Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/258778
www.machinerylubrication.com | January - February 2014 | 7 • Additive stratification (dropout) • Microbial contamination • Free or emulsified water contamination • Air induction conditions • Impaired air-release conditions • Stable foam conditions • Antifreeze contamination • Sludge conditions • Varnish potential conditions • Varnish laydown conditions • Heavy sediment from a failed filter • Heavy sediment from contaminant ingression • Advanced machine wear conditions (certain cases) • Depletion of several important additives Oil that is exhibiting issues like those in the list above will require urgent attention to troubleshoot and remediate the offending problem. If the cause of the condition(s) is unclear, laboratory anal- ysis of the oil and/or BS&W may be needed. It is worth emphasizing that these zone inspections are not a substitute for routine oil analysis. Also, samples that are routinely analyzed by laboratories should not be taken from the bottom of sumps and reservoirs. Instead, they should be extracted from live, turbulent fluid zones using the proper methods and tools. For those who strive for lubrication-enabled reliability (LER), the opportunity comes from paying close attention to the "Big Four." These are critical attributes of the optimum reference state (ORS) discussed frequently in this column and needed to achieve lubrica- tion excellence. The "Big Four" individually and collectively influence the state of lubrication and are largely controllable by machinery maintainers. They are well-known but frequently not well-achieved. They are: 1. Correct lubricant selection 2. Stabilized lubricant health 3. Contamination control 4. Adequate and sustained lubricant level/supply It is comforting to know that the last three of the "Big Four" can be largely examined and confirmed by employing a rigorous zone inspection program. Yes, early detection means frequent detection. It's within your control. Opportunity knocks! 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 publica- tions. He ser ves as a U.S. delegate to the ISO tribology and oil analysis working group. Since 2002, he has been director and 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. OFFENDING CONDITION COLOr CLArITY Wrong oil or cross-contamination (mixed oils) S S Emulsified water R A Dissolved water R R Glycol contamination (coolant) S S Insoluble additives S A Degraded additives S S Base oil oxidation A A Thermal degradation of the base oil A A Chemical contamination S S Hydrolysis S S High oil varnish potential (microdieseling, electrostatic discharge, etc.) S S Entrained air S A Waxy suspensions (cold temperature related) R A Microbial contaminants R S Typical levels of dirt or wear debris R R A=Always, S=Sometimes, R=Rarely What Influences C&C