7 - Oil and particle analysis

Abstract

Oil analysis is used to analyze the condition of a lubricant and to monitor the condition of equipment. By utilizing advanced techniques, equipment reliability can increase, and unexpected failures and downtime are minimized. There are many wear mechanisms that lead to the deterioration of machine components. Though there are different types of wear, there are only a few primary sources of wear. The mechanisms that contribute to wear of a component include misalignment, unbalance, and improper use of the equipment (such as overload or accelerated heating conditions). One of the sources for wear can be the lubricant itself, e.g. in cases where the lubricant has degraded or has become contaminated. The different types of wear that can occur are: abrasive wear, adhesive wear, cavitation, and corrosive wear. In an operating machine, there is a continuous attrition of its components due to the generation of wear debris. Lubricants normally carry the debris away. Identification and analysis of this wear debris can pinpoint the type of wear and also identify the source, which could be any component under distress. Oil analysis can highlight the necessity to initiate a corrective action to prevent possible breakdowns.