Oil Sampling/Analysis
Oil Sampling/Analysis
Oil lubricated equipment such as gearboxes, transformers, sleeve bearings and pumps have a condition monitoring technique that looks at gases, moisture and particulate matter in the oil. It is important to understand the technique for extracting the oil to obtain a sample that’s representative of the full volume.
Steps we take as part of our oil analysis service:
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Read and check the data on the oil type and machine type for accuracy.
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Verify that reference data is shown for new oil conditions and that trend data is at an understood frequency (preferably consistent).
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Check the measured viscosity.
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Verify elemental wear data and compare to reference and trended data. Use a wear debris atlas to match elements to their possible source.
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Check the elemental additive data and compare to reference and trended data. Use a wear debris atlas to match elements to their possible source.
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Verify elemental contamination data along with particle counts and compare with reference and trended data. Use a wear debris atlas to match elements to their possible source.
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Check moisture/water levels and compare to reference and trended data.
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Verify the acid number and base number and compare to reference and trended data.
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Check other analyzed data such as FTIR oxidation levels, flash point, demulsibility, analytical ferrography, etc.
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Compare any groups of data that are trending toward unacceptable levels and make justifications based on these trends.
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Compare written results and recommendations with known information on the oil and machine, such as recent changes in environmental or operational conditions or recent oil changes/filtration.
