Drilling platform: compressor oil from MPC 43.0 to 6.1 in full operation
A drilling platform's compressor had repeated bearing failures and blocked filters, and the varnish potential was critically high at MPC 43.0. Four weekly oil samples later, MPC was 6.1 and the cleanliness code ISO 16/14/10, without the compressor being taken out of service.
MPC (varnish potential)
On an offshore drilling platform, a compressor lubrication system with 22,000 litres of oil was struggling with repeated bearing failures, blocked inline filters and overheating. Oil analysis showed why: the varnish potential stood at MPC 43.0, a critically high level, and the cleanliness code was ISO 22/20/17.
A Delta Xero unit was connected to the system while the compressor continued in full operation. Oil samples were sent for independent laboratory analysis at one-week intervals.
The progress can be followed sample by sample: MPC fell from 43.0 to 25.3, then to 8.7 and ended at 6.1. The cleanliness code followed, from ISO 22/20/17 to 16/14/10, and the number of particles above 4 µm fell from 34,824 to 633 per ml. According to the manufacturer, no bearing failures have been recorded since installation.
All samples were taken while the compressor was in full operation. The improvement therefore did not require a shutdown.
The figures before and after
| Measurement | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| MPC (varnish potential) | 43.0 | 6.1 |
| ISO 4406 cleanliness code | 22/20/17 | 16/14/10 |
| Particles above 4 µm per ml | 34,824 | 633 |
| Particles above 6 µm per ml | 9,271 | 92 |
| Particles above 14 µm per ml | 873 | 10 |
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