Plant Services - May 2008 - (Page 41) L ubricants are the lifeblood of industrial machinery. ey protect critical components and help promote enhanced operation, just as blood supports health in the human body. And, while a doctor learns valuable information about a patient’s health through a blood test, you can garner valuable insights about your equipment using routine oil analyses. Oil analysis is based on a slate of tests designed to help evaluate the condition of internal hardware as well as the inservice lubricant. With this information, you can extend the useful lives of both, by identifying early warning signs such as contamination or increasing wear metals, which will allow you to minimize unscheduled maintenance. Here are some of the basics of oil analysis for standard industrial applications: hydraulic systems, compressors and gearboxes. Using these tips as part of your proactive mainte- nance program will enhance your equipment’s performance and boost productivity. You must follow a certain protocol to ensure the accuracy of and to gain the most benefit from your oil analysis results. First, always use a clean, dry container to draw oil samples. Store sample bottles in a clean, dry, dust-free area until the sample is taken. Draw samples when equipment is at its normal operating temperature and while the machine is running, if it can be done safely. Otherwise, it is recommended to draw samples as soon as possible after the equipment has been shut down. A properly placed sampling valve complements an effective engineered analysis program. Ideally, take samples downstream of the filters, because they will most represent the condition of the oil that is supplying the critical lubri41 Take a representative sample M .PLANTSERVICES. http://www.plantservices.com
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