Forsythe Technology Inc. Offers EHC Specification Fluids that are Compatible with Fyrquel–and can Keep You in Specification
Forsythe Technology® Inc sells EHC fluids manufactured by Great Lakes Chemical Corporation (now Chemtura). We support the operation and maintenance of electrohydraulic control fluid (EHC fluid) systems for maximum productivity of your power generation system. In affiliation with Utility Services Associates, Forsythe provides consulting services to help bring your EHC fluids back to OEM specifications. We also offer quality products including greases, filters, and other supplies to keep your system running smoothly. Forsythe maintains system reliability—now and in the years to come.
Are your EHC fluids experiencing these common problems?
- Dark fluid.
- Gummy fluid.
- Acid numbers out of range.
- Varnishing.
- Low resistivity
In other words, is your EHC fluid system out of spec? You’re not alone.
Remediation Services for Returning to Specification
Some plant engineers have a love-hate relationship with EHC fluids. Yes, they have good thermal stability, low volatility and fair hydrolytic stability. Plus, these fluids are fire resistant because they are virtually self-extinguishing. Unfortunately, phosphate esters must be monitored carefully ; otherwise, increased degradation, fluid contamination, and other problems precipitate system outages.
The good news? It can take years for these fluids to degrade to the point that they have to be changed, which means that following a simple monitoring and testing plan that points out need for corrective action will prolong the life of your fluid—and your system—for years. Why is it that some power generation stations exceed 20 years of service without ever performing even a partial drain always enjoying reliable system performance? Others find themselves changing the fluid at every outage cycle and still suffer from rapid fluid degradation, including acid build-up and sludge, plus sticking valves, eroded servo-valves, plugged filters and blocked servo-valve strainers.
The difference is having a clear maintenance plan with step-by-step procedures and practices that are easy to implement. However, there can also be some inherent problems with the systems and with some of the operating documentation provided by the turbine OEM’s. These can make it impossible to keep the fluid in good condition. We can provide corrective information.
Maintaining Phosphate Ester Fluids
Fluid maintenance is simple: Keep it dry, clean and properly purified. Most fluid-related problems are traced to contamination by incompatible material or inadequate fluid purification for any of the following reasons:
- Incorrect or infrequent changing of purification media.
- Incorrect flow rate through the purification media.
- Excessively wet purification media, even when new.
- Inadequate venting of air-bound purification housings.
- Defective housing, system bypass, or pressure relief valves.
- Incorrect purification media used.
- Incorrect fluid used.
- Overstressed fluid caused by heaters, dual pumps, missing thermal insulation, etc.
- Contaminated fluid from incompatible fluid, sealants or another chemical.
Forsythe Technology Inc's Remediation Process
First, we sample your system’s fluids to establish a baseline, testing color, viscosity, acidity levels, chlorine and water content, particle counts, mineral oil content, foaming, air release, and other factors.
From this baseline, we evaluate your system’s flow rate and filter efficacy, gathering as much pertinent information as possible. The result is the clearest possible picture of current operating conditions.
When necessary, we recommend replacing the filters and other media, or in extreme cases, adding new fluid or bleeding lines of excess air.
Finally, we provide a comprehensive checklist for your team to perform regularly. Some of our customers test monthly, while others find quarterly checks more than sufficient.
If you're ready to get started, use the Forsythe Technology response form and we'll get in contact with you.
Why Forsythe Technology Inc?
Forsythe Technology Inc. has provided specialty products and consulting services for the power generation industry since 1986. We sell Reolube Turbofluids, filters, and greases that reduce downtime and extend the life of critical machinery. We offer fluid remediation and laboratory analysis to bring our customers' systems back into specification, increasing productivity.
Our customers include:
- Southern Nuclear Generating Company
- Progress Energy Company
- Lower Colorado River Authority
- TXU
- City of Austin
- Exelon
