MC-96-88 LUBE OIL ANALYSIS AS A PREVENTIVE/PREDICTIVE

Description:

Numerous tests can be run on a lubricating oil sample from a piece of machinery to determine both the condition of the machine and of the oil. Emission spectroscopy (for wear, additive and/or contaminant metals), infrared spectroscopy (for oxidation, nitration, water/coolant/solvent contamination, andmore), acid/basetitrations (for TAN or TBN) , viscosity measurement (kinematic, SUS or cS), ferrography ("direct read" for iron chips in the oil and "analytical" for photomicrograph pictures of particulates in the oil), Karl Fischer titration (for water contamination), flash point (for flammables contamination), and particle counts (for particulate contamination), as well as other tests,.are routinely used to characterize lube oil samples and predict machinery condition. Each test's best points and limitations will be discussed in some depth. Special emphasis will be given to determine the source of water contamination. Proper sampling techniques, cross correlation with vibration and thermography data, computerized data handling and the importance of integration of all P/PM data into the total maintenance/engineering program will also be mentioned.