Oil analysis

The analysis of a sample of oil taken from a machine gives an indication of its suitability for continued use and provides important information about the condition of components within the machine in much the same way as a blood test identifies problems in the human body.
Chemical and physical examination of the lubricant can be used a an effective diagnostic tool in the early detection of emerging mechanical problems, allowing remedial maintenance to be planned and carried out before a serious and costly failure occurs.
Effective condition monitoring programmes applied to engines, gearboxes etc provide real savings by increasing vehicle or machine availability and reliability while reducing the costs associated with unplanned repairs and downtime.
Oil is the lifeblood of machines and equipment. Oil Analysis can identify the performance or condition of machines and equipment by determining the degree of wear (normal or abnormal), the degree of oil degradation and the degree of oil contamination. The goal of an oil analysis program is to increase reliability and availability of machines and equipment while minimizing the impact on maintenance budgets and costs which are associated with lubrication failure mode, labour, downtime etc.

Three Easy Steps

Step 1: Taking Samples: - Using the kit consisting of a thief pump/sample bottle and, tubing, our trained personnel will obtain a sample of oil from your machinery at routine intervals. An oil sample information sheet with the detail of each machine and lubricant used will be completed. The sample will then be dispatched to laboratory for analysis.

Step 2: Sample Analysis: – Once the sample has arrived at the lab, it will be registered, analysed and interpreted usually within 48 hours.

Step 3: Results: – You will receive an analysis report showing the condition of your sample and what that means for your machinery.

The goal of an oil analysis program is to help increase reliability and availability of machines and equipment while minimizing maintenance budget and costs which is associated with lubrication failure, catastrophic failure of equipment, excessive labour, unplanned downtime etc

Benefits of Oil Analysis

Short-term Benefits

There are five key areas in which a regular-routine oil analysis will benefit in the short-term:
- Troubleshoot machines and equipment problems
- Determine projected time to serious failure
- Evaluate machines and equipment prior to a major shutdown
- Spot check on regular basis or as part of a full Preventive Maintenance (PM) Program
- Support Root Cause Analysis.

Long-term Benefits

After a long period of implementing regular-routine oil analysis, there are eight key areas in which routine oil analysis will benefit in the long-term:

-Trend line analysis to identify problems in the early stage
-Monitor extended oil drain intervals
-Able to plan & make repair or replace decisions
-Create new, rebuild or repair acceptance specifications
-Identify poor maintenance or repair practices & procedures
-Identify excessive operating conditions
-Support warranty claims
-Support Root Cause Analysis

Principle of Oil Analysis

A well-designed routine oil analysis testing and results will typically encompass three categories:

Oil Condition (Fluid Properties);

- Viscosity
- Oxidation
- Total Acid Number
- Total Base Number etc.

Wear Condition (Fluid Wear Debris);

- Wear debris analysis relate to health of machine

Contamination Condition (Fluid Contamination);

- Water
- Dirt & Dust
- Fuel
- Coolant etc.

Call now for further information