Oil Analysis – Circulating System

Oil analysis testing can be expensive and sometimes performing every test on a sample is not required. When sampling a circulating system, only one sample should be fully evaluated: the primary sample. The primary sample should be taken from a return line if at all possible. If it is not possible to sample at the return line, then either the reservoir or before the filtration system would be the next best places. Consider all other samples secondary in nature. The primary sample should get all required testing such as Viscosity, Karl Fischer, FTIR, Spectroscopy, Particle Count, etc to evaluate the chemical and physical properties of the oil. The secondary samples should only have a particle count until an abnormal result warrants further testing. Rationalizing what tests are required on samples will lower the amount of information coming back to you and save you money

Tip provided by Kris Sonne
Predictive Maintenance Technician
Trico Corp and Predict Inc.

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