TCB Industrial has been awarded a governor oil flushing and control system support scope at a Northern California hydroelectric facility. Governor systems play a critical role in turbine control, regulating speed and load response through hydraulic oil systems that must remain clean, stable, and free of contamination to function reliably.

This award focuses on restoring oil system integrity to support predictable governor response and long-term equipment reliability.

Importance of oil cleanliness in governor systems

Governor oil systems operate with tight tolerances and rely on clean hydraulic fluid to transmit control signals accurately. Over time, particulate contamination, moisture ingress, and oil degradation can impair valve response, introduce sticking or lag, and accelerate wear of internal components.

Oil flushing is a proactive maintenance activity that removes accumulated contaminants and restores system performance without requiring major component replacement.

Execution approach

TCB’s execution begins with coordination to confirm system configuration, flushing boundaries, and acceptable operating conditions. Isolation points are verified to ensure flushing activities do not introduce contaminants into adjacent systems or active equipment.

The flushing process is sequenced to maintain controlled flow paths and appropriate velocities needed to mobilize and remove contaminants. Filtration equipment is monitored throughout the process to confirm progress and verify cleanliness improvement.

Safety and environmental considerations

Oil system work introduces potential spill and exposure risks. TCB implements spill prevention measures, controlled hose routing, and secure connections throughout flushing operations. Work zones are established to protect personnel and maintain clear access around active equipment.

Environmental controls are applied to ensure proper handling and disposal of spent oil or filtration media as required.

Value delivered

Properly executed oil flushing improves governor responsiveness, reduces the risk of unplanned control issues, and extends the service life of hydraulic components. The result is a system better suited to support stable operation during normal conditions and transient events.

What this award represents

This project demonstrates TCB’s capability to support hydroelectric control systems through disciplined maintenance practices. By addressing oil system health directly, TCB helps facilities maintain reliable turbine control and operational confidence.