www.machinerylubrication.com
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November - December 2014
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55
ML
Program Implementation
and Management
Your program's implementation and
management should also be evaluated. These
elements include the sampling ports installed,
training and skills management, sending
samples to the lab, the laboratory's turnaround
time, condition monitoring integration, results
interpretation, proactive and corrective
actions, and continuous improvement.
When implementing the program in the
field, one of the first actions should be to
install sampling ports in the correct locations
with the necessary devices that allow taking a
clean, reliable sample.
Training must be offered at different levels
of the organization. Practical/procedural
training should be required for technicians or
operators who will take and label samples.
Technical and interpretative training should be
given to engineers or technicians who will
interpret the information and confirm the
actions to take. Managerial training should be
provided to managers and supervisors respon-
sible for the program's implementation,
execution and continuous improvement.
Samples need to be sent to the laboratory
within 24 hours after being obtained. The ideal
laboratory turnaround time is 24 hours from
the time the sample is received until the report
is sent. Quickly sending samples to the lab
along with a short turnaround time will be
valuable in case there is an abnormal condition
that requires prompt action.
The lab's reporting software should have
the ability to analyze trends for better detec-
tion of potential failures as well as access
historical information for continuous feed-
back. Failure detection capabilities can be
enhanced when two or more predictive tech-
nologies are combined, such as vibration
analysis and oil analysis.
Appropriate interpretation should come
from the data interpretation design along
with knowledge of the current operating
conditions for the particular machine. When
abnormal conditions are reported, specific
actions must be taken. Simple actions may
include filtering or changing the oil when it is
contaminated, while more complex actions
may involve investigating the root cause of the
contamination to eliminate it.
Through regular assessments, you can
revitalize your oil analysis program
and maximize its potential.
