Solid Particle Cleanliness In my previous articles, I have discussed how to achieve cleanliness within gearboxes and pumps, examining the entire aspect of solid particulate contamination ingress. However, I was recently asked by an engineer following the above...
Condition monitoring tools such as vibration analysis, ultrasound, oil analysis, and thermography are mainstays of a condition-based maintenance strategy, each providing a unique perspective on the health of critical rotating and reciprocating assets. Vibration...
Ferrous debris refers to small metallic particles, primarily iron, found in lubricating oils and greases caused by mechanical wear and damage to metal components. Early detection of this debris is critical, as it can indicate system wear before major damage has time...
In industrial maintenance and reliability engineering, few concepts are as intuitively powerful as the Pareto Principle—also known as the 80/20 rule. Originating from Vilfredo Pareto's observations of wealth distribution, this principle has evolved into a universal...
Lubricating oils play a critical role in rotating machinery's efficient and safe operation. However, these fluids are exposed to various factors that can deteriorate their performance over time. Two of the most common degradation mechanisms are oxidation and thermal...
The question of lubricant miscibility usually arises in the context of a product change or the need for a refill. The very asking of it demonstrates operational awareness and knowledge. However, the key to success is the right question and a precise and reliable...
What is Lubricant Foaming? Lubricant foaming is a deceptively complex phenomenon often dismissed as mere surface bubbles on top of oil reservoirs. Yet seasoned lubrication engineers and tribologists understand the critical threat foaming poses to lubricant performance...
Degradation of the lubricant circulating through your system can impact equipment performance, reliability, and lifespan. When an oil degrades, it loses its ability to properly lubricate, meaning friction increases – accelerating wear and tear on the components. This...
For over 35 years, I have been at the heart of reliability, lubrication, and operational excellence. In my experience, siloed decision-making between maintenance, HSE, and procurement often results in inefficiencies, increased risks, and missed opportunities for...
A critical property of turbine oil is its ability to separate from water, known as its demulsibility characteristic. This property is essential for protecting turbine components from inadvertent damage to viscosity changes or corrosion. Water and oil are immiscible...
