Lubrication
Poor lubrication
Lubrication quality directly influences how the gearbox handles load and friction. When oil no longer provides stable protection, wear can develop faster than expected. Over time, poor lubrication can reduce efficiency and contribute to lost wind energy.
Understanding the Problem
When does lubrication become insufficient?
Gearbox lubrication depends on oil condition, additive balance and viscosity staying within an effective range. As these properties drift, the oil’s ability to separate surfaces and protect components is reduced. This may not stop operation immediately, but it gradually increases stress and wear inside the gearbox.
Typical symptoms
Oil analysis indicates reduced lubrication performance
Results show viscosity deviation or additive depletion.
Rising wear indicators
Wear metals increase without a clear mechanical failure.
Temperature behaviour shifts
Gearbox temperatures trend higher under similar operating conditions.
Changes in noise or resistance
Subtle changes appear during operation or inspection.
Shortened oil service intervals
Oil reaches replacement criteria earlier than expected.
Solution
Re‑additivation
Re‑additivation corrects lubrication performance by replenishing depleted additive packages in the existing oil. This allows oil properties to be restored without full replacement, when the base oil condition still supports continued use. The method helps stabilise lubrication behaviour and extend oil lifetime. It is applied when oil analysis shows imbalance rather than overall oil degradation.
Solution
Oil exchange
Oil exchange restores lubrication by replacing oil that no longer supports stable gearbox operation. Fresh oil re‑establishes intended viscosity, additive balance and protective properties. This provides a clean baseline when the existing oil has reached the end of its useful life. The intent is to reset lubrication conditions and reduce accumulated wear risk.
