Strategic Oil Analysis: Lubricant Sampling for Quality Results
In previous articles we’ve suggested that oil analysis is the feedback loop that tells the practitioner whether the lubrication activities are delivering the expected results from the lubrication program. Oil analysis plans should be designed to provide information about the state of the lubricant condition, the cleanliness of the sump and the condition of the machine. Additionally, we’ve reviewed test types and organization of tests into a test slate for each of several machine types. Lastly, we’ve reviewed predefined alarm sets designed to create an alarm state anytime the actual data exceeds the alarm limit.
Each of these topics warrants thorough consideration by the reliability engineer or machine lubrication practitioner before initiating a site-specific analysis program. This article addresses the highly important topic of sample collection.