Oil Analysis Laboratory

Being able to predict when and to what degree industrial equipment needs repair or maintenance can mean the difference between profit and loss. An oil analysis laboratory can take a small sample of coolant, hydraulic fluid or lubricating oil, examine its condition and construct a prediction model for any type of machinery. Electric motors, transformers, internal combustion engines, generators and heavy-duty compactors all use lubricants or cooling oils, and these fluids contain vital information about the health of the machinery in which they are used.

Constructing A Probability Model
Samples of oil and other fluids are drawn from a pre-determined location on the equipment and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Technicians at the laboratory are interested in the amount of metal particulates suspended in the oil, any molecular breakdown occurring in petroleum-based products, and whether there is water present in the sample.

Specifically, a full-service laboratory will perform

Machine specific analysis
Analytical ferrography
Direct reading ferrograph
Crackle test
Particle count
Kinematic/Oil bath to check viscosity

The machine from which the sample is drawn is inspected thoroughly. Every piece of equipment uses industrial oils in a different manner, and the degree of wear on moving parts depends on what the machinery is used for. An oil analysis laboratory will also run an analytical ferrography to check for the presence of iron and steel particles suspended in the fluid. The direct reading ferrograph identifies particles according to density and size.

A crackle test will show if there is water contamination from an outside source. Particles passing in front of a laser beam will show exactly how many wear particles are present in a given amount of fluid. Measuring the viscosity of the fluid helps to determine whether the oil is appropriate for use in the specified machinery.

The initial test results will indicate whether an accelerated problem with the machinery is occurring. The report serves as a baseline model for the health of the equipment.

Repeat Testing Of Fluids
Subsequent tests will clearly show if there is advanced machine parts wear. This serves as a model for developing a routine maintenance and service schedule for all types of industrial equipment. Companies save a great deal of money when machinery is repaired on schedule, without the need to shut down operations entirely.

An equipment buttessment program that indicates when machinery needs routine maintenance is of great value to companies trying to save on overhead expenses. Partnering with an oil analysis laboratory is an affordable way to find out what problems may be lurking with specialized machinery. Once something breaks down, repair is much more expensive. This leads to employee downtime and slowed production. Routine oil sampling can prevent this.
 

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, We have an Oil Analysis Laboratory where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Testing, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com