TABLE OF CONTENTS Many engineers and technicians do not know their equipment from a lubrication viewpoint. Information such as oil wetted component metallurgy, equipment loading conditions, and environment are very important, and contribute a great deal in solving problems shown up by oil analysis. Find the equipment maintenance manuals or call the project engineer who installed the machine. Keep the information close at hand in your file, and provide this information to the oil analysis laboratory.
Many manufacturers of equipment have published specifications for lubricants and their maintenance. For example, all manufacturers of turbine systems and diesel engines have recommended guidelines with absolute limits for degradation, wear metals, and contamination. Many manufacturers of compressors and hydraulics have similar notes. Put these limits into your trending system and let the lab know. You now have absolute alarms and you stay within any warranties expressed by the equipment provider. The laboratory is happy because it has alarms specific to that piece of equipment.
Oil analysis programs frequently find incorrect lube types and/or grades in equipment. A common problem recently is the use of new advanced synthetic lubricants, with different baseline properties than the original mineral based oil specified in the maintenance manual. Consult with your lubricant vendor and have a product application guide handy. Advise the manufacturer of the differences and ask your lubricant vendor to consult with them if there is a problem. Send the lab...
