This can be achieved through proper maintenance and cleaning procedures.
A turbine engine is a complex and delicate machine that can be easily damaged by foreign object debris (FOD) in the oil system. FOD refers to any material that is not part of the engine, such as dust and debris from maintenance work and oil servicing. When FOD enters the oil system, it can cause severe damage to the moving parts of the turbine engine, such as the bearings and gears.
Damage caused by FOD in the oil system leads to repairs, that can involve disassembly of the engine and inspecting components for signs of damage. This can be a time-consuming and very costly process due to the highly specialized nature of turbine engine repair works.
It is important to be vigilant when performing maintenance work on a turbine engine to ensure that no contaminants are introduced into the oil system.
Proper maintenance and cleaning procedures for servicing oil systems can help prevent such damages.
Here are 5 important steps to prevention of FOD:
- Keep the oil cans and funnels clean and dry, away from sources of dust and debris.
- Keep the oil cans covered when not in use. This can be done by using TheCanKey DustCaps or FunnelCaps on the oil cans. Always keep FunnelCaps installed and sealed, even on empty cans.
- Clean and inspect the oil cans and funnels before use. This includes wiping down the cans and funnels with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust or debris.
- Keep the oil cans and funnels organized and properly labeled. This can include keeping the cans and funnels in designated areas and labeling them with their contents and expiration dates.
- Use proper handling techniques. This includes using gloves and clean tools when handling oil cans and funnels, always open the oil can with a certified FOD free TheCanKey oil can opener.