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 often get asked for a crib sheet on how to read a report from customers as well as how to interpret certain types of samples by lab personnel at laboratories all across the world from Australia to Zambia. I recently have had a few questions from people and requests for custom training days on the topic of reading methane gas engine reports so I thought I would put together a short guide on how to read the report.
OEM limits
Many of the gas engine OEMs publish recommended alarm limits fo...
Beginners Guide to interpreting methane gas engine oil analysis
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something certainly failed. Can we delve deeper to know what happened?
An interesting case again today. A sample of oil showed very high iron by LubeWear analysis, but very little by standard traditional elemental analysis. This suggested the wear particles were much bigger and can be classed as abnormal wear. To find out why, we did some microscopic analysis to determine what the shape of the particles were. There was some cutting we...
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something failed.
Did you know there is a sweet spot for almost every lubrication property, too high or too low will cause problems and you need them just right. This effect of just right lubrication is really the Goldilocks of lubrication (from children's story of a girl, three bears and porridge temperature). Interestingly this article will also involve a different type of bear, in the form of bearings (apologies for the poor pun).
A classic example is viscosity in which too high a viscosity can lead to overhe...
The Goldilocks effect and the three 'Bear'-ing lubrication tips
You will get a better service if you describe what you are trying to achieve rather than state the suite of tests and methods you need.
I had an interesting question the other day by another lab looking to subcontract to us in that I was asked could we perform a test by a certain method. In this example it was could we measure 3 elements by XRF (X-ray Fluorescence). I asked them what they were trying to achieve and what range of concentrations were they expecting. The client explained they were...
Which is the better method - don't get fixated on the method and more on what you are trying to achieve?
We have all heard the phrase if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. It’s a common excuse people tell me when I ask why they don’t do oil analysis yet.
They are often surprised when I tell them I agree with them. Just I have a different opinion at what point I call something broken. Is a fuel leak issue a problem when we notice a large viscosity drop at the lab, the point the car struggles to start and is making black smoke or the point the engine fails and it catches fire. Technically all 3 stages ...
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, but how do you know it’s broken?
A Day In The Life Of An Oil Sample.Have you ever wondered what happens to your oil after you’ve sent it to our laboratory? In this blog series, we will be discussing some of the tests your oil may be put through and how they give us an insight into the health of your equipment.
Hotplate Crackle Test.If your oil snaps, crackles or pops when heated, it could mean there is an abnormal level of water contaminating your lubricant.
How it works.Every oil sample that comes to the laboratory is given ...
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something certainly failed. Can we delve deeper to know what happened?
An interesting case again today. A sample of oil showed very high iron by LubeWear analysis, but very little by standard traditional elemental analysis. This suggested the wear particles were much bigger and can be classed as abnormal wear. To find out why, we did some microscopic analysis to determine what the shape of the particles were. There was some cutting we...
Something old, something new, something borrowed and something failed.
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.
By registering for free to our quarterly newsletter and logging in you can read the industry leading textbook series on oil analysis “Learn Oil Analysis”
Ask a question on oil analysis directly to the site author. This can also include requests on how and with whom to start fluid sampling. You can also contact the author on linkedin.
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.
