In my previous articles, I have written about online sensors and the fact that some see these as not being accurate nor matching the standards applied in laboratory testing of used oil samples. To counter this, I have stated that the reproducibility and repeatability...
Condition Monitoring
Advanced Methods for Detecting and Measuring Soluble and Insoluble Varnish
As a fluid analysis laboratory, our ongoing mission is to improve the quality of our analysis and interpretation. To do this, POLARIS Laboratories® performs statistical analysis on our test methods and results to evaluate typical parameters and establish thresholds...
Why Turbine Oil Replacement Should Be Based on Condition, Not Time
Let's dive into a big question: When should we change the turbine oil in power plants? This question came up when I talked to someone who works at a power plant. There are two ways to decide when to change the oil: old-school thinking versus new-school thinking. The...
How to Draw a Representative Oil Sample Using a Vacuum Pump
Oil analysis success hinges on the quality of the oil sample. Drawing a representative oil sample involves a combination of factors, including selecting the right location, deploying the right method, using the right hardware, determining the right sampling frequency,...
New Vibration Technology Detects Gear and Bearing Faults Earlier
Technologies for monitoring machine vibration levels have been around for decades. The further development of such technologies, however, has been relatively slow. With the rapid advancement of digital component technologies providing ever-new opportunities, time has...
Particle Counting: The Truth Behind the Numbers
In the late 1980s, I took one of the hardest courses of my graduate studies - quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is the physics and math behind how all matter is formed and interacts with the world around it. Amongst other things, quantum mechanics can answer some...
How to Interpret Industrial Oil Analysis Data Like A Pro
In the complex world of industrial machine maintenance, ensuring the health and longevity of industrial equipment is paramount. Industrial oil analysis plays a crucial role in this endeavor, providing valuable insights into the condition of machinery and the quality...
Online Sensors for Oil Analysis: Benefits, Concerns and Practical Uses
Online oil analysis sensors can prove to be a contentious topic. Social media comments vary from fitting them everywhere to claiming that they will never be a substitute for laboratory oil analysis. Of course, there is a middle ground where online sensors should be...
How to Get Started with Onsite Oil Analysis: A Step-by-Step Guide
Implementing reliability solutions involves solving problems and deciding how to effectively use oil sample test data as a fundamental building block to drive program success. Many decisions confront the end user when they perform their own oil testing and analysis....
How ASTM Standards Set the Foundation for Lubricant Condition Monitoring
The foundation of a lubricant condition monitoring program is the ability to obtain accurate and informative data that can be related to how the machine and lubricant may fail. In the past ten years, many industrial advances have significantly impacted the lubricant...