Why Analyze Used Lubricants
Selecting the proper lubricant, along with careful maintenance of that lubricant, is essential to ensure adequate protection to any component. Proper lubrication is defined as the correct amount of the correct lubricant at the correct time.
Maintaining a lubricant means ensuring that it is the correct viscosity and has the necessary additives for the application. The steps must be taken to keep the lubricant clean and serviceable. Oil analysis is the most effective way to prolong the useful life of lubricants while maintaining maximum protection of equipment.
There are three aspects of oil analysis: lubricant conditions, contaminants, and machine wear. Increased contaminants from the surrounding environment in the form of air, dirt, water, and process contamination are the leading cause of machine degradation and failure. Increased contamination alerts you to take action in order to save the oil and avoid unnecessary machine wear.
The assessment of the lubricant condition reveals whether the system fluid is healthy and fit for further service, or is ready for a change. Lastly, an unhealthy machine generates wear particles at an exponential rate. The detection and analysis of these particles assist in making critical maintenance decisions.
Oil analysis tests reveal information that can be broken down into three categories:
- Lubricant condition. The assessment of the lubricant condition reveals whether the system fluid is healthy and fit for further service, or is ready for a change.
- Contaminants. Ingressed contaminants from the surrounding environment in the form of dirt, water, and process contamination are the leading cause of machine degradation and failure. Increased contamination indicates that it is time to take action in order to save the oil and avoid unnecessary machine wear.
- Machine wear. An unhealthy machine generates wear particles at an exponential rate. The detection and analysis of these particles assist in making critical maintenance decisions. Machine failure due to worn-out components can be avoided. Remember, healthy and clean oil leads to the minimization of machine wear.
About TestOil
With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, TestOil provides customers with a guarantee of same-day turnaround on all routine testing. With in-house certified training professionals, TestOil offers lubrication and oil analysis training, private onsite training, certification training and exams, and educational webinars. For more information on partnering with TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit www.testoil.com. Contact us: 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com.
