ZF Wind Power gets higher quality cleaning with less manual handling

ZF Wind Power puts wind turbines in motion. ZF Wind Power supplies gearboxes for the world’s leading wind turbine producers. But when the gears of the gearbox are not completely clean, it becomes a problem for the subsequent processes. Together, ZF Wind Power and DST-CHEMICALS have refined DST-PINK GEL as an efficient detergent for wind turbine gearboxes. But why the colour pink?

DST-CHEMICALS and ZF Wind Power developed, tested and optimised the DST-PINK GEL product in collaboration in 2018. Jens Lorentzen, Technical Process Specialist, and Pernille Simonsen, Chemical Engineer, describe the challenges, development efforts and collaboration involved the solution – and the result.

Jean-Pierre Huyberechts (ZF Wind Power): “ZF is dedicated to standardising ALL of our fluids – to a uniform high level of quality. This will allow us to guarantee the same and the best results to our customers, every time. Whether the gearbox is produced in the US, China, India or Belgium. That’s why DST-CHEMICALS is a key partner.”

OPTIMIZING POOR WASH QUALITY

ZF Wind Power had daily problems with poor wash quality and results after using a different detergent. The gearboxes were not absolutely clean. Moreover, the subsequent manual cleaning took an unnecessarily long time. ZF Wind Power and DST-CHEMICALS have worked together as partners for many years and have developed several products which is why ZF Wind Power contacted DST-CHEMICALS in Denmark: would DST-CHEMICALS be able to help develop and optimise DST-PINK GEL?

DST-PINK GEL is a manual detergent sprayed on the part to be cleaned. Afterwards it is rinsed out. The parts still pink are the nooks and crannies to be finished with manual cleaning, Jens Lorentzen says. When ZF Wind Power produces gearboxes, lots of parts have to be spotless before proceeding in the processing.

READY FOR USE AND EASY TO REMOVE

ZF Wind Power had very specific requirements for the abilities and appearance of the detergent. Pernille Simonsen has developed and optimised DST-PINK GEL together with ZF Wind Power.

Through a wide range of testing in both Lommel (Belgium) and Kolding (DST HQ, Denmark), we found an optimum solution. Adding the colour pink to the detergent makes it easier for the staff to see which areas require cleaning and where cleaning is insufficient. At the same time, the product also had to be ready for use and to be able to be applied and removed quickly. Studying the product’s composition, we have managed to find a good solution.

DST-PINK GEL has been developed and tested in various processes and then applied – at first in Lommel, Belgium and now globally at ZF Wind Power.

MORE GEARBOXES WITH LESS MANUAL HANDLING

DST-PINK GEL is applied using a hand sprayer, and after 10-15 min., one man can easily remove DST-PINK GEL and apply a water based corrosion inhibitor (DST-PAS/1).

Rather than using three hours to process one gearbox – and take up space – ZF Wind Power is now able to handle six gearboxes at a time. Just one man – without using any solvents.