36
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March - April 2015
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www.machinerylubrication.com
PERSPECTIVE
ingress (or are generated) in the machine.
Figure 4 illustrates an analysis performed
on metallic contaminants that were intro-
duced in a machine as a result of service
debris, which was the first contributing
source in Figure 3. Analysis of the other
possible sources is also recommended to
complete this exercise.
A thorough investigation should be
conducted to classif y the metals that may
be present in the oil, such as wear parti-
cles (iron, copper, etc.), contaminants
(silicon, sodium, etc.), and additives (zinc,
phosphorus, etc.). The metallurgy of
machine components should be
researched to develop a source list of
metals and to identif y components with
potential abnormal wear.
Once the contaminants and their
sources have been identified, the next
step is to take action to correct the
causes, provide the appropriate training,
modif y the necessar y procedures and
closely monitor the machines through oil
analysis and machine inspections.
This approach offers a practical way to
establish the priorities for your contamina-
tion control program. Of course, success will
depend on the available oil analysis informa-
tion as well as knowledge of the maintenance
procedures and environmental/process
contaminants. Finally, be sure to review your
methods periodically to improve accuracy
and continue your progress in the effective
control of contaminants.
About the Author
Alejandro Meza is a senior technical consul-
tant with Noria Corporation. He has more than
20 years of experience in the lubricant industry,
technical services, quality assurance, training,
consulting and development in the United
States, Brazil, Mexico and the Americas region.
Contact Alejandro at ameza@noria.com.
FIgURE 4. Potential sources of service debris in a machine
BATH AND
SPLASH gEARS
AND BEARINgS
CIRCULATINg
LUBE OIL
SYSTEMS
HYDRAULIC
SYSTEMS
I.C.
ENgINES
D
2% 4% 2% 1%
W
0% 0% 2% 1%
D
1% 3% 10% 3%
W
0% 1% 1% 1%
D
1% 4% 3% 1%
W
2% 1% 1% 0%
D
0% 0% 0% 0%
W
8% 8% 6% 3%
D
4% 11% 15% 5%
W
10% 10% 10% 5%
CONTRIBUTINg SOURCE
Routine PMs and
inspections
Parts change-outs including
filters and hoses
Major repairs and
teardowns
Equipment washdowns
TOTALS
Service
Debris
Parts and
Repairs, etc.
ExAMPLE INgRESSION SOURCES PROPORTIONED
