OF APPLICATION ...........................................................................................5
2.1 Exceptions .............................................................................................................5
2.2 Viscosity classes ..................................................................................................5
2.3 Terms of delivery...................................................................................................6
2.4 Notes on acceptance and first filling of the lube oil tank ..................................6
2.5 References.............................................................................................................6
2.6 Properties ..............................................................................................................7
3 SUPERVISION ............................................................................................................11
3.1 Sampling ..............................................................................................................12
3.2 Explanatory notes on the tables ........................................................................12
4 REFILLING THE OIL TANK........................................................................................14
5 SELECTION OF THE OIL SUPPLIER ........................................................................15
5.1 Tested lube and control oils ..............................................................................15
5.2 Untested lube and control oils...........................................................................18

Figures
Fig. 1 Specification table ..................................................................................................8
Fig. 2 Viscosity characteristics........................................................................................10
Fig. 3 Supervision ...........................................................................................................11
Fig. 4 Purity classes as per ISO 4406 ............................................................................13
Fig. 5 Purity classes as per NAS 1638 ...........................................................................13
Fig. 6 Purity classes as per SAE 749 .............................................................................14
Fig. 7 ABB ALSTOM POWER-tested lube and control oils ............................................17

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Additional documents
Check list ......................................................................................... HTGD 90 117 D0001

HTGD 90 117 V0001R

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GENERAL
This specification stipulates the requirements, test methods and terms of delivery for lubricating (lube) and control oils, which ABB ALSTOM POWER
uses in steam and gas turbines.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION
The mineral oils in accordance with this specification are refined mineral oils
with additives which increase the resistance to ageing and improve the protection against corrosion. Small quantities of other additives can also be
added to achieve the required properties.
The mineral oils in accordance with this specification can be used in the lube
and control oil systems of turbomachinery.

)
2.1

2.2

It is usually not permitted to use mineral oil as control oil in

hydraulic systems with a pressure > 120 bar!

Exceptions

Mineral oils and additions of metal-organic compound (e.g.

zinc-dialkyldithiophosphate) are not permitted!

Viscosity classes
Mineral oils of viscosity classes ISO VG 32 and 46 are usually used for steam
or gas turbines.
ABB ALSTOM POWER uses normally the viscosity class ISO VG 46 if the
bearing oil inlet temperature is between 40 C and 50 C (104 F to 122F).
Mineral oils of viscosity class ISO VG 32 can be used without problems up to
a bearing oil inlet temperature of 45C (113F). These mineral oils are less
suitable for turbosets with higher bearing oil inlet temperatures.
Mineral oil of viscosity class ISO VG 68 can possibly be used with very high
bearing oil inlet temperatures.
The ABB ALSTOM POWER Engineering Department responsible must principally be consulted for approving the viscosity class.

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2.3

Terms of delivery
As agreed between supplier and customer, the oil is supplied in tank lorries or
in clean, firm and dry barrels. The following minimum information must be
provided in a legible and durable manner on each barrel:

Designation of the type and viscosity class

Identification of the product and supplier
Charge or delivery number

)
2.4

When placing the order, a test certificate must be requested from the supplier for the supplied mineral oil.
The delivery may not be accepted if this condition is not
fulfilled.

Notes on acceptance and first filling of the lube oil tank

The check and procedure for the acceptance on delivery and first filling of the
lube oil tank are laid down in the check list to be completed.
A copy of this check list must always be sent to the Project Manager of ABB
ALSTOM POWER.

2.5

References
ISO 6743 part 5

Lubricants, industrial oils and related products

Class L-Classification-Part 5-Family T (Turbines)

ISO 3448

Industrial liquid lubricants-ISO

ISO 4406

Hydraulic fluid Power-Fluids-Method for coding

level of contamination by solid particles

ISO 8068

Petroleum products and lubricants - Petroleum

lubricating oils for turbines, categories ISO-L-TSA
and ISO-L-TGA-Specifications

DIN 51519

ISO-Viscosity classification for liquid industrial

lubricants

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2.6

Properties
When checking a 10 cm thick oil layer in transilluminating light, the oil shall be
bright and clear and free of visible foreign matter. The additives may not have
negative effects on the materials of the oil system.
Fig. 1 lists the limit values for the most important oil quality requirements and
the approved testing methods.
The viscosity/temperature relationship is shown by the viscosity characteristics in the graph in Fig. 2.

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Requirements

ISO viscosity class )

2

Viscosity at 40C mm /s

ISOVG32

ISOVG46

ISOVG68

32 10%

46 10%

68 10%

90

Viscosity index )

15 C 0.90 g/cm

Density at

185 C

Flash point C.O.C.

Pour point

205 C

Below 6 C

Test methods as per

ISO

Neutralisation value

D 445

50 C 4 min.

Foaming characteristic

7 min

Foam tendency at 24/93.5/24 C

max. 450/50/450 ml
Foam tendency at 24/93.5/24C
after 10 minutes. 0/0/0 ml

51 550
51 562

2909

D 2270

3675

D 941

51 757

2592

D 92

51 376

3016

D 97

ISO
3016

Optional

max. 0.3 mg KOH/g

Air release at

DIN

3104

2 ppm

Zinc content

ASTM

6618

D 664
D 974

51 558

9120

3427

51 381

DP 6247

D 892

51 589

6614

D 1401

51 599

Increase of neutralisation value

after 2000 h max. 2.0 mg KOH/g

4263-2

D 943

51 587

Neutralisation value < 1.8 mg KOH/g

Sludge content < 0.4 %

DP 7624

Copper corrosion

Max. degree of corrosion 2

(at 100 C / 3 h)

2160

D 130

51 759

Rust preventing characteristic

Free from corrosion using artificial

seawater

7120

D 665

51 585

Steam treatment 5 min.

Demulsibility ) after
3

30 min.

Emulsion characteristic )
5

Ageing stability )

Load carrying capacity )

FZG-Normaltest A/ 8.3/ 90

Load stage without gear at least

VG 32 : 5

VG 46 : 6

VG 68 : 7

Load stage with gear at least

VG 32 : 9
7

Oxidation stability RBOT )

Purity

VG 46 : 9

VG 68 : 9

51 354

Requirements not defined

accord. to experience > 300 min
--/18/15

2272
4406

Fig. 1 Specification table

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Notes on the table, Fig. 1

1) The viscosity index (VI) is a measure for the viscosity-temperature relationship. The requirement for the index is fulfilled if all viscosity values
measured for temperatures between 20 C and 100 C (68 F and
212 F) or determined by extrapolation are within the range corresponding to this viscosity class (see graph, Fig 2).
2) For turbines with gear a FZG load stage of at least 9 is required (mineral
oils with EP additives). Depending on the plant, the gear manufacturer
may require other FZG load stages.
3) There is no sufficiently reliable correlation between the water separation
ability according to DIN and the demulsification capacity according to
ISO. It depends on the national regulation of the country where the oil is
used which of the two criteria must be fulfilled.
4) An English standard IP19, corresponding to DIN 51589, is contained in a
volume of the English Institute of Petroleum.
5) Supplier and customer decide which test method is used.
6) The viscosity class has to be selected plant-specifically.
7) The limit value for new oil is not defined. The measurement is important
as a basis.

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Comparison

Fig. 2 Viscosity characteristics

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SUPERVISION
Periodic supervision of the lube oil condition permits assessment of the
proper functioning of the system and early action in the case of malfunctioning.
Fig. 3 specifies the recommended periodic checks, approximate values and
corrective actions.

Test

Procedure

Appearance see
chapter 3.2

Visual
inspection

Water content in oil

sample

Visual
inspection

Water content acc.

to K. Fischer

DIN 51777
ASTM D1744
ISO 12937

Solid
impurities

SAE
ISO
NAS

Set value

Limit value

Corrective action

Clear, light-yellow
or coloured liquid

Cloudiness, dark
discoloration

Analyse in
laboratory

Clear liquid

Cloudiness
(no free water)

Drain
(centrifuge)

100 mg/kg

500 mg/kg

Drain

Class 4
Class 16/13
Class 7

Class 5
1)
Class --/17/14
1)
Class 8

Filter
Replace filter

Neutralisation value

ASTM D664/D974
DIN 51558
ISO 3104

Acc. to original condition analysis

max. 0.4 mg KOH/g

above original value

Contact oil
supplier

Viscosity

ASTM D445
DIN 51550/62
ISO 3104

Acc. to
ISO VG-class

Exceeding
ISO VG

E.g. check refill oil

Find out reason

Air release
at 50C

DIN 51381
ASTM 3427

4 min.ISO VG32/46
7 min. ISO VG68

8 min. ISO VG32/46

10 min. ISO VG68

Contact oil
supplier

Emulsion
characteristic

ASTM D1401
DIN 51599
ISO 6614

max. 30 min.

max. 30 min.

Observe carefully,
refill in the case of
poor oxidation stability

Demulsibility

DIN

max. 5 min.

max. 6 min

Find out reason

Copper content
(solved in oil)

Optional

< 10 ppm

exceeding
15 25 ppm

Observe carefully

> 30 ppm

Extreme case:
new filling

25% of new oil or 70

min. if initial value is
unknown

New filling

Oxidation stability
RBOT

749 D
4406

51589

ASTM D2272

Frequency

Monthly

Yearly

> 25% of new oil or

> 100 min. if initial
value is unknown

1)

1) For control oil class 4 SAE4, ISO 4406 --/16/13, NAS 7

Fig. 3 Supervision

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3.1

Sampling
Take the oil samples from the lower third of the oil tank for the monthly check
of the appearance and water content

)
)

Take the oil sample from the pressure line downstream of the
filter for the quantitative determination of impurities or for the
yearly check of the overall condition!

The oil system must have been in operation for at least 12

hours before taking the sample!

Prior to the actual sampling (approx. 1 litre) discharge approx. 3 to 4 l flushing

oil for flushing the valves. Rinse the clean test receptacle three times with oil.
The valve may not be fully closed between flushing and sampling. If the test
is not carried out in the plants own laboratory, the receptacle must bear the
following information:

3.2

plant name
oil brand
point of sampling
date and operating hours of oil filling
Quantity refilled since last oil analysis
total refill quantity since last oil filling

Explanatory notes on the tables

Appearance
When checking a 10 cm thick oil layer in transilluminating light, the oil shall be
clear and free of visible foreign matter after settling down for 10 minutes.
Solid impurities
The solid impurities are classified in the following purity classes in accordance with their number and size per volume unit.

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ISO 4406 (excerpt from ISO standard)

Number of particles per 100 millilitre greater than
> 6 m

Class
--/20/17
--/19/16
--/18/15
--/17/14
--/16/13
--/15/12
--/14/11
--/13/10

14 m

more than

up to and incl.

more than

up to and incl.

500000
250000
130000
64000
32000
16000
8000
4000

1000000
500000
250000
130000
64000
32000
16000
8000

64000
32000
16000
8000
4000
12000
1000
500

130000
64000
32000
16000
8000
4000
2000
1000

Fig. 4 Purity classes as per ISO 4406

NAS 1638
Number of particles per 100 millilitre
Class

5-15 m

15-25 m

25-50 m

50-100 m

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

4000
8000
16000
32000
64000
128000
256000
512000

712
1425
2850
5700
11400
22800
45600
91200

126
253
506
1012
2025
4050
8100
16200

22
45
90
180
360
720
1440
2880

> 100 m
4
8
16
32
64
128
256
512

Fig. 5 Purity classes as per NAS 1638

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SAE 749
Particle
size
m
5 - 10
10 - 25
25 - 50
50 - 100
> 100

Purity class
Number of particles per 100 millilitre
Class 4
32000
10700
1510
225
21

Class 5
87000
21000
3310
430
41

Fig. 6 Purity classes as per SAE 749

)
4

Solid particles larger than 150 microns are not permitted!

If the lube oil is also used as control oil, it must have the purity SAE class 4 or ISO class --/16/13!

REFILLING THE OIL TANK

The oil tank shall principally be refilled with oil of the same brand and viscosity class.
Refill the clean lube oil system principally via a filter with a mesh size of 10
m in order to filter out impurities.

Mixing of different oils may cause accelerated ageing and

precipitation of additives!

The mixing of oils is only permitted after consulting the turbine and oil suppliers.
The oil supplier must also be consulted if other measures are required, such
as re-inhibiting the oil. Such action is, however, only useful if previously tested with success in the laboratory.

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5

It is recommended to record all refillings to permit a correct

assessment of changes in the oil.

SELECTION OF THE OIL SUPPLIER

Principally, only those mineral oils are permitted that meet the requirements
of the specification given in Fig. 1.

5.1

Tested lube and control oils

The lube and control oils, tested and approved by ABB ALSTOM POWER on
the basis of the specification given in Fig. 1, are mentioned in Fig. 7.
The ABB ALSTOM POWER approval does not exonerate the supplier from
his responsibility for the quality of the product.
The supplier must immediately inform ABB ALSTOM POWER if he changes
the name of the product, its composition or the name of his company.

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Date of last
oil test

Brand

Desigantion

ADDINOL

Turbinenl TL 32

With EP
Additive FZG
at least 9
no
yes
X

Turbinenl TL 46

May 1994

AGIP

OTE 46

May 1992

Aseol

Dawatur 16-403-ISO VG32

Dawatur 16-404-ISO VG46

Wintershall Wiolan DW32

BASF
BP

Wintershall Wiolan DW46

Turbinol 32

Turbinol 46

January 1992

Energol TH-HT 32
Energol TH-HT 46

Caltex

X
X
X

Turbinol X32

October 1999

Turbinol X46

October 1999

Turbinol EPX32

October 1999

Turbinol EPX46

October 1999

Regal Oil R& O 32

Regal Oil R & O 46

X
June 1989

Regal EP 32

Regal EP 46

Castrol

Regal Premium EP 32

August 1999

Regal Premium EP 46

August 1999

Perfecto T32

Perfecto T46

Cepsa

Perfecto HPT46

May 1995

Perfecto AWT 46

March 2000

1989

ODIEL EP46

ODIEL EP 32
Chevron

GST Oil 32

January 1990

GST Oil 46

March 2000

Conoco

Hydroclear Multipurpose R&O Oil 46

Fuchs/DEA

Renolin Eterna 32

Elf France

Turbelf SA32

Turbelf SA46

Teresso 32

Teresso 46

Renolin Eterna 46

Esso

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X
X

June 1989

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Brand

Designation

Fina

Bakola 46

Date of last
oil test

With EP
Additive FZG
at least 9
no

Kuwait Oil
Mobil

June 1989

Turbine Oil 32

Turbine Oil 46

X
1

Turbine Oil Light (ISO VG32) )

Mol Hungarian
Oil & Gas Co.
Petrogal
Shell

Texaco

Turbine Oil Medium (ISO GV46) )

DTE797 (ISO VG32)

DTE798 (ISO VG46)

DTE 832

October 1997

DTE 846

November 1996

Turbine Oil 32

October 1997

Turbine Oil 46

November 1996

Carrier Turbokomol 32 K

September 1997

Carrier Turbokomol 46 K

Galp Turbinoil C32

Galp Turbinoil C46

Turbo Oil T32

Turbo Oil T46

Turbo CC 32

September 1999

Turbo CC 46

September 1999

Regal X46 )

June 1989

Regal EP 32

Regal EP 46

Total

yes

July 1995

Regal Premium EP32

August 1999

Regal Premium EP46

August 1999

Preslia 32

Preslia 46

March 1987

) According to Mobil the lube oils Turbine Oil light/medium are no longer supplied (since 1995).

) No longer supplied (since 1999)

Most of the oils are also available in ISO VG 68.

State: May 2000

Fig. 7 ABB ALSTOM POWER-tested lube and control oils

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5.2

Untested lube and control oils

The following possibilities exist if a plant operator wants to use a mineral oil
that has not been tested by ABB ALSTOM POWER:

The oil is tested in the ABB ALSTOM POWER laboratory in accordance

with the specification list in Fig. 1 and at the expense of the oil supplier. It
is approved if all requirements are met. The test requires approximately 4
months because of the aging test (2000 hours).

If ABB ALSTOM POWER agrees, individual tests can be carried out in

certified laboratories.

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