Complete service provider for the energy industry, IKM Testing UK, has successfully demonstrated its Grease Replenishment service at Vattenfall’s Ormonde Wind Farm, showcasing an alternative approach to tackling grease build-up and contamination within wind turbine bearings.
The technology demonstration, facilitated by Vattenfall in partnership with the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, showcased how the system can support safer and more efficient routine turbine maintenance.
Unlike conventional approaches, which typically involve continuously injecting fresh grease with the expectation that it will displace the existing material, IKM’s service cleans the bearing first, removing hardened grease and other contamination before fresh grease is injected. This helps ensure that old or hardened grease, which can be resistant to flow, is effectively removed, rather than remaining within the bearing.
Barry Summers, Regional Director for IKM Testing, commented:
“At IKM we are committed to continuing to add value to our customers, which is why we are delighted to offer this service line to our UK client base. The addition of this new technology to our service lines will undoubtedly enhance our clients’ experience, as well as have a real impact on safety and cost.”
The trial was carried out through ORE Catapult and Vattenfall’s testing and demonstration collaboration, which enables offshore wind innovators to validate new technologies in real-world operating conditions.
Craig Fraser, O&M Execution Product Manager at Vattenfall said:
“By working with partners such as IKM Testing and ORE Catapult, we can test promising technologies in real-world conditions and help accelerate innovation across the offshore wind sector.”
Hugh Riddell, Regional Partnership Manager at ORE Catapult, said:
“We were delighted to work with IKM Testing in Aberdeenshire to facilitate the demonstration at Vattenfall’s Ormonde Wind Farm, where specific issues with grease build up in wind turbines had been identified.”