Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1433576
32 | November - December 2021 | www . machinerylubrication.com Sampling Tools and Methods When we think about oil analysis, it really begins with the tools and modifications that are necessary to properly take an accurate oil sample. e key to accurate oil sampling is minimizing data disturbance by preventing contamination of the sampling equipment. When outside contaminants are introduced in any way, the analysis will come back with inconsistent reports. Oil analysis, at its core, tracks and predicts failure modes by trending data over time. Let's explore the equipment that needs to be installed to ensure contaminant-free sampling and the oil sampling methods that each of these tools requires. Minimess Sampling Valves Often called a sample probe, the minimess valve is one of the most common and consistently accurate modifica- tions for oil sampling. ese valves should be installed on an elbow for lines with a high viscosity. Minimess valves can also be used on low-pressure systems; however, low-pressure systems require a soft valve seat to avoid leakage. Portable Minimess Sampling Valves Portable Minimess valves can be installed onto the female end of a standard quick-connect coupling; the male end is permanently fixed to the pressure line at the proper sampling location. ese can be utilized on both low-pressure and high-pressure systems. Vacuum Pumps A vacuum pump is a tool used to extract oil samples from a system t hat doesn't have a sampling valve and is a great tool that every oil analysis program needs to have in its arsenal. A vacuum pump, like the name suggests, creates a vacuum to suck out a representative oil sample from the proper location. is pump is accompanied by some flexible hose that leads from the sampling bottle up through the "knurled nut" and down into the reservoir. e vacuum pump may be used in conjunction with minimess valves to extract samples from low-pressure systems. Factor: A4P Learn More: noria.com/ascend/ Factor: A4P – Sampling Level: Platform (M) Stage: Condition Monitoring, Lubricant Analysis and Troubleshooting About: Accurate sampling is critical when developing a lubrication analysis program. Inaccurate samples can lead to incorrect decisions regarding machine performance. CONDITION MONITORING, LUBRICANT ANALYSIS AND TROUBLESHOOTING More about this ASCEND ™ Factor Paul Farless | Noria Corporation