Case Study: Preventing Wind Turbine Slip-Ring Debris Build-Up
Background
A European manufacturer of industrial materials and electrical components contacted Nye about a grease they were using that was forming a black debris around the lubricated slip-rings used in their wind turbines. The slip-rings, made from gold rings and gold fingers, help to facilitate signal and power connections between the rotating blade shaft and stationary generator of the wind turbine. The slip-rings ride along as the assembly rotates. A lubricant is needed to protect the metal surfaces and prevent wear.
Challenge
- Can the lubricant eliminate the formation of debris over time?
Solution
Uniflor™ 8950
A light viscosity, completely fluorinated oil.
- PFPE lubricant that is resistant to agressive chemicals
- Very wide temperature capability
- Excellent oxidation resistance and compatibility with plastics/elastomers
| Product | Chemistry | Temp Range (°C) | Flash Point | Evaporation (24 hrs @ 100°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNIFLOR 8950 | PFPE / PTFE | -90 to 225 | None, Non-Flammable | 6% |
Results
Through testing, Nye was able to conclude that the previous hydrocarbon lubricant used by the manufacturer was being applied with aerosol spray cans, thus contaminating the slip rings during assembly. Nye suggested that they use a PFPE lubricant instead and adjust their application methods. This involved changing the cleaning solvent used to prepare the slip ring surfaces for the PFPE oil. At our suggestion, they changed from a fluorohexane to a hydro-fluoroether that could remove hydrocarbon contamination as well as PFPE contamination. The company decided to replace the previous lubricant with Unifor™ 8950 after it successfully resisted the generation of black debris in testing.
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