Croda International Plc, which uses smart science to create, make and sell specialty chemicals that improve lives, has recently announced a new partnership with Sentient Science (Sentient) for the recommended use of Croda’s Rewitec additives for wind turbine gearboxes and main bearings.

In 2019, Croda acquired Rewitec GmbH and began to offer Energy Technologies customers nano- and micro-particle-based additives to increase the durability of machinery by lowering friction and reducing wear. Sentient Science validated Rewitec’s DuraGear gearbox oil additives for use in wind turbine gearboxes in 2017.

This brand-new partnership will see Sentient apply physics and data science expertise, combined with Croda’s Rewitec additives, to calculate the lifetime extension of critical rotating components. It will also examine how Rewitec’s GR400 grease additive, developed specifically for main bearing durability improvements, can improve equipment lifetime.

Sentient Science provides DigitalClone for Wind Operations and Maintenance, which uses a unique combination of physics and data science to give a holistic view of the health and remaining useful life of an asset’s critical systems and components. This information is used for predictive maintenance programs to reduce operations and maintenance costs and ultimately to prolong asset life. Sentient is able to calculate and demonstrate durability improvements imparted through using Croda’s Rewitec technology, which provides asset owners the option of extending the lifetime of their assets instead of costly part replacements.

“The competitive energy market is forcing energy producers to optimize maintenance practices and reduce operational expenses”, said Scott Gardiner, Business Development Specialist, Energy Technologies at Croda. “Major correctives are the largest cost drivers in the wind energy market, specifically gearbox or main shaft replacement. The cost of this replacement can completely change the asset’s profitability during its lifetime. The Rewitec technology is currently helping customers reduce failure rates and extend the life of these critical assets. We are excited that customers can now utilize Sentient’s DigitalClone to provide RUL projections in conjunction with our Rewitec technology.”

“As wind turbines age, operators are seeing a higher number of onshore and offshore wind assets running with damage, specifically in critical rotating components like gearboxes and main bearings”, said Ed Wagner, GM of wind operations at Sentient. “Our customers have been waiting for data to compare next generation additives, like Rewitec, against uptower part replacements. And while this may not be a solution for every wind turbine, we do have data to substantiate improvements in gearbox life and expect to show the same in main bearing life.”