Oil and Gas Case Study

LQS prevent slew bearing failure

This is a case history where it
has been demonstrated that
the work carried out in
collaboration with the client
brings
about
improved
reliability and, as in this case,
early warning of asset failure.
Following a number of analyses
of the lubricating grease from the
bearing of a pipe transfer crane
operating
on
an
offshore
structure, it became apparent
that the wear debris that was
present was consistent with
bearing
surfaces
suffering
damage.
The client had received a
number of analyses over a short
period of time detailing the
observation that Iron, Nickel and
Chromium were higher than
expected. In accordance with
good practice the bearing was
initially subjected to a rigorous
re-greasing programme in order
to; firstly verify that bearing
material was being removed
and; ensure that the metallic
debris had not been picked up
from the external areas of the
bearing during sampling event
itself.
The
analytical
techniques
employed by LQS ensure that all
metallic debris is digested
irrespective of size. This ensures
that larger wear particles which
are normally indicative of failure
mechanisms are included within
the analysis, as using a dilution
method can lead to errors,
although the procedure is less
labour intensive.

Roller damage and raceway distress

The LQS report clearly identifies

the point at which the debris
production accelerates. This
change in trend was significant
and lead to an investigation
followed by bearing extraction
and inspection.
The two page report details the
machinery and the point from
which the sample was extracted
before listing the test result for
the current sample and the five
previous analyses.

The second page groups results

under the six most critical factors
required for illustrating severity
of change.
Finally, there is a text pane
which is compiled and edited by
one of the core engineering
analysts within the LQS group.
This is completed with a
statement regarding the status of
the machinery and the necessary
references
to
applicable
regulation or guidance.

Contacts

If you would like to know more

about the nature of this service,
or any other service we provide,
please contact the local office
listed below.
United Kingdom
Danny Shorten
Consultancy Services Group
Lloyds Register EMEA,
71, Fenchurch St
London EC3M 4BS
Tel: +44 (0)207 423 1868
Mobile: +44 (0)7866 266515
Fax: +44 (0)207 423 1750
Email: danny.shorten@lr.org

The race-way and rollers exhibit early stages of surface fatigue and
oxidation. In addition, there is evidence of bluing suggesting that the rollers
had been forced to slide due to the excessive quantity of hard particulate
debris produced.

Americas
Bill Westcott
Lloyds Register Americas, Inc.
Tel: +1 281 675 3109
Mobile: +1 713 443 5244
Email: oilandgasamericas@lr.org
Asia
Alastair Jones
Lloyd's Register Asia
Tel: +65 6370 4452
Mobile: +65 9129 4011
Email: oilandgasasia@lr.org
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Bob Boon
Lloyd's Register EMEA
Tel: +44 (0)20 7423 2248
Mobile: +44 (0)7747 014205
Email: oilandgasemea@lr.org

www.lr.org
Services are provided by the Lloyds Register
Group

Following ferrography and microscopy, images which illustrate and are

indicative of the wear processes in progress are added for clarification
purposes.

Safely optimising business performance

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