Simple changes were immediately identified within the space, and an assortment of barrels, pumps, coffee cans and various bottles were replaced by state-of-the-art LT-LMS storage systems, wall-mounted Panel Units, and IsoLink Oil Transfer containers. The LT-LMS systems and Panel Units allow Xcel Energy to filter each oil when it arrived on site and keep it clean and dry until it was ready to be transferred and put into service. When oil top-offs or transfers of small quantities are needed, IsoLink containers isolate oil from the environment, ensuring contamination control throughout the transfer process.

All three of these new products in the Black Dog lube room are outfitted with quick connects for seamless integration, preventing contamination from entering the lubricant from the moment it arrives at the plant until it is put into service. A strict color-coding and labeling process is used in the lube room to prevent human-error or cross-contamination. With these tools and processes in place, Xcel Energy has made the easy way also the right way. “The main goal was to have all oil filtered,” said Carlson. “The only way to get oil out for use in the plant was to have it run through a filter, which this system accomplishes.”