Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/655822
AS I SEE IT Build the Case File Troubleshooting requires discovery of anything and everything that might reveal the origin, root cause and severity of the problem. In the medical world, this investi- gative process is performed by pathologists. Forensic investigations go through very similar steps. Start by building the case file and leave no stones unturned. In addition to routine lab data and historical trends, seek the following: • Companion condition monitoring data (vibration, infrared thermo- graphy, temperature history, pressure history, etc.) • External inspections • Internal inspections including a bore- scope • Abnormal operating data (loads, speeds, etc.) • Lubricant product data • Service history (recent oil/filter changes, repairs, teardowns, etc.) • Operator interviews/observations • Preventive maintenance (PM) inspec- tion history • Past reliability history More testing of the in-service lubricant could be required to dig deeper into the core of the problem. You may want help in selecting the tests that best answer your trou- bleshooting questions. Also, you might need a specialized laboratory that is equipped for complex analytical and tribological studies. For instance, one or more of the following tests may be necessary: • Sediment analysis • Used filter analysis • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/ener- gy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) of debris fields • Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) acid diges- tion testing of large solids • Composition particle counting • Particle characterization • Grease analysis • Flender air-handling test • Gas chromatography • Metallography (machine surface morphology) • Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum analysis • Film strength analysis • Organic solids analysis Many investigations require a tiered approach. It's like peeling back an onion. Each layer or tier guides the subsequent analytical and investigative steps. Most importantly, don't fail to take action. The problem won't go away on its own. Take full control of the investigation and understand the urgency. Get the help you need. Use the knowledge gained from pre-failure as your teacher. About the Author Jim Fitch has a wealth of "in the trenches" experience in lubrication, oil analysis, tribology and machinery failure investigations. Over the past two decades, he has presented hundreds of courses on these subjects. Jim has published more than 200 technical articles, papers and publications. He ser ves as a U.S. delegate to the ISO tribology and oil analysis working group. Since 2002, he has been the director and a board member of the International Council for Machinery Lubrication. He is the CEO and a co-founder of Noria Corporation. Contact Jim at jfitch@noria.com. 88% of oil analysis programs employ particle counting as an analytical method, according to a recent survey at MachineryLubrication.com