Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/190260
composition of contaminants within an oil sample. Analytical ferrography remains the best technique for determining the morphology and topography of wear debris, which is essential in identifying the root cause of the particles. References Anderson, Dan P. (2012). Wear Debris Atlas. Jim C. Fitch (Technical Editor). Tulsa, OK: Noria Corporation. Rigney, David A. (1981). Fundamentals of Friction and Wear of Materials. Metals Park, OH: American Society for Metals. Thibault, Ray. (2006, Nov.-Dec.). "Improving Predictive Maintenance Through Wear Debris Analysis." Lubrication & Fluid Power. About the Author Bennett Fitch is a technical consultant with Noria Corporation. He is a mechanical engineer who holds a Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA) Level I certification and a Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) Level I certification through the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML). Contact Bennett at bfitch@noria.com. Standards Relating to Wear Debris Analysis and Particle Characterization ISO 16232 7/8: Road Vehicles – Cleanliness of Components of Fluid Circuits Parts 7 and 8 of this ISO standard focus on the methods for determining the size distribution of particulate contaminants and for characterizing their shape and physical profile, especially those from automotive components. The technique can be applied to lubricants from most all machines that follow the same principle of incurring wear or ingression of particles into the lubricated area of the components. The particles are analyzed microscopically using computer image analysis. With proper method extraction managed, this ISO standard also specifies a method for particle sizing and counting by use of microscopic analysis as well as an established system for expressing the results. For more information regarding these standards, visit the International Organization for Standardization website at www.iso.org. ASTM D7684, D7670 and D7690: Microscopic Characterization of Particles from In-Service Lubricants (by Analytical Ferrography) These new ASTM standards specify methods for proper classification and reporting of results for in-service lubricants containing particulate debris either from wear, ingression or elsewhere. Included in the standard guide is suggested terminology for reporting, logical framework and possible root causes. The primary method for analysis within these standards is through ferrography, either by use of linear or rotary glass slides, in addition to guides for filter debris analysis and magnetic plug inspection, among other methods. For more information regarding these standards, visit the ASTM website at www.astm.org. www.machinerylubrication.com | September - October 2013 | 45