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Category Archives: Routine Testing

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Know the Proper Base Number of Your Oil

Know the Proper Base Number of Your Oil
Know the Proper Base Number of Your Oil The base number (BN) is a property that is more associated with engine oils rather than industrial oils. It can be defined as the oil’s ability to neutralize acids that are produced during use. The higher the base number in the engine oil, the more acid it…
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Testing For Water

Testing For Water
Testing For Water Water is one of the most destructive contaminants faced by industrial maintenance departments.  Studies have shown that water present at any level can reduce bearing life from 10 to 100 times.  While the overall tolerance for water varies from machine to machine, a good general alarm limit for water contamination is 0.05%…
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Water In Oil, What’s the Big Deal?

Water In Oil, What’s the Big Deal?
Water In Oil, What's the Big Deal? Water in lubricating oil has been a point of keen debate as long as oil analysis has been used to monitor equipment and lubricant condition. How much is too much? Where does it come from? Does it really hurt equipment? What form of water is of concern? How…
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Analyzing Foaming Tendency: Foam Test

Analyzing Foaming Tendency: Foam Test
Analyzing Foaming Tendency: Foam Test The Foam Test measures the foaming tendency of a lubricant. According to this test, also referred to as ASTM D892, the tendency of oils to foam can be a serious problem in systems such as high-speed gearing, high-volume pumping, and splash lubrication. Inadequate lubrication, cavitation, and overflow loss of lubricant…
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Testing the Reserve Alkalinity: Base Number

Testing the Reserve Alkalinity: Base Number
Testing the Reserve Alkalinity: Base Number Base Number (BN) testing is very similar to AN testing, except that the properties are reversed.  The sample is titrated with an acidic solution to measure the oil’s alkaline reserve.  ASTM test methods D-2896 or D-4739 are most commonly used to measure BN.  Measuring the BN can help ensure…
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Gauging Acidity: Acid Number

Gauging Acidity: Acid Number
Gauging Acidity: Acid Number Acid Number (AN) is an indicator of oil serviceability.  It is useful in monitoring acid build-up in oils due to the depletion of antioxidants. Oil oxidation causes acidic byproducts to form. High acid levels can indicate excessive oil oxidation or depletion of the oil additives and can lead to corrosion of…
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