Are you measuring the results of implementing best practices for contamination control? Sometimes when best practices are implemented for contamination control (filtering top-off oil, installation of desiccant breathers, repairing oil leaks, etc.), the results of your efforts are difficult to quantify. Try using this method as a starting point: Take the last 6 results of oil analysis on the 10 most critical hydraulic systems in your facility. Look at the ISO cleanliness codes and decide which size particles (4, 6 or 14 micron) are the most important to exclude in these systems.

In a spreadsheet, track the range of that size particle only and average all 10 to get a baseline number. Improvements in your systems will be evident as future samples are taken and the results averaged. Set a realistic goal of perhaps reducing the average range number by one whole cleanliness code. Post the results so that others may see the subtle, but important improvements of particle exclusion. (Submitted by Michael Lofald, Predictive Maintenance Manager, SAPPI Fine Paper)

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Book Bits: Tool for Reducing Oil Losses

From "The Lubrication Engineers Manual"

In an operating unit, the basic tool for reducing oil losses is a Consumption Report that is issued monthly to all departments. In fact, where oil losses are excessive, some facilities find it advisable to record weekly consumption. Large lubricant consumers are usually budgeted on the basis of past performance, and the monthly consumption and cost report is checked against the budget as well as the actual gallons of oil and pounds of grease used during the period. Such reports effectively keep operating personnel conscious of the problem leakage. Both trends and "blips" call for action.

Some companies monitor gallons of oil lost per operating hour to more closely gauge their loss-reduction efforts. Where this method is used, changes in productivity will not distort loss-reduction efforts. A higher-than-normal consumption on a monthly report usually generates the maintenance action required to maintain the loss within reasonable limitations.

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QUESTION: If an automotive engine or gear oil is designed to meet only one SAE viscosity limit, what is it commonly called?

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"What are the effects of mixing synthetic gear oil with mineral gear oil?"

The effect depends on the types of synthetic bases that were mixed with mineral bases. Polyalphaolefin and diester synthetic bases can be mixed with mineral oil bases, and in fact, is done regularly to create 'blend' products.

Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) bases should not be mixed with any of the others unless specialized barrier fluids are used to minimize the incompatibility. When PAGs are mixed into other lubricants you will typically get strong negative reactions (producing sludge and tacky residue) that require extra effort to flush, clean and correct.

Even if the base oils are compatible, there is the prospect that the additives used to create necessary performance properties could conflict, producing lost lubricant effectiveness.

It is advisable to perform filterability, oxidation stability, air release and demulsibility testing prior to mixing lubricant intentionally. Further reading on this topic: Managing the Risk of Mixing Lubricating Oils

Mike Johnson, Noria Corporation

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