Free Testing & Analysis Report

Why is Fluid Analysis so important?

In order to avoid costly effects of fluid contamination, a proactive maintenance program must be established, properly employed and maintained. Regular monitoring and confirming of target cleanliness levels are critical to the overall success of a proactive maintenance program that employs contamination control practices. Fluid testing gives early warning to prevent costly machine repairs and downtime. Certify fluid cleanliness levels to system requirements. Fluid analysis is used by industries from automobile shops to nuclear power plants.

Oil Analysis

Oil analysis is a complete laboratory analysis performed on a small volume of fluid. Oil analysis is the evaluation of the oil itself an any contamination that is present. The information derived from the following test looks for different types of wear and contamination. Each test looks at a different aspects of the oil.

Particle Analysis is the second phase of oil analysis. In order to detect or correct problems, a contamination reference scale is used. Particle counting is the most common method to derive cleanliness level standards. Very sensitive optical instruments are used to count the number of particles in various size ranges. These counts are reported as the number of particles greater than a certain size found in a specified volume of fluid.

Sampling Procedures

Sampling technique is key to oil analysis. The sampling procedure can bias a sample to make it cleaner or dirtier depending on where or how the sample is taken. Often erroneous sample will disguise the true nature of system cleanliness levels. It is the goal of oil analysis to provide a representative insight into the actual condition of the piece of equipment.

• When selecting a sampling point it is important to sample in several locations in the system to determine where the most representative sample can be taken. Some of the most common sampling ports are as follows:
  • Reservoir (using a vacuum gun & tubing from the center of the reservior)
  • In-line sampling ports
  • Before the filter
  • After the filter
• Take the sample in the same location each time when monitoring changes in the system.
• Take the sample while the system is operating if possible. If not, take it just after shut down. Put extracted fluid into an approved, pre-cleaned sample bottle.
• Be aware of airborne dust and particles. Always close bottle as soon as possible, and be very careful where you place the lid when taking the sample.
• Make sure the system is warm when you take the sample.
• Tag the sample bottle with pertinent data; include date, machine number, fluid supplier, fluid number code, fluid type and time elapsed since last sample.