A small oil sample taken from industrial machinery can tell experts exactly how well the equipment is performing. It can also be analyzed to predict future problems with a generator, internal combustion engine, hydraulic system or motorized pump. The chemical composition of an industrial fluid changes after prolonged exposure to metals, heat, intense pressure and solid contaminants. The ability to predict equipment failure is important when designing a preventative maintenance program for commercial equipment.
Creating A Futures Model
Advanced technology makes it possible to take a small sample of coolant, industrial oil or lubricant and test it for possible contamination, molecular realignment and the presence of metal particulates. Not only will the tests reveal the concentration of contaminants, they will also show how rapidly the oil or other fluid is becoming degraded. This in turn points to certain problems with the machinery. Many types of industrial equipment use lubricants to ease friction and also to absorb heat. Depending on the results of the oil sample taken, one or more components of the machinery may be pinpointed as the source of the problem.
When a piece of machinery is in prime operating condition the fluids will show the same amount of chemical contamination no matter how many times the analysis is performed. But if there is an accelerated degrading of the industrial fluid the lab tests will show this change and steps can be taken to service the machinery before it breaks down. A predictive behavior model can be useful in scheduling routine maintenance on an industrial baler, water pump, electrical motor or even a diesel powered vehicle such as a backhoe or skidsteer.
Oil Quality Assessment Program
Companies wanting to cut down on their maintenance and repair bills will find the services of a professional oil testing lab invaluable. Even better, technicians can come to the company location and implement a continuous sampling program on all machinery that uses lubricants and cooling agents.
Some companies have an outside firm do a one-time analysis on their equipment, but unless repeated experiments with oil sampling are conducted the results are basically useless. A better approach is to have regular oil and lubricant tests performed and a results sheet made available showing exactly what equipment will need servicing at particular intervals.
TricoCorp has many years of experience developing an assessment plan for companies that own and operate industrial equipment. TricoCorp is a leading oil sample and equipment assessment firm dedicated to helping businesses keep their machinery in top-flight condition.
