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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