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Bewildering Oil Analysis Results
Michael O'Brien, Oil Test P/L
The first thing you should do ( assuming you do not
have the capabilities in house ) is to have someone perform
a filter patch test on your oil. From this, an experienced
analyst will be able to tell you confirm the particle
count is actually high and what particles are causing
the elevated particle counts. If the Spectrographic and
PQ results have given no indication, then the likely culprits
will be either dust or organic debris, or non ferrous
wear such as babbit, brass or aluminium depending on the
components in the system. You can then have X-ray analysis
on any metals to determine their most likely origin if
this level of detail is desired.
Other options would be Acid digestion of the sample and
then run through an ICP or Rotrode Filter ( metals and
debris are concentrated ) through an RDE.
Last but not least have a look at the debris being trapped
by your filters and utilize the above techniques on the
debris washed from the filter membrane.
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