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October
30, 2001 Subscribers: 11,528 |
From the book "Total Contamination Control":
The traditional aim of condition monitoring techniques has been the early prediction of failure by monitoring certain system parameters. In measuring contamination levels, the emphasis is placed upon prevention rather than prediction. As a system wears and surfaces begin to 'fail' there is a progressive increase in the size and number of particles that are generated.
If reliance is placed upon large particle detection, then it is possible that 'failure' is already well developed. In view of the user requirements for preventative maintenance, this effectively restricts the range of techniques applicable to monitoring contaminants in lubrication systems to those, which can detect small particles.
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When specifying new equipment on-site, always remember to include the optimum primary and secondary sampling ports in the design. It saves time at this stage rather than after commissioning, when fitting the ports may be difficult. Work with the OEM and let him know your particular needs for the type of sampling valve etc.
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"Is there any way to know when an oil has oxidized without sending it to a laboratory for analysis?"
Absolute determination of oil oxidation is best assessed in the laboratory. However, there are several simple tests that could be used in the field or plant to help with the decision. Consider this:
It is nearly impossible for an oil to become oxidized without it becoming dark in color. If the oil started out light in color (say lemony yellow) and later became dark, this could be oxidation. However, other things can cause darkening that are not associated with oxidation.
If the oil is darkening, consider doing a simple blotter spot test. Typically, oxidation will appear as a yellow to orange stain (spot). Again, it is possible that other suspensions are the cause.
Oil oxidation causes an odor in the oil similar to putrid cheese.
There are now several simple field test kits for determining an oil's Acid Number. A rising acid number is commonly associated with oxidation.
In the machine, oxidation may be viewed as fouled sight glasses, sludge formation, and varnish.
Unlike the methods described here, laboratory methods such as RPVOT, FTIR, and cyclic voltametry can typically give a much earlier warning of impending oxidation.
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