An Oil Analysis Survey can help to develop an effective Oil Testing Program. By identifying critical equipment, selecting relevant test packages, and setting program objectives, the program will be productive from the onset. This proposal outlines the elements of a survey and key benefits that can be realized.
Oil Testing Program Objective
In order to realize the effectiveness of the oil testing program, simple objectives must be established. Based on those objectives, the proper elements of the program can be selected to accomplish effective maintenance practices. Several areas will be investigated, including:
- Equipment criticality
- Past performance
- Safety hazards associated with equipment failure
- New oil usage current practices
Contaminants
By identifying potential sources of contamination, it is possible to more effectively monitor the level of contaminants in the lubricating oils. Potential contaminants and sources of ingression will be identified. This will allow for proper monitoring, and specific corrective action when contamination is found.
Equipment
Each piece of equipment identified for inclusion will be evaluated for the following parameters:
- Criticality: The criticality of the equipment will be measured, taking several factors into account. Impact on production Safety hazards associated with failure Cost of repair or replacement Environmental impact of failure
- Sampling: Both sample frequencies and locations will be recommended based on program objectives, equipment criticality, and efficiency of collection. Sampling techniques will also be recommended, as well as sampling hardware and supplies.
- Oil Test Report: A full color detailed report will be provided outlining findings and recommendations. This document will serve as a roadmap to effective program start-up, as well as continuous improvement
Oil Sampling Inspection and Audit
Accurate, representative sampling is a key to successful implementation of oil analysis program to achieve the best of equipment reliability.
Systematic Sampling procedures offer a number of advantages including:
• Improved safety
• Consistency of results
LUBEXPERT LABS employ qualified, independent sampling inspectors can conduct sampling inspections, sampling audits and full inspections of your system whenever you make significant changes, or prior to oil analysis testing.
Report Contents
Our audit report provides you with information regarding issues related to non-compliance with standards. Our inspections and audits also pinpoint any operational or maintenance concerns that may affect good sampling practices. This requires a critical review of the plant with respect to the original design specifications, current status and operation of the plant and compliance with applicable sampling standards.
An audit report will provide information regarding non-compliance with relevant standards and good sampling practices. It will also highlight any maintenance issues and provide recommendations with respect to achievement of compliance.
Technical Audits
A technical audit should always allows most potential sources of bias to be identified and corrected prior to the bias test. This will result in a higher possibility that the bias test will be passed, thus avoiding the need for further investigations, corrective actions and additional bias tests to confirm that sampling is unbiased.
Contact LUBEXPERT LABS team and be certain that your sampling system is delivering data you can trust when making important decisions in your operation.