Copper readings can be particularly alarming when increases are in the hundreds of parts per million. However, huge increases are typically insignificant in terms of component wear. Ironically, small subtle increases in copper are of a higher concern and should be examined closely.

Copper alloy component wear is generally accompanied by lock-step increases in alloy metals such as lead, tin, aluminum and zinc. The amount of alloy metal present in brass/bronze components is only a small percentage of the total copper content. Changes in these alloys may be only a few parts per million, but should be taken seriously when present with copper increases.

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From the book "Lubrication Fundamentals":

Mechanical handling equipment is needed for efficient movement of drums into and out of a plant warehouse. Hand- or power- operated forklift trucks or stackers are widely used for this purpose. They offer the advantage of a single handling operation from warehouse storage to the oil house or point of use. A chain block or trolley with a proper drum sling mounted on an I-beam bridge can be used to move drums in and out of storage. This type of equipment does not require the aisle space needed to maneuver a forklift. Mechanical handling equipment is closely regulated by OSHA. A thorough study is required to assure that the system and equipment meet all requirements.

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Question: When two surfaces are separated by a lubricant what friction, if any, remains?

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"I have a large hydraulic reservoir about 12 feet wide, 10 feet tall and 15 feet long. We presently perform off line filtering with the suction line at one end of the tank near the bottom. The return line is at the same end near the bottom about six feet from the suction line. Is the positioning of the two lines acceptable? Does the fluid recirculate between the two lines without good dispersal between clean and contaminated fluid? Should the two lines be separated by a greater distance?"

Ideally, the suction and return lines should be as far apart from each other as possible. If there are baffles in the reservoir, the suction and returns should at least be on opposite sides. If I were to place a return and suction line for offline filtration in your system, I would place the suction line of the offline circuit near the main system return to the reservoir, about 5 to 10 inches from the bottom. The suction line should be as close to the offline pump as possible.

I would place the return line at the opposite corner of the reservoir. If possible, I would include a diffuser at the termination and try to get the termination end about half way up the level of the oil.

Jason Kopschinsky, Noria Corporation

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