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Selecting Machines for Oil Analysis
Nate Long, Project Specialist, Haas TCM Corporation
Most facilities have lists that rank the criticality of equipment.
It would be prudent to begin the oil analysis program with machines
that rank high on this list but if no such list is available,
one can be created. Consider the following factors: price of downtime,
age of equipment, component sensitivity, and environmental cleanliness.
For example, an older machine that is crucial for production and
that is highly sensitive to contamination should be a high priority
in the oil analysis program. As your program evolves, all major
pieces of equipment should be tested and sampled at least once
per year.
The following tests offer a thorough package for monitoring oil
and machine conditions: viscosity, percentage water, particle
count, FTIR (wear metals and additive metals), total acid number,
and oxidation/nitration. Keep in mind that as your program grows,
the analysis package for individual machines may be modified to
include tests that provide more specialized information.
The most important aspect of any oil analysis program is utilizing
the results and ensuring a return on your investment. Setup alert
levels and corresponding corrective action procedures that eliminate
root causes and you will have a lubrication-centered reliability
program.
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