Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/359954
sampling frequency should be often enough to detect dangerous spikes in unfavorable results but not too often so that time and money are wasted. Takeaway: Both the sample location and frequency have the ability to significantly affect your oil sampling objectives but in different ways. Without the proper location, the sample result may not be representative. Without the proper frequency, a crucial oil analysis result may be missed before it is too late. Proper Sampling Procedures During the sampling process, an oil sample can be altered in a variety of manners, many of which are not apparent. Under- standing the best method for preserving a representative sample from the machine to the bottle is imperative. Also, knowing how to obtain a proper sample is not instinctual. If samples are not drawn by the same person or the sampling procedure isn't followed consistently, it is likely that different practices will be employed. Takeaway: Following a proven sampling procedure is vital for one of the most important oil analysis objectives — obtaining a repre- sentative sample. Forward Samples immediately to the Laboratory Just like the blood in your body, oil can offer hidden clues regarding a machine's past, present and future condition. For example, one day you may go in for routine blood work and then receive a call soon afterward with results indicating a life-threat- ening condition that must be addressed immediately, even though you may not have had any known symptoms. The same is true with oil analysis. When a serious mechanical failure occurs, don't be the one with the recent sample still sitting on your desk awaiting to be sent out for analysis. Takeaway: Machines can be extremely expensive, and the down- time associated with their failure could be even more costly. Don't wait any longer than necessary to assess the state of your machines. Tens of thousands of dollars could be at risk. Ensuring Reliable Testing Certified Training of Laboratory Technicians Many people assume that their laboratory will have a staff of properly trained and certified technicians who know how to operate all the lab's instruments, but this may not always be true. Perhaps the reason a particular laboratory is less expensive is because it is using cheap labor. A quality-control program should be in place with written procedures for consistently providing the best instruments for your oil analysis. Takeaway: The tests performed on your oil samples deserve unifor- mity. Without it, accurately comparing one sample result to another will be impossible. Optimized Selection of Tests A typical laboratory will have an assortment of oil analysis tests www.machinerylubrication.com | July - August 2014 | 13 take corrective action and determine root cause Effective organization of analysis with proper trending continuous improvement and sampling adjustments Proper sampling procedures clean and correct sampling containers and extraction tools immediately forwarded samples to the lab optimized sampling frequency correctly located sampling ports correct sample preparation at lab use of low-interference instruments and test methods certified training of lab technicians Ensuring Reliable Testing To optimize, it may be necessary to test both onsite as well as at commercial labs. Regardless each of the above links must be intact to expect success. Determining the Optimum Course of Action The end goal of oil analysis is to catch failures before they begin. The effectiveness of your course of action will depend on the integrity of each preceding chain link. Obtaining a Representative Oil Sample To successfully obtain a representative oil sample, you must ensure each link above is intact. Otherwise everything below this point is at risk. Enhanced data interpretation by the end user accurate data interpretation by the laboratory use of appropriate calibration standards and frequency optimized selection of tests