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The ability to effectively report oil analysis data in relation to asset reliability using trending analysis has the capability to move from a one-off reactive exercise to an overall proactive plan to improve return on investment.  Return on investment can be increased by means of proper management of testing in-service lubricants (as well as coolants), good reporting tools, as well as targets and establishment of measurables to effectively improve asset reliability.  Below are examples of areas that can be targeted for setting and defining goals to make your fluids analysis program a true success. Read More

A procedure used to determine the amount of soot in lubricants is called Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.  In this process, an infrared beam (laser) is passed through a sample.  Some of the infrared energy will be absorbed by the sample and some will pass through, depending on what chemical structures (molecules) are present.  Different molecules will have different spectral “fingerprints” or absorption characteristics.  This means that, if a specific molecule is present within the sample, a peak will be observed at a constant absorption wavelength.  For example, molecules that contribute to oxidation will generate a peak in the 1800 – 1670 cm-1 range and those that contribute to nitration are in the 1650 to 1600 cm-1 range.  The peak will depend on the amount of molecules present within the sample (concentration). Read More

Evaluation of grease using conventional test methodologies can be very time consuming and expensive, and can require a significantly large sample of grease. While this can be a deterrent for implementing grease analysis as part of a predictive maintenance program, technological advances have been made in this area which streamline the ability to test small samples of used grease.  Read More

Water contamination exists in several forms. Read More

Proper reservoir design is important to maintaining lubricant health in clean hydraulic and turbine oil circulating systems. The reservoir is not solely for storing fluid for a circulating system, it is also an important component in the proper operation of the system. A good reservoir design will greatly enhance equipment reliability and fluid service life.  Read More

Most equipment lubrication related failures are the result of contamination or improper lubrication practices. Equipment, if operated within design specification, will generally fail because of lubrication related issues before engineered service life is reached. Read More

Aircraft owners rely upon many different factors to ensure safe and successful flights. Pilots concern themselves not only with their own skills, abilities, and wellbeing but must also be confident that their aircraft is in the best mechanical condition possible. It is imperative that the aircraft is airworthy. One factor that contributes to an aircraft’s airworthiness is the condition of that aircraft’s oil and the information oil analysis can provide on the mechanical health of the aircraft. Read More

Backup power systems provide an alternate source of electrical power in buildings and facilities in the event that the normal electrical power source fails. Emergency and Standby Power Systems are required to provide reliable backup to deliver electricity to critical building systems during a utility outage. Proper inspection, testing, and maintenance (ITM) are necessary for these systems to perform as intended in an emergency and unplanned power outages. Read More

Plant lubrication management plays a critical role in asset reliability. This involves areas of inventory management, storage, and lubrication practices. Good lubrication management provides a positive impact to the bottom line in regards to improved equipment health and lubrication costs. Storage, labeling and lubrication practices are key elements to this. Read More

Synthetics range in composition types, which includes hydrocarbon based, polyglycols, organic and phosphate esters, and other materials. The common trait is that the molecules that comprise the base lubricant are chemically synthesized for targeted properties and a controlled molecular composition. For example, fire resistance requirements in aviation hydraulic systems will favor phosphate ester fluids. Lack of solubility of hydrocarbon fluids and gases in polyalkyleneglycol fluids prevents thinning of the lubricant in natural gas applications.  For our short discussion here the focus will be on synthetic hydrocarbon based fluids. Read More