How does Analysing lubricants help in condition monitoring?

LCM, commonly known as used oil analysis program (UOA), is applied while analyzing the lubricant properties and often reveals possible contamination within the lubricant and changes in its properties.

What purpose does oil analysis serve?

The purpose of an oil analysis program is to verify that a lubricated machine is operating according to expectations. When an abnormal condition or parameter is identified through oil analysis, immediate actions can be taken to correct the root cause or to mitigate a developing failure.

How can we check the condition of oils?

Pull out the dipstick, wipe it with a paper towel or rag, and reinsert it all the way back until it is fully back in place, then remove the dipstick again, hold it horizontally, and read the oil level on the dipstick (every dipstick has a safe oil level indicator).

How does knowing the viscosity of the oil help in condition monitoring?

Viscosity is a good indicator of oil quality. The presence of water, fuel and other contaminants causes the viscosity of oil to decrease. The build up of soot and sludge in the oil causes the viscosity to increase. Therefore, monitoring oil viscosity can provide timely warnings of deteriorating oil quality.

Why is lubricating oil testing important?

With continuous use, lube oils tend to become contaminated with oxidation products, wear debris, combustion by-products, water, fuel, coolant, etc. Testing lubricant oils enables our customers to gain insight on engine wear, unusual engine performance, and plan when to replace the lubricating oils.

How do you test lubricating oil properties?

In this test a drop of lube oil is put on the blotter paper and it is then dried for few hours. The dry spot is then compared with the standard spot available which determines the insoluble components in lube oil.

What are the advantages of oil analysis?

Enhance equipment life and reliability by ensuring proper lubrication and detecting issues such as excessive wear and contamination. Extend lubricant life by monitoring its condition and, when deemed necessary, treating or cleaning it, typically allowing for longer intervals between fluid changes.

Which test used as an analytical parameter for oil?

ICP spectroscopy is perhaps the most important and useful test in used-oil analysis, but is does have limitations. A key drawback is the size limit of the particles it can vaporize.

How do you read an oil analysis?

Starts here6:20Learn Oil Analysis – How to read an oil sample report – YouTubeYouTube

How is oil viscosity measured?

Measuring the Viscosity of an Oil In oil analysis, viscosity is commonly measured using kinematic viscometers and reported in centistokes (cSt). Viscosity can also be measured using absolute (dynamic) viscosity techniques and reported in centipoise.

How does oil viscosity work?

Engine oil viscosity refers to how easily oil pours at a specified temperature. Thin oils have lower viscosity and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a higher viscosity. Thin oils reduce friction in engines and help engines start quickly during cold weather.

How do you analyze oil?

Oil analysis (OA) is the laboratory analysis of a lubricant’s properties, suspended contaminants, and wear debris. OA is performed during routine predictive maintenance to provide meaningful and accurate information on lubricant and machine condition.