The railroad industry began using oil analysis in 1940’s to improve diesel locomotive reliability.

Tests were spectrographic analysis and simple physical property tests.

Railroad industry improved testing methods.

Program was successful in reducing engine failures.

U.S. military began using oil analysis in 1950’s.

First used for aircraft engines.

Later expanded to naval propulsion systems.

Eventually included all equipment, including mobile equipment.

Heavily influenced development of more reliable instrumentation, procedures, and data management systems.

Industry began adopting oil analysis as a viable PPM tool in 1960’s.

Retired military personnel brought their knowledge of the value of oil analysis to industry as they began second careers.

Enabled the birth and subsequent growth of commercial oil analysis laboratories.