Ecol - FAQ - How often run oil analyses?

back to list | previous subject | next subject

7. How often run oil analyses?

The partial or complete loss of the functional properties of service fluids is, most of all, a consequence of their use and, frequently, the result of contamination with particles of solids, watering or mixing with other fluids. These effects accompany such activities as flowing, transport and storing. Since it is required to maintain the quality level of service fluids within permitted deviation limits, on-going control of these parameters in operation is required.

The same testing methods should be applied for operated oils as for new oils.

To identify and define the scope and frequency of operated oil monitoring, we must take account of oil type, technical condition of a machine, working conditions, its importance for the manufacturing process as well as the volume of an oil pan. Costs related to the introduction of optimally timed oil analyses greatly reduce the costs of prospective repairs.

New turbine oils should be tested always on delivery, and also in storage. The following properties should be analysed in turbine oils:

external appearance (water, contamination),
kinematical viscosity at temperature of 40^oC, mm²/s,
acid value, mg KOH/g,
water contents, %,
contents of foreign solids, %,
resistance to emulsification, s,
oxidising inhibitor content, % (quantitatively, qualitatively),
resistance to oxidisation, h,
induction period (RBOT), min,
identification of ageing products, LS ageing value,
oil purity class,
ability to release air at temp. 50^oC
density 20^oC,
flash point ^oC,
susceptibility to foaming, foam durability, cm³.

Furnace oils and plastic lubricants should be tested depending on needs, and especially in the cases, when it is suspected that parameters of the product delivered will not be met.