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...
Microdieseling is a term often associated with changes in lubricant color and the formation of harmful byproducts within lubricated systems. It occurs when microbubbles of air (smaller than 5 microns) in the lubricant transition from a low-pressure environment to a...
Contamination within lubricants circulating through equipment can range from air, water, or, the most damaging, particles. The most common cause of equipment failure is particle contamination in the lubricant, and, specifically, 80% of hydraulic system failures can be...
