A turbine engine's gas systems are designed to incorporate pressure relief functionality, ensuring a relatively stable pressure level. The lubrication system operates as a full-flow type, where pressure varies in response to engine speed. Additionally, a total-loss lubrication system is employed in specific applications, such as short-duration operations, to target drones and missiles. 
Large fan-type engines utilize comprehensive lubrication systems that integrate pressure relief mechanisms and full-flow lubrication to enhance performance and reliability. 
A primary function of turbine engines' oil and gas system is to dissipate heat by circulating oil around the bearings, thereby preventing overheating and ensuring optimal operation.

Types of Lubrication Systems in Gas Turbine Engines

Gas turbine engines employ two types of lubrication systems:

Oil is stored within the engine, ensuring adequate lubrication. The oil pump draws oil from the bottom of the pan and circulates it through the engine to reduce friction, maintain proper engine temperature, and ensure smooth operation. 
Wet-sump systems are typically more compact and simpler to maintain than dry-sump systems, making them common in most standard internal combustion engines.

In a dry-sump system, the engine oil is stored in an external tank, separate from the engine. This allows for better oil management and improved cooling efficiency. 
This design allows for more efficient oil management. A series of pumps actively circulates and pressurizes the oil, ensuring consistent lubrication even under extreme conditions.

Components of a Gas Turbine Engine

Many components are part of a gas turbine engine, such as bearings: a lubricant supply system specifically lubricates a gas turbine engine. It includes a significant lubricant moving circuit and an auxiliary lubricant rotating circuit.

It ensures a sufficient lubricant supply to the lubricating chamber and chambers beneath all operating situations. The circulatory circuit is known as the engine start-up & for replenishing lubricant into the primary circuit during normal flight conditions.

The Role of Turbine Lubricating Oil in Engine Performance

The gas systems of a turbine engine also facilitate pressure relief, maintaining consistent pressure within the system. The lubrication system is a complete flow type, and oil pressure fluctuates based on engine speed. A total loss system is also used in short-duration applications such as targeting drones and missiles. 
Large fan-type engines commonly use lubrication systems with pressure relief mechanisms and continuous flow systems. The engine lubricants in gas turbine systems primarily cool bearings by circulating oil around them, preventing excessive heat buildup.

Read More: How Gas Turbines Are Transforming the Future of Energy Production

Key Components of a Gas Turbine Engine’s Lubrication System

A turbine system relies on various components to ensure proper lubrication and optimized performance. Below are the critical parts of the lubrication system.

Usually, it has an oil pump, scavenge & pressure inlet strainers, pressure outlet ports, and an oil filter. It also has mounting bosses for the oil pressure control and temperature bulb linkages. 
A typical oil tank is developed to provide the turbine engine with plentiful oil during any operation. In a gas turbine engine, this process is completed by a swivel outlet assembly mounted on the inner side of the oil tank, a horizontal baffle mounted in the middle of the tank, and two flapper check valves fixed on the baffle. 
All oil tanks have expansion space, which permits the oil to expand after the bearings and gears absorb the temperature. A few oil tanks also have a deaerator tray, which separates air from the petroleum returned to the upper side of the tank by the scavenger system.

The oil pump is crucial for supplying oil under pressure to different turbine engine components. It also facilitates oil circulation through coolers before returning it to the oil tank. 
Oil pumps may include pressure supply elements and scavenge components, especially in dry-sump systems. Some oil pumps have separate pumping components controlled by multiple shafts, ensuring efficient lubrication. The gear-type oil pump consists of a pressure oil section and a scavenging section to regulate oil distribution efficiently.

Turbine oil filters are essential for removing contaminants from lubricating oil. They also prevent the wear of antifriction balls and roller bearings, ensuring the engine's high-performance operation. 
Oil flows through the filter from the outer casing into the filter body. Filters trap impurities and are made of paper or stainless steel mesh. Laminated paper filters are replaceable, while metal mesh filters ensure durability.

The oil pressure relief valve prevents excessive pressure buildup within the turbine system. When pressure exceeds preset limits, it returns excess oil to the oil pump's inlet side. 
This component is critical in turbines with integrated oil coolers, preventing damage to the cooler’s thin-walled construction. The relief valve helps maintain optimal oil pressure for optimized performance.

Conclusive Remarks

Here, we have discussed the major components of the lubrication system of gas turbine engines and provided all the essential information about the process. Prismecs is a platform that can deliver all kinds of oilfield and gas-related services. 
We provide strategic global markets for operations with essential maintenance requirements. Our strong supply chain is responsive to the gas turbine engine parts, repair, and manufacturing, reducing downtime in E&P environments. You can contact us for any turbine engine-related services. To avail of our services, call us at +1 (888) 774-7632 or email us at sales@prismecs.com.