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Justifying an Oil Analysis Program
Dave Yunkers, Technical Specialist, Analysts,
Inc.
Proactive oil analysis does much more than guard against failures
due to poor oil quality. Most failures are due to contamination
causing accelerated wear (and poor oil quality) and could have
been prevented if the contaminates were identified and controlled.
Oil analysis assists in monitoring; wear and corrosion rates,
airborne contaminants, water contamination, assurance of proper
lubricants being in service, filtration efficiency, as well as
oil quality. When analysis histories have been developed, the
historical data can provide a wealth of information toward comparisons
of equipment efficiencies, maintenance requirements, lubricant
selections, operating costs, etc.
Much can be affected relative to the operating efficiency and
longevity of equipment when lubricant is contaminated or degraded
at levels far below the extremes that inflict failures. Varnish
formations from oxidized oil and fine particulate from the paper
dust will combine to form lacquered coatings reducing heat transfer.
In hydraulic systems these deposits will reduce clearances and
promote sticking valves. Fine paper dust is also notorious for
causing air entrainment and elevated foaming in paper mill gearboxes.
A proper oil analysis program will identify areas when improvement
can be obtained and confirm what is being done efficiently. With
proper contamination controls and documented lubricant conditions,
extended service intervals is a realistic goal with all the associated
cost savings.
One question for the manager - if there has never been a lubricant
related problem, is he changing perfectly good oil that need only
to be kept clean for further service and huge cost savings? Most
probably.
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