Learn used oil analysis sample testing, lubrication reliability maintenance, predictive lab diagnostics to reduce costs & boost profits.
See the latest and most popular articles on oil analysis that have been posted to find out more about how oil analysis works and the benefits it could be doing for you.
I was asked the other day by a friend after a recent government policy briefing if I’m worried about the the country going greener as that will be less oil to test. I laughed and told him even as we move towards a greener future the requirements for machinery to be lubricated and analysis of these lubricants is not something that will just cease to exist. Indeed there are many biodegradable and renewable alternatives and some of the leading manufacturers of these products have used us both in fi...
Oil Analysis is older than you think but it's the modern improvements that make it more useful than ever.
What connects Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign to oil analysis? Nothing, but as every other company is finding a way to tie themselves to it, we thought we’d also jump on the bandwagon! However, we’re not going to try to sell you anything (seriously - that's next weeks post) but just going to offer up an interestingbut brief roundup of the last 70 years of oil analysis for you to enjoy ov...
Cetane Index is a number used to denote the quality of diesel fuel. Its petrol/gasoline equivalent is an octane rating. Although they are considered equivalents, they are measuring different things. An octane rating measures how long petrol resists auto ignition, whereas in contrast, a diesel, you want it to ignite earlier in a compression setting, so you are measuring how quickly it ignites rather than resistance to ignition.
See below the learn oil analysis crib sheet for identifying each of the elements you see on your oil analysis reports.
Find out how wear metals, contamination elements, wear particle quantification index (PQ / ferrous debris) and additive metals are tested below, what each element on a report means and how to diagnose which components on failing.
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Source element guide - contamination, wear metal, additives and multi-origin elements
I was asked recently by a client why does the lab not test viscosity at 100'C when there is a high water contamination. The client was quite concerned as he had quoted his client a test suite including viscosity and was concerned he may have to refund the client. This should never be the case as the suites are always assuming the sample is suitable for the tests requested e.g. I have had clients ask for a ppm water value on samples that are 90% water and sediment contents on bags of sand neither...
Why can't the lab perform viscosity when water present?
In the world of lubrication, the Viscosity Index (VI) is a pivotal metric, often misunderstood and sometimes undervalued. At our Oil Analysis Lab (OAL), we've seen how a nuanced understanding of VI can significantly impact machinery maintenance and lubricant selection. Let me share a memorable incident that underscores this.
A Lab Anecdote: The Case of the Misjudged Oil
A sub client of ours who was a customer of one of our lube supplier customers was convinced high VI was the only metric o...
Oil Analysis is used by people just like you all over the world to reduce machinery downtime and improve equipment reliability. A small sample of oil from your machinery can provide as much information as a full machine strip down at a fraction of the cost and has been a proven technology for over 60 years to reduce forced shutdowns and failure repair costs. Want to understand how oil and grease analysis works and how it applies to you then watch this short video below.
Oil analysis is a brilliant tool that can save you money each time you sample. The returns on investment vary depending on your machinery type, so feel free to use our sister sites cost saving calculator at the bottom of their FAQ Page.
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Register for free and get access to some of our great short oil analysis training training courses. Content is updated regularly and includes explanation of tests, sources of wear, how to take a sample and the benefits of oil Sampling. You can also book a dedicated training day for you and your team too or enquire about our deluxe online training programmes.
If you have never had your oil tested before then what are you waiting for and get in contact with a lab today. There are many reputable labs all across the world that offer excellent oil analysis services you can use including our sister lab – Oil Analysis Laboratories, which is the only lab in the world to offer the LubeWear test. LubeWear identifies abnormal wear far earlier than traditional wear metal analysis techniques meaning you can catch faults earlier to keep your machine reliability at its highest. A brief video explanation of the rest can be viewed below.
