Which type of sample must be drawn prior to starting any steam-driven turbine equipment?

Which type of sample must be drawn prior to starting any steam-driven turbine equipment?

• A. Fuel oil
• B. Cooling water
• C. Lube oil
• D. Waste oil

Answer: (C)

In steam-driven turbine operations, it is essential to analyze the lube oil before starting the equipment. The lube oil serves a critical role in reducing friction between moving parts and ensuring they operate smoothly under high temperatures and pressures. Testing the lube oil helps identify any contaminants or degradation that could affect the equipment's performance and reliability. By drawing and analyzing a lube oil sample prior to startup, it’s possible to detect issues such as water contamination, the presence of wear particles, or oxidation. This preventative measure is crucial because insufficient lubrication or contaminated oil can lead to increased wear or catastrophic failure of the turbine bearings and associated components. While fuel oil, cooling water, and waste oil may also require monitoring and testing in their own right, the lube oil directly impacts the immediate operational condition and safety of steam-driven turbines, making it the priority sample to analyze before commencing operation.

In steam-driven turbine operations, it is essential to analyze the lube oil before starting the equipment. The lube oil serves a critical role in reducing friction between moving parts and ensuring they operate smoothly under high temperatures and pressures. Testing the lube oil helps identify any contaminants or degradation that could affect the equipment's performance and reliability.

By drawing and analyzing a lube oil sample prior to startup, it’s possible to detect issues such as water contamination, the presence of wear particles, or oxidation. This preventative measure is crucial because insufficient lubrication or contaminated oil can lead to increased wear or catastrophic failure of the turbine bearings and associated components.

While fuel oil, cooling water, and waste oil may also require monitoring and testing in their own right, the lube oil directly impacts the immediate operational condition and safety of steam-driven turbines, making it the priority sample to analyze before commencing operation.