In the world of industrial lubrication, the misconceptions surrounding RPVOT (Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test) have, unfortunately, cost companies millions of dollars. Imagine being faced with the daunting decision of prematurely replacing a substantial...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
What Is Microdieseling? Microdieseling occurs when entrained air moves from low-pressure zones to high-pressure in a lubrication system, reaching localized temperatures above 1000°C and carbonizing the oil. The term microdieseling got its name from the diesel engine....
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...
It is common to hear about deposits or varnish in turbine oils, but can other oils also suffer from varnish? The short answer is yes. Once an oil (regardless of its application or type) has been exposed to thermally stressful conditions, contaminants, and severe...
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...
Oil analysis, often called Oil Condition Monitoring (OCM), has been integral to industrial maintenance programs for more than half a century. Throughout its history, it has contributed to maintenance and improving the profitability of the industries that effectively...
