Powertech Labs and BC Hydro Make Way for New Oil Filtration Design Project

BC Hydro and Powertech Labs hope to make old oil new again with a new filtration process that’s in development. 

Powertech Labs and the BC Hydro’s Environment and Social Issues Pollution Prevention group are working together on a concept to filter turbine oil, within the turbine equipment (in-situ), at Generation facilities. 

Powertech’s work in this area focuses on refurbishing turbine oil to near-new specifications by removing oxidation by-products and other impurities that build up over time. A filtration system design based on this research is currently in the works at Powertech and a prototype will be available soon for testing. 

The design is similar to a kidney dialysis machine. The system connects to generator turbine oil systems – potentially while the turbine is still in operation – and purifies the service-aged oil to a quality similar to that of new oil. This method should increase reliability, reduce overall oil consumption, reduce the environmental risk associated with oil handling and disposal, and reduce cost significantly by extending the life of turbine oils.  

All of these factors tie into BC Hydro’s Environmental Long Term Goal by reducing material use, waste volume and related environmental impacts.

  

“Powertech Labs is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Generation Operations on an exciting new technology that will extend the service life of oil in equipment, while reducing environmental impacts,” says Stevo Kovacevic, Senior Project Leader, Powertech Labs. “Hopefully, it will also save BC Hydro money in the long term.”

 

The first design prototype is due out in the spring of 2009 which opens up the possibility of conducting a test trial at the Peace Canyon Generating Station in the near future. 

 

As a power utility, BC Hydro is highly dependent on oil for lubrication, cooling and insulation in many of its operations. Turbine oil is a high-volume and high-value commodity that requires close attention to ensure it is kept clean, functional and has minimal contact with the environment.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stevo Kovacevic, Senior Project Leader

stands next to a piece of technology

installed outside New York City that is

similar to the design being worked on by

BC Hydro's Generation Operations and Powertech.

For more information, contact:

• Stevo Kovacevic — Senior Project Leader
  • Phone: (604) 590-7451