TCB Industrial has been awarded a governor oil flushing and control system support scope at a Northern California hydroelectric facility during a planned work window. Governor systems are central to turbine speed and load control, relying on clean hydraulic oil to transmit control commands accurately and consistently.
This award focuses on restoring oil system cleanliness to support stable governor performance and reduce the risk of control-related issues.
Importance of governor oil system health
Governor oil systems operate with fine clearances and precision components that are sensitive to contamination. Particulate matter, moisture, and degraded oil can impair valve response, increase wear, and introduce inconsistent control behavior.
Oil flushing is a preventive maintenance activity that removes accumulated contaminants and restores hydraulic system integrity without requiring major component replacement.
Execution approach
TCB’s execution begins with coordination to define flushing boundaries, isolation points, and acceptable operating conditions. Temporary flushing equipment is installed to circulate oil through controlled flow paths at velocities sufficient to mobilize contaminants.
Filtration is monitored continuously, allowing crews to track cleanliness improvement and verify progress. Flushing activities are sequenced to avoid introducing contaminants into adjacent systems.
Safety and environmental controls
Oil system work requires careful management of spill risk and exposure. TCB implements spill prevention measures, secure hose routing, and controlled work zones throughout execution.
Spent oil and filtration media are handled and disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements.
Quality and verification
The success of oil flushing is verified through filtration results and visual inspection. The objective is to return the system to service with improved cleanliness and predictable control response.
What this award represents
This project demonstrates TCB’s ability to support hydroelectric control systems through disciplined fluid system maintenance, contributing directly to reliable turbine operation.
