Consider creating specific written procedures for the sampling of systems. It helps standardize the sampling so that each sample is taken in a consistent manner. This will help minimize the variability of your oil analysis data. Procedures are also useful for training new team members. (Jeff Scott, senior engineer, Energy Northwest)

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Filter ratings are an often misunderstood area of contamination control. On several recent occasions, I have witnessed someone describing a filter by its nominal rating. A nominal rating is an arbitrary micrometer value given to the filter by the manufacturer. These ratings have little to no value. Tests have shown that particles as large as 200 microns will pass through a nominally rated 10-micron filter. If someone tries to sell you a filter based on an "excellent" nominal rating of five microns, run away.

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"After seeing the same bearing fail several times, we performed an oil analysis. The results appeared normal, but there was a small amount of water content. The oil doesn't appear to have water in it. Could this be the problem?"

Moisture in lubricating oils can have a devastating impact on component lifecycles. According to a major bearing supplier, it is possible to shorten the life of rolling element bearings by as much as 75 percent without ever knowing that moisture is in the oil, based on visual observation.

Water causes oxidation, acid formation, varnishing, sludging, foaming, viscosity problems (water first thickens and then thins the oil) and can cause an oil to become conductive. Water also creates conditions for corrosion to dramatically increase.

Water can be driven off oil by maintaining the right temperature, and through the use of absorbent media filters and vacuum dehydration. Industrial equipment that is frequently turned on and off is most susceptible to moisture from the atmosphere, particularly during the summer months when atmospheric moisture is at its peak.

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