Trico Opto-Matic Oiler

(All steam turbine designs)
Many articles have been written on the importance of the lube oil system to rotating equipment. These have included proper oil types, sealing against ambient contamination and care of the oil system. Under the heading of care of the oiling system, should be added the proper installation, adjustment and operation of the Trico Opto-Matic® oiler, typically used on many standard steam turbines. The proper installation and adjustment insure the steam turbine is getting the right amount of oil. Following are instructions that should be adhered to when setting the Opto-Matic® oiler.

Adjusting:

1. Verify that assembly is level and parallel with desired oil level (fig. 2). Make necessary adjustments if required. Mark desired oil level on outside of casting with a temporary marker.

2. Set oil level adjuster mechanism. Thread top adjuster arm to desired level marked on outside of casting, then thread lower adjuster arm together with top to lock into place (Fig. 3).

3. Fill reservoir with oil. Back out set screw on reservoir casting to avoid interference with lower casting upon assembly.

4. Invert and place reservoir over lower casting.

5. Run equipment to check proper lubrication levels. If oil level is too low, remove reservoir and raise arms on level adjuster mechanism slightly, then repeat steps 3 and 4. If oil level is too high, remove reservoir, lower level adjuster arms slightly and drain equipment until oil level is reached, then repeat steps 3 and 4. Turn set screw to hold reservoir assembly in place.

Adjustment tip: Measure distance between bottle & casting edge (this dimension may vary), replace bottle on adjustment arm in lower casting - mark dimension on outside of lower casting with temporary marker (Fig 4 and 5). This is the level setting.

 

 

Operation:

1. Overfilling of equipment may occur due to repeated removal and replacement of reservoir. Add oil only when less than 1/3 of reservoir capacity remains to reduce filling frequency.

2. Check lubricant levels periodically to ensure proper application.

Note: The Trico oiler may not be able to quickly return the oil to the proper level if a sizable quantity of oil is rapidly removed from the reservoir such as in taking an oil sample. Taking an oil sample can drop the oil level below the minimum recommended oil level for the oil ring. If the oil level is below the minimum recommended level for the oil ring the journal and thrust bearings may be damaged due to lack of lubrication. If oil samples are to be taken the following recommendations should be followed.

  1. The turbine should be shut down properly and then the oil sample should be taken. The oil reservoir should then be filled through the oil fill plug to the proper level before the turbine is put back into operation.   
                                                                   OR
  2. If the oil sample must be taken, while the turbine is running then the same amount of oil taken for the sample must be refilled into the oil reservoir through the oil fill plug immediately after the sample is taken.

3. When environmental conditions such as rain, steam, dust, etc. are a concern, closed system oilers will lessen the chance of lubricant contamination. Check with your equipment manufacturer for recommendations.

4. High airflow conditions (fans, blowers, etc.) may cause the oiler to overfill equipment by creating a pressure imbalance. Vent pipe extensions (out of airflow) may have some effect. Closed system oilers will eliminate this condition.

 
Copyright 2002 Dresser-Rand