Across the world, remote work sites are busy mining for minerals, drilling for oil, and building structures. If you operate a remote work site, you understand the importance of having a reliable power supply. If you don’t have power, you’re paying your workers to wait. In any industry, that’s a recipe for disaster. You need to do everything possible to ensure that your generator will always be ready when you need it. These tips can help.
Conduct Periodic Inspections
Look at your generator periodically for obvious signs of wear and damage. Some of the things that you should do as part of your periodic inspections include:
- Look for wear and dark carbon deposits
- Check all fluid levels
- Check for corrosion, especially on the battery terminals
- Change all filters at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals
If you notice any signs of wear when inspecting your generator, call a reliable mechanic to schedule an inspection. If it’s necessary to replace a generator part, it’s best to do so as soon as you notice a problem. Allowing a generator to continue running with a faulty part only risks more severe damage to other components.
Maintain a log containing the details of every generator inspection. A written log can help you avoid repeating work. It can also help you know when it’s time to replace filters and other components.
Conduct Periodic Load Bank Testing
Load bank testing uses a machine to supply your generator with an artificial load. During a load bank test, a professional will bring your generator to 100 percent of its capacity under controlled conditions.
Load bank testing:
- Ensures that the generator is capable of operating at maximum capacity without problems
- Burns away carbon deposits and unused fuel caught in the exhaust system
Annual load bank testing is good for your peace of mind. It’s also great for the health of a diesel engine.
Test Your Fuel Supply
Check your diesel fuel supply periodically for signs of water and microbes. Contamination can damage your generator or rob it of its efficiency. Diesel fuel may contain water because of additives or because the fuel is old and breaking down. You can test for water using a dipstick coated with water finding paste. You can also conduct a visual inspection of your fuel supply. If the fuel looks hazy, it probably contains water. Filtering the fuel can remove the contaminants and restore your generator’s performance.
RLN Energy Provides Service for Industrial Engines in Edmonton
A little preventative maintenance on your generator now can prevent a major issue from costing your company thousands of dollars later. Do you need an expert specializing in industrial engines in Edmonton? Contact RLN Energy now to schedule an inspection or load bank test.
