Pumps provide lubrication supply for wind power

A KT Hydraulics product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Feb 24, 2004

Hydraulic systems specialist KT Hydraulics has added a surprise new string to its business bow due to the UK's increasing interest in wind power.

Hydraulic systems specialist, KT Hydraulics, has added a surprise new string to its business bow due to the UK's increasing interest in wind power.

The company is the UK distributor of German manufactured, Kracht pumps.

Recognised as a leading world brand in the pump industry, Kracht pumps and flowmeters have been supplied by KTH for a vast range of applications including F1 motor racing, process industries and marine applications.

KTH Director Richard Ellis comments on this surprise new avenue of business: "Judging by some of the recent enquiries we have received, Kracht pumps have broken into a new channel and several wind turbine manufacturers are now fitting the KF range of pumps as original equipment".

"The KF pumps are used as separate, motor-driven, lubricant pumps to provide a lubrication supply to the turbine gearbox and bearings a small but critical task in pieces of machinery that need to run as efficiently as possible with the minimum of downtime for maintenance".

"The pumps basically draw oil from the gearbox sump, pass it through a filter and feed it back into the gearbox, maintaining a constant flow whenever the windmill is running".

"The number of manufacturers, suppliers and operators of wind turbine equipment is growing at a rapid rate in the UK and we expect over time, that new build and replacement parts for this sector will become a significant source of business for us".

The Kracht KF pump has proved particularly successful in coping with the high viscosity oils used in these gearboxes, especially in cold start situations where correct oil flow is essential to prevent damage to the gearbox.

The remote location of many wind turbine installations and the requirement for low maintenance levels, make reliability a key factor.

The Kracht KF pump range is an ideal choice under these sorts of operating conditions.

Since the middle of 2001 over 4500 Kracht KF units have been supplied for wind turbine applications, and the company is carrying out a development programme in conjunction with both gearbox and wind turbine manufacturers to find solutions to turbine operation problems - particularly in extreme conditions such as offshore sites and very low temperature locations.

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