Lube oil analysis is similar to blood work of a routine medical checkup.  Usually if results are normal, everything’s okay.  When a problem is noted, correct diagnosis can be made through further testing.  Proper corrective action can then be taken to correct the problem and prevent further occurrences.

Tools in the machinery doctor’s diagnostic tool box:

• Lube oil analysis

• Vibration analysis

• Proximity probes

• Thermography analysis

• Filter pressure difference monitoring

• Machine performance monitoring

• Audio-visual inspection

Other, more extensive analyses

• filter & wear particle analysis

• deposit, sludge, and scale analysis

• coolant, refrigerant, and process fluid analysis

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Your lube oil analysis program can tell you...

• the condition of the oil lubricated wear components of your equipment.

• the condition of your lubricant, and whether it is suitable for continued use or should be changed.

• the contamination level in your lubricant and what the contamination is.

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Lube oil analysis can be a first line of defense against catastrophic equipment failure:

• Can detect minor changes in the lubricant before they cause damage to the equipment

• Can detect minor wear and corrosion problems before they cause major equipment damage.

• Can detect and identify contaminants so corrective action may be taken to eliminate these contaminants before they cause equipment damage.

In most cases, vibration can detect a problem only after enough damage has been done to change the spectrum of that particular analysis point.

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How can I justify the additional cost of a comprehensive
lube oil analysis program to management?

This lube oil analysis program reduces downtime by reducing unexpected and catastrophic failures, thereby increasing equipment availability.  It extends PM intervals, thereby increasing equipment availability.  Lubricant and disposal costs, and maintenance man ours are reduced by changing oil only when necessary, thereby increasing equipment availability .

Reduction of repair time

In many instances, when a problem is detected, there is enough lead-time prior to failure so required parts can be on hand when the unit finally has to be shut down and repaired. A good example is a frictionless bearing failure or seal failure.

Improved safety

Early detection of seal leaks and potential catastrophic, blow-apart type failures reduce fire hazards and flying debris.  In the case of control hydraulics, reduction of sticking control, throttle, and safety trip valves prevent runaway situations and unnecessary shutdowns.

1. Select a laboratory you feel is competent and can provide the services you require

2. Working with the lab personnel, develop an equipment inclusion list and prioritize it

3. Working with the lab personnel, establish a testing program that meets your objectives:

4. Working with the lab personnel, establish good sample points for each piece of equipment included in the program (schedule installation of sampling valves if necessary)

5. Working with the lab personnel, establish a baseline of your lubricants

6. Begin sampling

Notice how important it is when establishing a program to have a good working relationship with and access to your lab personnel. In most cases, your laboratory contact should be your primary source of information regarding your lube oil analysis program.

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