It is difficult to identify potential sources of contamination in a harsh, dirty industrial environment. As a matter of good housekeeping, it is important that the system owner ensures high localized cleanliness around the reservoirs, system components and pipelines. With this clean and clear area around the systems, it is easier to identify the presence of leaks, spills and abnormal system conditions. (A pin on a glass table is easier to see than in the proverbial haystack.)

The first step in identifying a system fault is often to observe and register the abnormalities. Maintaining a simple clean site policy makes this practical. The perception of a clean site can also lead to greater pride and ownership of systems onsite. Aim for best practice, commit to improvement and drive solutions to completion. (Scott Robertson, Performance Engineering Team Leader, Transfield Services)

How to Interpret Oil Analysis Reports - A Case Study Approach. A pre-conference workshop at Lubrication Excellence 2006, May 16-18, Columbus, Ohio.

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Book Bits: Are Aftermarket Oil Additives Recommended?

From the book "Basic Handbook of Lubrication"

Most major equipment manufacturers and lubricant formulators do not approve of aftermarket lubricant products or remain silent about their use. Equipment manufacturers have concerns over potential damage from harmful additives and are usually uninterested in evaluating additives since there are simply too many on the market to evaluate. Most oil manufacturers are concerned with the balance of their original additive packages and the potential for adverse effect on their formulation.

Lubricant formulators are always under pressure to reduce additive treatment costs and thus improve profitability. This can lead to the production of lubricants which are of marginal quality, thus providing room for additive boosting. There have been several companies (including two of the Big Three automakers and two major oil companies), who themselves market lubricant additives which purport to provide increased lubrication protection. It is this apparently contradictory stance that has consumers confused, and most simply decide for themselves or take the advice of their trusted mechanics or suppliers.

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Question: Do centrifugal separators work better with low- or high-viscosity oils?

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"What is the RPVOT test? How are the results used?"

ASTM D2272, RPVOT (Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test) is at test that determines the oxidation stability of an oil. RPVOT, as opposed to FTIR, acid number, viscosity and other tests, measures the actual resistance to oil oxidation (combination of base oil robustness and the concentration of unconsumed antioxidants), whereas these other tests detect oxidation that is already present in the oil. RPVOT is a more proactive approach because you can respond to pending problems before permanent harm is done to the oil or machine. The test is ideal for large oil volumes with low makeup fluid requirements and also severe-duty applications.

Results are reported in minutes and are trended against the RPVOT of the new oil. The new oil base line can be used to convert RPVOT readings to remaining useful life (RUL) as a percentage of the new oil (100%). Typically the caution limit is at 40% RUL and a critical limit at 25% RUL, but this varies by application. It is important to note that it may take a relatively long time to get to the caution limit but take relatively short time from there to reach the critical limit.

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