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Figure 6: Viscosity trend from used oil analysis results.
Figure 7: Wear trend from used oil analysis results.
Figure 8: Contaminants trend from used oil analysis results.
As a conclusion, poor lubricant performance affected by oxidation and
water and use of an unapproved 150 cSt oil resulted in increased ferrous wear,
even when the contaminant count was considered low compared to the rest
of the trend. After consulting with a lubrication specialist and analyzing the
data collected from condition monitoring and the application, the viscosity was
increased, which resulted in cutting the ferrous wear rate by more than half and
ensured proper lubrication for the gearbox.
Conclusion
It is important to always compare the latest used oil analysis result
with the new oil and previous used oil analysis results. e key to trending
is knowledge of the gearbox, lubricant, application and environmental
conditions, and how these interactions affect the condition of the lubricant
and gearbox.
Unexpected downtime and gearbox replacement can be both costly and affect
the operation of the facility. As a countermeasure, knowing and understanding
used oil analysis for condition monitoring can be cost-effective, as this practice
can help extend the useful life of both lubricant and gearbox through predictive
maintenance. Note that the value of used oil analysis comes from taking action.
It is important to take action every time an issue is identified during used oil anal-
ysis, whether that action involves changing the oil or overhauling a gearbox. ML
Bibliography
1. Pirro, Don M., et al, "Lubrication Fundamentals", ird Edition: Revised and Explained, Taylor & Francis
Group, LLC, 2016, pp. 547.
2. Fitch, Jim and Drew Troyer, "Oil Analysis Basics", 2nd edition, Noria Corporation, 2010, pp. 121.
3. Pirro, Don M., et al, "Lubrication Fundamentals", ird Edition: Revised and Explained, Taylor & Francis
Group, LLC, 2016, pp. 37.
4. Fitch, Jim and Drew Troyer, "Oil Analysis Basics", 2nd edition, Noria Corporation, 2010, pp. 84.
5. Pirro, Don M., et al, "Lubrication Fundamentals", ird Edition: Revised and Explained, Taylor & Francis
Group, LLC, 2016, pp. 548.
6. "Water in oil contamination", Noria Corporation, https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/192/
water-contaminant-oil
7. "Particle Quantifier (Ferrous Density)", Polaris Laboratories, https://www.eoilreports.com/testPopUps/
particle-quantifying.htm
