Practicing Oil Analysis September 2004

Featured Article

Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation

I recently analyzed a database of more than 30,000 oil analysis reports from diesel engine samples (Class 8, long-haul trucks). With so much information at my fingertips, I was like a kid in a...

Noria Corporation

Years ago I was performing on-site oil analysis screening in a steel mill. My job was to collect oil samples from each of the 18 bar mill gearboxes and screen them for ISO particle count, ferrous...

Mervin H. Jones, Swansea Tribology Services Ltd. U.K.

The very best oil analysis programs incorporate some degree of on-site analysis. For most plants, mills and mines, particle monitoring is the most productive on-site oil analysis activity...

Czech Republic; Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague; Jaroslav Cerny, Department of Petroleum Technology and Petrochemistry

The oxidation stability of base stocks and engine oils has traditionally been determined through the rotating pressure vessel oxidation test (RPVOT). Recent experiments on a set of SAE 5W-30...

Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation

Proper oil sampling is critical to an effective oil analysis program. Without a representative sample, further oil analysis endeavors are futile.There are two primary goals in obtaining a representative oil sample. The first goal is to maximize data density. The sample should be taken in a way that ensures there is as much information per milliliter of oil as possible.

Sabrin Gebarin

Recently, an engine oil sample was tested to determine the root cause of a failure that resulted in an engine seizing. Initial observation of the oil sample showed it was thick and almost...

Simon Bradshaw, Sulzer Pumps

Rolling element bearings are standard components in most pumps. Of the many factors that affect their long-term performance and reliability, contamination in the bearing lubricating oil plays...

Darrin Clark, Insight Services

The ideal oil analysis program should be a blend of three analysis techniques that are both sustainable and environmentally-friendly. With the help of information technology, a site can select the most appropriate evaluation for each application.

Teresa Hansen, Noria Corporation

After experiencing two hydraulic pump seal failures in as many months on a pump that normally “runs forever” with no problems, the maintenance staff at Alcoa Mill Products, Lancaster, Pa., decided...

During a routine thermography scan of rotating equipment at Harrison Power Station, it was noted that the 3B recycle pump gearbox was operating at elevated temperatures. The other five pumps...