Oil analysis
Oil Analysis is not simply taking a sample of oil from a sump and having it checked to determine if it needs to be changed.If properly done oil analysis will:
- Increase the life of capital equipment
- Detect wear before it reaches the point of causing permanent damage such as bearing or gear failure
- Locate the source of oil contamination
Oil Analysis is a very powerful tool in ensuring long machine life and preventing unscheduled breakdowns. 60% to 70% of equipment failure is due to wear caused by ineffective lubrication.
When used with vibration analysis and infrared Thermography the most complete and comprehensive state of capital equipment can be ascertained. These programs reduce wear by as much as 90% and can predict 92% of impending failures.
Finding the sources of oil contamination, monitoring the contaminant levels, and analyzing the results of oil analysis tests are the resources and tools used by Oil Analysis Technicians.
Using these tools overall maintenance costs and unscheduled downtime can be reduced by as much as 40%.
Oil analysis typically is used to detect:
- Defective or worn seals
- Damaged or worn gears
- Damaged or improperly lubricated bearings
- Oil and lubricant breakdown
- Sources of oil contamination
- Early warning of impending problems