Parker Hydraulic Filter Division supports wind turbines

As the fastest growing energy sector, the wind energy market demands a specific type of technical support. Operating in some of the most severe weather and technical environments, wind turbines run 24/7 and experience extremes of temperature and vibration. Parker's hydraulic filtration and fluid condition monitoring equipment is helping to maintain fluid cleanliness in the turbines and maximise the operating life with real-time contamination data.

For Parker Hydraulic Filter Division Europe's Industrial Business Development Manager, Matt Fielder, this has meant learning a new skill of ascending wind turbines safely, which entailed attending a Wind Turbine Climbing Course run by NARC (National Access & Rescue Centre). The two-day course was held in the Lake District in the North West of England, near the town of Kendal.

Fielder states: "It was a demanding but exhilarating two days that involved the correct use of equipment, a set of which I now have ready to ensure access to any wind turbine across the UK. The course also covered working at height, setting up working stations with the use of lanyards, evacuation from a turbine, rescue of injured workers and correct use of emergency evacuation equipment."

The qualification is a mandatory requirement for anyone needing to climb a wind turbine in the UK; Fielder's focus is now on developing new and existing power generation business, which is a view that Parker supports fully as being a worthy investment for the company.