Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/290460
48 | March - April 2014 | www.machinerylubrication.com required. The process for utilizing this type of device is the same as the one used for the drop-tube sampling method. The sample bottle is initially threaded onto the vacuum sampler. The tube is then inserted through the top into the bottle's headspace, creating a vacuum. This provides the suction force for the fluid to be drawn into the bottle. This method, along with the use of a zip-lock bag, helps ensure that the extracted sample remains representative of the system from which it originated. With any sampling procedure, it is recommended that the sampling equipment be flushed prior to the sample being taken. The general rule for the amount to flush is 10 times the estimated volume of the fluid pathway from the originating location to the sample bottle. This primarily would include the sample valve with the pilot tube and the sample tube from the sample valve to the sample bottle. The complete process for sampling fluids at atmo- spheric pressure is shown in the sidebar on page 46. Sample Port Configurations Installing a sampling valve such as a minimess on a reservoir or sump does not prevent the port from being used for other things. Adapters can be configured in a number of ways to allow for sight glasses, drain valves, quick-connects, magnetic plugs and pressure gauges to be used. One arrangement that facilitates multiple func- tions is shown above. Using T- and Y-adapters can create combinations that may be effective within nearly any desired configuration. 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 III certification and a Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) Level II certification through the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML). Contact Bennett at bfitch@noria.com. lessoNs IN lUBrICAtIoN with a T-adapter, a sample port can be configured for multiple functions. External level gauge Minimess sample valve Pilot tube T-adapter In recent years, new methods have focused on enhancing sample technology to improve not only their ease of use but also their ability to obtain a representative sample. One such example is the Ultra Clean Vacuum Device (UCVD), which was invented and developed by Giuseppe Adriani of Mecoil Diagnosi Meccaniche in Florence, Italy. Also known as the SureSample through its U.S. distrib- utor, Analysts Inc., this advanced bottle is designed to hold a pre-established vacuum. With the vacuum intact during distribution, the bottle is nearly void of all moisture and contaminants at an ultraclean level. Once the bottle's nozzle is attached to a sample tube and the other end inserted into a sample valve, the nozzle is turned open, allowing the vacuum to independently draw fluid into the bottle to the required level. This action is possible for prac- tically any viscosity, with higher viscosity fluids only requiring longer draw times. This method also may eliminate the need for a manual vacuum pump during sampling from any lubricating system, even non-pressurized systems. Thus, a sampling technician potentially could have numerous samples drawing into multiple bottles at the same time while being confident that the samples aren't being contaminated in the process. Advanced Sampling Extraction Methods