Industry News | Precision Lubrication https://precisionlubrication.com/category/news/ Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:40:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 https://precisionlubrication.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-PLfavicon300-32x32.png Industry News | Precision Lubrication https://precisionlubrication.com/category/news/ 32 32 From Watts to Wear: Understanding Coolant Degradation in Modern Data Centers https://precisionlubrication.com/articles/data-center-coolant-degradation/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:37:00 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8745 By Jorge Alarcon From an economic perspective, the construction of new data centers responds to a structural need: digitalization, artificial intelligence, and massive data storage are steadily driving up demand for computing capacity. However, this growth is not neutral. Each new data center requires highly capital-intensive investment, along with access to land, connectivity and, above […]

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By Jorge Alarcon

From an economic perspective, the construction of new data centers responds to a structural need: digitalization, artificial intelligence, and massive data storage are steadily driving up demand for computing capacity. However, this growth is not neutral. Each new data center requires highly capital-intensive investment, along with access to land, connectivity and, above all, a stable electrical supply.

945 TWh

Projected worldwide data center electricity consumption by 2030 — more than double today’s demand

7–30%

Share of a data center’s energy that goes to cooling — from highly efficient to less optimized facilities

This means that, over the next 10 years, we will need not only more facilities but also more power generation, more grid infrastructure, and greater resilience across the energy system. In macroeconomic terms, the challenge will not be limited to building technological facilities; it will also require ensuring that electrical infrastructure grows at the same pace. Furthermore, a significant portion of that energy will not go to the servers themselves, but rather to keeping them within safe thermal ranges.

A Maintenance Reality, Not Just an IT Challenge

From an industrial maintenance standpoint, this reality completely changes the operational approach. A data center depends not only on servers and electrical systems, but also on a chain of auxiliary equipment that must operate continuously: pumps, heat exchangers, thermal treatment units, valves, sensors, and control systems. If any of these elements fail, the risk is significant: temperature rises, availability drops, and service continuity is compromised.

This is where the products that cool the cooling fluids become especially important, because in modern environments thermal management can no longer rely on air alone. Liquid circuits require coolants, dielectric fluids, or water-glycol blends that must retain their physical and chemical properties. To achieve this, maintenance must monitor degradation, contamination, corrosion, sludge formation, microbiological growth, and loss of heat-exchange capacity.

Experience shows that a poorly controlled fluid turns an efficient system into an unstable one.

For this reason, maintaining is not just repairing it means analyzing, preventing, and ensuring the health of the thermal circuit. In practice, this involves periodic inspections, sampling, monitoring of pH, conductivity and inhibitors, and cleaning of heat exchangers. If the fluid loses performance, cooling loses margin, which in turn shortens hardware lifespan and increases the center’s energy consumption.

Cooling Fluids: A Strategic Component

In this context, cooling fluids are much more than a simple heat-transport medium. They are what allows thermal energy to be extracted from equipment and moved to a system where it can be safely dissipated. They may be treated as water, glycol blends, or fluids specially formulated for direct cooling, depending on the data center’s architecture and the required thermal density level.

Their technical value lies in the balance between heat capacity, chemical stability, material compatibility, and risk control. When these fluids are properly selected and maintained, the system operates with greater efficiency, less wear, and higher reliability. That is why, in the new generation of data centers, cooling is not a secondary subsystem: it is a strategic component of both business and operational availability.

The failure of these fluids does not simply mean that a replacement must be planned; it generally has a direct impact on the entire system, requiring maintenance intervention, parts replacement, and a shutdown — planned or unplanned — that can carry a high cost due to operational downtime.

There is a wide variety of cooling fluids used in these systems, but many of them share common failure modes. This article covers five of these main failure modes, as well as their impact on the systems.

The Five Failure Modes of Data Center Cooling Fluids

1

Depletion of the Phosphate Inhibitor Package

A drop in phosphate, together with a decline in phosphorus, indicates real consumption of the inhibitor system rather than mere analytical variation. In these types of fluids, phosphate acts as part of the surface passivation mechanism, forming a protective film on the circuit’s metals; when this reservoir drops, the metal-fluid interface becomes chemically “bare” and much more vulnerable to electrochemical attack.

From a chemical standpoint, this means the fluid loses its ability to control corrosion kinetics in active areas of the system. It is not simply that “there is less additive,” but rather that the balance between inhibitor species, available alkalinity, and metal surfaces is disrupted, increasing the likelihood of intermittent depassivation.

2

Loss of Alkaline Reserve and pH Decline

A decline in alkaline reserve is accompanied by a drop in pH. This means the fluid has reduced buffering capacity to neutralize acids formed by oxidation, contamination, or thermal microdegradation; in practice, the system shifts from a “buffered” chemistry to one that is far more sensitive to local pH changes.

In terms of mechanisms, this favors the formation of local corrosion cells and accelerates the dissolution of protective layers, especially in the presence of flow discontinuities, trapped air, or elevated wall temperatures. pH is not yet in the acidic range, but the combined drop in pH and alkalinity signals that the fluid’s chemical defense capacity is already compromised.

3

Consumption and Imbalance of the Organic/Inorganic Additive Package

The decline in sodium and potassium, together with the drop in phosphorus, points to depletion of the formulation package and/or its chemical transformation during service. In complex fluids, these elements are not “wear metals,” but markers of the additive fraction: when they decrease, it usually indicates consumption through surface adsorption, carryover, precipitation, or reaction with oxidation byproducts.

In some cases, the appearance of molybdenum may be interpreted as an indication of contribution from the system or redistribution of additive-package species, although on its own it does not constitute a failure. What matters is the overall pattern: the fluid is losing its original chemical signature and shifting toward a composition less consistent with a “healthy circuit,” which in actual service tends to precede a loss of thermal performance and protection.

4

Foaming and Air Entrainment

The shift from “no foam” to “light foam” is chemically very significant, even though it may appear minor visually. Foam does not only indicate aeration; it also reveals a change in the fluid’s surface tension, the presence of surfactant contaminants, or degradation of the additive package that stabilizes/destabilizes bubbles.

From an operational standpoint, foam accelerates oxidation, because it increases the fluid-air contact area and promotes the formation of microbubbles in pumps and recirculation points. This can lead to microcavitation, loss of hydraulic continuity, and a drop in the heat-transfer coefficient — something especially critical in cooling systems like these.

5

Onset of Corrosion/Cavitation and Incipient Metal Release

Although wear metals remain low, copper and magnesium may appear at concentrations so low that they coincide with the analytical error margin of the testing equipment; however, if the analysis is performed by a laboratory experienced with this type of fluid, it will clearly flag the loss of passivating capacity and the risk of corrosion/cavitation damage. This is consistent with a scenario in which the fluid’s chemistry stops protecting surfaces and trace dissolution from circuit components begins to occur.

The mechanism here is not yet purely “mechanical wear,” but rather localized electrochemical corrosion: the reduction in phosphate and alkaline reserve causes zones with differences in oxygen, flow, or temperature to act as anodic microcells. If the process progresses, metallic traces appear first, followed — much later, closer to failure — by turbidity, and finally deposits, flow loss, damage to heat exchangers, and erosion/cavitation in pumps or piping elbows.

Coolant analysis chart showing degradation trends across the five failure modes in data center cooling fluids.

Technical Interpretation and Recommendations

In technical terms, the predominant failure is a progressive deactivation of the inhibitor package, with loss of buffering capacity and surface passivation, accompanied by incipient aeration that can accelerate oxidation and localized corrosion. The practical consequence is not only fluid aging, but a reduction in the cooled system’s safety margin against corrosion, cavitation, and loss of thermal performance.

Because analysis of this type of fluid is still in its early stages, only a handful of laboratories worldwide clearly understand these failure modes and how to detect incipient patterns before they occur — along with the associated costs, which can be substantial and directly impact operations and potentially the business’s capital expenditure, since a large part of the system may need to be replaced.

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]]> Beyond Spectral Resolution – The Role of MIR Measurement Engines in Next-Generation Oil Condition Monitoring https://precisionlubrication.com/articles/mir-oil-condition-monitoring/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:36:15 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8763 The Role of MIR Measurement Engines in Next-Generation Oil Condition Monitoring For many years, laboratory Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been regarded as a cornerstone analytical technique for oil condition monitoring. Its ability to provide high-resolution spectral information across the mid-infrared region makes it exceptionally valuable for lubricant diagnostics, chemical characterisation, research, and failure […]

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The Role of MIR Measurement Engines in Next-Generation Oil Condition Monitoring

For many years, laboratory Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been regarded as a cornerstone analytical technique for oil condition monitoring. Its ability to provide high-resolution spectral information across the mid-infrared region makes it exceptionally valuable for lubricant diagnostics, chemical characterisation, research, and failure investigations.

FTIR’s strength lies in its ability to generate a comprehensive chemical fingerprint of a lubricant. It can provide valuable insight into oxidation products, water contamination, glycol ingress, soot formation, additive depletion, and many other chemical changes occurring within an oil sample. For applications where broad chemical understanding or identification of unknown contaminants is required, laboratory FTIR remains an essential analytical tool.

However, the requirements of continuous machinery health monitoring introduce a different set of analytical challenges. In these applications, the objective is not necessarily to fully characterise every molecular species present in a lubricant sample, but rather to provide accurate, stable, and repeatable measurements of specific condition indicators that support maintenance decisions and asset reliability strategies.

This shift in application focus changes how measurement performance should be evaluated.

Beyond spectral resolution alone, factors such as measurement stability, calibration robustness, sample consistency, response time, and the ability to obtain representative measurements directly from the operating lubricant become critical contributors to overall analytical accuracy.

Moving from Spectral Completeness to Measurement Optimisation

Many lubricant degradation mechanisms produce broad mid-infrared absorption features rather than highly resolved spectral signatures. Water, oxidation products, nitration compounds, sulphation species, and many additive chemistries exhibit characteristic absorption regions that can be effectively monitored through targeted MIR measurement approaches.

A MIR measurement engine is designed around this principle. Rather than acquiring a complete infrared spectrum and subsequently extracting relevant information from a large dataset, it focuses measurement capability on the spectral regions that demonstrate the strongest relationship with specific oil condition parameters.

The advantage of this approach is not that less information is collected, but that the measurement system is optimised around the information that matters.

The optical configuration, detector architecture, signal processing, calibration strategy, and chemometric models are all developed together for the purpose of predicting targeted lubricant parameters such as water contamination, oxidation progression, and additive degradation.

This application-specific design enables highly accurate and repeatable measurement performance for defined degradation indicators.

In practical condition monitoring applications, total measurement uncertainty is often influenced less by nominal spectral resolution and more by the complete analytical workflow: sensor stability, calibration robustness, environmental tolerance, sample presentation, and the ability to maintain consistent measurement conditions over long periods.

Performance Advantage Through Chemometric Model Optimisation

The performance advantage of MIR measurement engines should be considered specifically in the context of chemometrically derived parameters.

The comparison is not that MIR technology is universally superior to FTIR spectroscopy. Rather, a purpose-built MIR measurement system can achieve improved prediction accuracy and reduced measurement error for specific lubricant condition parameters through optimisation of the complete analytical process.

This advantage is driven by two fundamental factors.

1

Robustness of the complete platform

The robustness of the complete MIR measurement platform—including the measurement architecture, algorithms, regression development, calibration methodology, and analytical workflow—allows the system to be specifically engineered for continuous oil condition monitoring.

2

Consistency of sample delivery

The consistency of sample delivery to the MIR measurement engine reduces variability and improves model performance. By measuring lubricant directly within the operating system, the technology minimises uncertainties associated with sample extraction, transportation, storage, preparation, and changes that may occur between sampling and laboratory analysis.

It is important to recognise that FTIR itself is a measurement technology, while ASTM and DIN procedures represent reference analytical methodologies. These approaches should not be directly compared with chemometric prediction models. The appropriate comparison is therefore not between analytical techniques in general, but between the ability of different measurement approaches to accurately predict defined lubricant condition parameters.

Simplified Measurement Architecture and Robust Modelling

From a signal-processing perspective, a dedicated MIR measurement engine provides an opportunity to develop focused chemometric models based on the most relevant spectral information.

FTIR-based oil analysis frequently uses advanced multivariate techniques such as partial least squares regression to extract relationships from high-dimensional spectral datasets. These approaches are powerful and remain highly valuable where comprehensive chemical characterisation is required.

For continuous monitoring of known degradation mechanisms, however, a targeted MIR measurement approach allows the sensing architecture and prediction model to be developed together. The system is designed around the specific parameters being measured rather than adapting a general-purpose spectral measurement platform after data acquisition.

This can improve model transparency, simplify calibration management, and enhance long-term robustness in industrial environments.

Stability for Real-World Operating Conditions

Another important advantage of MIR measurement engines is their suitability for demanding industrial environments.

Continuous condition monitoring requires sensors that can operate reliably in engines, gearboxes, turbines, hydraulic systems, and other machinery where vibration, thermal cycling, contamination, and long operating periods are normal conditions.

Purpose-built MIR measurement engines use stable optical architectures designed for continuous operation. Reduced mechanical complexity and elimination of moving interferometric components can improve resistance to environmental influences and support long-term measurement consistency with minimal maintenance requirements.

For condition monitoring systems, this operational stability is often as important as the analytical capability itself.

The Importance of Real-Time Measurement

Perhaps the most significant distinction between laboratory analysis and inline monitoring is not optical—it is temporal.

Oil degradation is dynamic. Water ingress, oxidation progression, contamination events, and additive depletion develop continuously during machine operation.

Laboratory FTIR analysis provides highly valuable information, but it requires sampling, transport, preparation, and analysis before results become available. During this period, lubricant condition may continue to change, and the sample may experience variations caused by handling, storage, or environmental exposure.

MIR measurement engines address this challenge by analysing lubricant directly within the operating system and providing continuous condition information in real time.

This enables earlier detection of abnormal trends, improved understanding of degradation behaviour, and more informed maintenance decisions based on the actual operating condition of the machine.

Complementary Technologies for Different Analytical Needs

The evolution of MIR measurement engines does not diminish the importance of FTIR spectroscopy.

Laboratory FTIR remains indispensable for forensic analysis, lubricant development and root-cause investigations.

The distinction is therefore not about replacing one technology with another. It is about recognising that different analytical challenges require different measurement approaches.

FTIR excels when…

Maximum chemical information and diagnostic flexibility are required.

MIR engines excel when…

Continuous monitoring, measurement consistency, and accurate prediction of defined lubricant parameters are the primary objectives.

Comparison of MIR and FTIR strengths and applications in oil condition monitoring.

Figure 1: MIR vs FTIR strengths and applications

The Future

The future of oil condition monitoring will not be defined solely by the amount of spectral information collected, but by how effectively measurement systems deliver reliable, actionable information under real operating conditions.

Beyond spectral resolution, factors such as measurement stability, sample consistency, calibration robustness, and chemometric model performance determine the practical value of a monitoring solution.

The most effective measurement approach is not necessarily the one that captures the greatest number of wavelengths, but the one that most reliably measures the parameters that matter—at the point where machine health decisions need to be made.

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]]> Four Months On: How Events in the Middle East are Shaping Lubricant Supply Chains https://precisionlubrication.com/articles/lubricant-supply-chains-four-months-on/ Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:35:37 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8769 ▶  Video Feature By Rafe Britton Back in April I published a video arguing that the lubricants industry was facing the most significant supply chain disruption of the modern era, and that readers had roughly 60 days to act. It was a big claim, and it drew a fairly even split of agreement and accusations […]

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▶  Video Feature

By Rafe Britton

Back in April I published a video arguing that the lubricants industry was facing the most significant supply chain disruption of the modern era, and that readers had roughly 60 days to act. It was a big claim, and it drew a fairly even split of agreement and accusations of scaremongering.

Four months later, I thought the honest thing to do was go back and mark my own homework. This video is that reckoning, plus an update on how much the picture has shifted since.

The short version of the backdrop: strikes on Iran in February closed the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor carrying around 20 million barrels a day and, for our industry, the primary export route for Gulf base oils, additives and finished lubricants. June’s ceasefire lasted about a week.

17%

Commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz, relative to pre-crisis volume

+800%

Rise in marine insurance costs — where coverage can be obtained at all

44%

Of US Group 3 base oil supply sidelined, according to ILMA estimates

Some of my original calls held up. Allocation and rationing did begin in May, as predicted. The Korean refiners, well outside the conflict zone but dependent on Middle East crude, went into constrained runs. And the argument that there was no safe harbour, that you could not simply switch from mineral to synthetic, proved correct.

Others did not. I called Group 1 “ground zero” when Group 3 has been the epicentre, with ILMA estimating around 44% of US Group 3 supply sidelined. I missed refinery economics entirely, where diesel margins are quietly pulling feedstock away from base oil production. And I overstated the packaging constraint.

Most significantly, I was watching the wrong part of the map. Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline to Yanbu was the workaround that made Hormuz survivable, until recent strikes on Jazan, Yanbu and Abqaiq closed that door too. Yanbu is not just a crude terminal. It hosts a major Luberef base oil facility that was days from bringing a significant expansion online. Abqaiq is one of the world’s largest sources of byproduct sulphur, in a market already up 130% this year, and sulphur is the foundation of ZDDP, sulphurised EP additives and sulphonate detergents.

The video covers where base oils, additives and finished lubricant pricing sit today, why recovery has moved from 2026 to deep into 2027, and the practical levers available to lubricant users right now. I would rather be corrected than comfortable, so if your experience on the ground differs from mine, I want to hear it.

Rafe Britton is a mechanical engineer and the host of Lubrication Explained.

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]]> Give it to me Straight: Are we headed to a Lube Supply Crisis? https://precisionlubrication.com/articles/give-it-to-me-straight-are-we-headed-to-a-lube-supply-crisis/ Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:52 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8689 Upcoming training Machinery Lubrication Level I — Pewaukee, WI Four days of intensive training on industrial lubrication best practices — lubricant selection, storage, filtration, and application. Built for those pursuing MLT I / MLA I certification. July 13 – 16, 2026 · Trico Corporation, Pewaukee, WI · $1,795 Reserve my spot → The likely answer […]

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Upcoming training

Machinery Lubrication Level I — Pewaukee, WI

Four days of intensive training on industrial lubrication best practices — lubricant selection, storage, filtration, and application. Built for those pursuing MLT I / MLA I certification.

July 13 – 16, 2026 · Trico Corporation, Pewaukee, WI · $1,795

Reserve my spot →

The likely answer is YES, it is highly likely that lubricant shortages are once again right around the corner!!

According to a recent article published by the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, API Group III suppliers have begun placing customers on allocation, as well as shifting from contract to higher posted prices. ILMA anticipates that Group II refiners may be next as refinery economics incentivize a shift toward diesel production. (The ILMA article is provided at the end of this article.)

So what will a shortage mean for industrial equipment operators?

A Regional War, A Narrow Strait, and a Global Supply Chain

The news of 2026 has been dominated by a regional war in the Middle East, involving the US, Iran, Israel, and gradually drawing in other countries in the region. Along with the obvious difficulties associated with regional armed conflict, the war has had a focused and concentrated impact on the narrow opening between Iran and the Arabian peninsula known as the Straight of Hormuz.

A high-traffic and very narrow maritime passage, the straight provides the only route from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, and with it, much of the world’s petroleum shipments. Prior to the start of the war, about 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 25% of seaborne oil trade was passing through the strait every year. It is also a major route of petroleum products for Europe and Asia, and the only maritime route for several Gulf countries including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.

As Iran came under attack, the response included missile strikes on neighboring countries, including UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain. More recently, escalation of hostilities has resulted in both a threatened “closure” of the straight by Iran, and countered shortly thereafter by an embargo of the region by the US Navy. Eventually, it became clear that the earlier missile strikes had disabled several key lubricant production facilities, including the ADNOC base oil facility in Abu Dhabi. Together, these impacts show the potential to specifically disrupt key formulated lubricant products to a degree never seen before.

The Industry Conversation Has Already Started

These developing factors became the topic of a late-scheduled, but well-attended special panel discussion at the recent STLE meeting in New Orleans. Moderated by Doug Sackett of Dilmar Oil Company. Panel members included Dennis Bachelder of API, Neil Canter of Chemical Solutions, James Carroll of Schaeffler, and Gary Dudley of GKD Consulting. Among the important points discussed during the panel was a warning from Neil Canter that the shortfall may be hitting crisis levels in the June-July timeframe, which is not a distant future concern, but NOW. The projections shared by the panel included rationing of the lubricant supply to dealers, noticeable shortages of automobile lubricants, and the potential for manufacturer’s and production facilities to be unable to procure the lubricants necessary for outages and turnarounds.

So the question becomes: what should the operators of lubricated assets be doing to mitigate their risk? While not a realistic strategy, it may be inevitable that some may try to hoard or stockpile lubricants in anticipation of these shortages. Those who study best lubrication practices realize that this is short-sighted, and may instead produce the opposite of the intended effect: mainly that the stored lubricants may suffer degradation and additive loss while stored and waiting for use.

A better strategy is for asset owners to review existing strategies and programs regarding lubricant use, consumption, and disposal. It is quite common that traditional time-based or machine usage-based lubricant replenishment programs consistently change out lubricants before they actually reach their end-of-life condition.

In the absence of data that can be used to drive the actions of lubricant reclamation or replenishment, calculations used to determine end of oil or grease life are filled with assumptions and guesses that rarely generate a replacement frequency that is anywhere near the optimal condition.

It is not to say that seminal research on calculating lubricant life is flawed or has been poorly developed. However, a close study of the inputs show that huge variations in projected lubricant life are imparted by user estimates of conditions of operation, including temperatures, vibrations, levels and damage potential of contaminants, and sealing effectiveness based on installed machine orientations. In other cases, broad generalizations about the machine conditions of operation are made by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), that result in conservative recommendations meant to be adequate for the worst possible conditions under which their equipment might be operated. The result is that lubricants are generally disposed of early in the potential lifecycle, artificially inflating the demand for lubricants and waste of a now even more precious asset.

Evidence That OEM Recommendations Often Underestimate Lubricant Life

Is there a basis for this assertion that remaining lubricant life is often diminished by the instructions provided by the OEMs? A case in point for greases was published in the Vertical Flight Society (VTOL) conference held in October 2020. Among the presentations was a summary of the findings of a Lubrication Optimization Study conducted by members of the Chinook Worldwide Owners Workshop (CWOW) to evaluate history and existing Boeing recommendations for grease replenishment across the airframe of this tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter.

Case Study — Chinook Worldwide Owners Workshop (CWOW)

Lubrication Optimization Study, Vertical Flight Society (VTOL) Conference, October 2020

At the start of the study, the existing maintenance manual guidance ranged from 400 flight-hours for some components to as little as 50 flight-hours for the largest grease reservoirs protecting the swashplate bearings. After a grease sampling kit was developed and fielded to the participating military operators, over 1100 samples were submitted for analysis to determine the typical grease life intervals under real field and operating conditions. With 7 key parameters linked to end of grease life or requirements for purging of contaminants, the intervals across most of the greased components were expanded significantly, with only a few remaining at the historical intervals, and only 1 location requiring a decrease of the interval. (Go to GreaseThief.com for more insight).

The net impact of the study was a reduction of more than 50% of the historically used grease, while reducing labor required and more than doubling the time that the asset was available for use. These new recommendations were captured in the revised maintenance manual for the aircraft, and adopted by the participating militaries for their maintenance programs.

What can be done to protect yourself and your operations from the pending disruption?

When it comes to lubricating oils, extending drain intervals based on oil analysis results is just the beginning. Asset operators need to begin thinking about strategies to deal with the threat of shortages and significant price increases. Consumers may need to find ways to work around traditional sources of supply. Which raises the question: are you drilling for oil (and grease) in your own plant? We propose six ways to “drill for oil”, by reducing demand through extending the usage of our existing supply.

1

Filtration instead of oil changes

Oil changes have been the catch-all method to address any degradation for most users. It seems simple, get rid of the bad oil, and put in good oil. But often the situation is not that simple. Oil changes rarely remove all of a system’s oil, and some is left behind in piping, component housings, and reservoir low-points. The result is an ineffective addressing of the problems present in the oil.

If the primary driver for a change is a contaminant, then often a more effective way to address this is by using removal systems that address the contaminant(s) in question. Filtration, vacuum dehydration and even advanced systems that remove varnish and their pre-cursors can be ways to put off a scheduled oil change, and extend the life of the oil that has already been purchased and installed.

2

Sample every reservoir

When the interval-based PM says you need to order new oil and do a replacement, first check the oil analysis results to see if it is really needed. Often, oil “scheduled” for replacement indeed has remaining life. Condition-based oil changes can have a significant impact on the demand for new lubricant. Doubling the life of the oil (or even longer) is not unheard of. If you don’t have the data to confirm that its time to change, you are relying on estimates and guesses.

3

Sample grease-lubricated machinery

So if Condition-based strategy is effective for oils, why not greases? For years, this didn’t seem like a valid strategy due to challenges in sampling and limited options for analysis. But with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) having introduced standards for Inservice Sampling (D7718) and Integrated Tester method for Analysis (D7918), these limitations are gone.

The result is numerous industries and applications demonstrating the value of optimized grease replenishment. Multiple examples exist of historical interval-based grease replenishments being reduced by half when grease analysis is used to direct optimal replenishments instead. The savings are in reduced grease purchases, but also in reduced labor and disposal costs.

4

Re-additization for large volume reservoirs

While there has been more focus recently in developing solutions to extend lubricant life, large reservoirs and oil quantities have been considered and occasionally acted on by attempting to re-introduce depleted additives. The most logical example could be the replenishment of anti-oxidant additives, when oil analysis identifies a decreasing trend. Never as simple as just pouring some concentrated liquid additives into the reservoir, a careful plan of mixing and re-introduction, in partnership with the lubricant formulator, has proven successful in many cases. Other additives, like depleted anti-foam or demulsibility additives can sometimes be restored in this way, with the result being an extension of oil life and reduction of demand. At the very minimum, bleeding off a quarter of a sump’s volume, and adding that quantity of new oil back to the reservoir provides the means to extend the useful lifetime of the oil/lubricant.

5

Extending varnish-threatened oil life with solubility enhancers

Turbine oils are usually found in large-volume reservoirs, and the implication of imminent oil changes can cause concern and pushback on the substantial hit that brings to the budget. One of the more recent developments in oil life-extension strategies is the introduction of solubility enhancers. The appearance of Group II base oils in the primary turbine oil formulations has had the effect of increasing the occurrence of deposited varnish, and in a manner much more sudden and unexpected than the historical experience with Group I oils.

Fluitec, has been at the front lines of varnish monitoring, starting with the Linear Sweep Voltammetry of the RULER device, and continuing with the introduction and standardization of the Membrane Patch Colorimetry test. With eyes on the oil oxidation process, a natural extension is the search for solutions, and the introduction of solubility enhancers tuned to the chemistry of the degraded lubricant and its additives. Now partnered with ExxonMobil, a new strategy exists to extend the life of turbine oils, and reduce demand for the replacement and refilling of some very large reservoirs.

6

Invest a few thousand $ in an ultrasound unit and training to reduce greasing demand

Finally, and back to the focus on reducing grease demand, is the complementary technology of ultrasound monitoring. Greasing is often overlooked as a precision process, with many practitioners treating grease as a necessary evil, a low-cost product that can prevent high-dollar damage and repairs. But sometimes, greasing itself is the problem, and over-greasing is generally recognized as a bigger contributor to bearing failure than under-greasing.

Regardless of impact, the goal should always be (especially with scarce and expensive resources) to optimize use, so that only as much as is necessary for reliable operation is used.

Treating greasing as an imprecise method and merely a way to flush out the bearings results in wasted grease, labor and costs of handling and disposal. In the same way that grease analysis can help to pinpoint the degradation rates of grease in a particular application, ultrasound can be applied at the user interface, and provide real-time feedback to the greasing process to avoid over-lubrication, while ensuring that a reliable, consistent protective film is maintained. And even this technology continues to advance, as major ultrasound device developers have introduced solutions for automatic lubrication. In the same way that grease intervals are calculated for manual grease routes, autolubers rely on calculations derived from speed factors, and multiple conditional factors, including contaminant levels and severities, orientation of the shaft, vibration and other issues, that can only be estimated or guessed at. Because these condition factors are imprecise, greasing without condition data generally results in non-optimized delivery, and because under-lubrication has the immediate effect of bearing damage, the overwhelming tendency is to over-lubricate greased bearings.

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]]> Lubripedia Released as Industry’s First Single-Source Lubrication Term Reference https://precisionlubrication.com/news/lubripedia-book/ Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:29:36 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8575 The post Lubripedia Released as Industry’s First Single-Source Lubrication Term Reference appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

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Introducing Lubripedia: The Definitive Illustrated Encyclopedia of Industrial Lubrication

Lubripedia is a full-color, 918-page encyclopedic reference featuring 1,001 carefully curated lubrication terms. Designed as the most comprehensive single-source guide to industrial lubrication ever published, the book bridges technical precision with accessible understanding in a discipline where accuracy matters.

Built for engineers, tribologists, maintenance professionals, lubrication practitioners, technicians, researchers, students, and decision-makers, Lubripedia works as both a quick-reference tool and a deeper learning resource. It covers foundational concepts alongside emerging terminology driven by synthetic materials, nanotechnology, sustainability, and digital condition monitoring.

Lubripedia book by Kenneth Bannister

Each entry delivers a concise definition supported by full-color illustrations, photographs, contextual explanations, and cross-references. Where relevant, entries include historical background and modern applications—connecting individual terms to the broader world of lubrication science and practice.

Why It Matters

Lubrication is fundamental to engineering, manufacturing, and everyday life—yet often invisible until failure occurs. From aerospace bearings to industrial gear systems to medical devices, effective lubrication directly impacts asset reliability, performance, and service life. Despite that, lubrication terminology remains dense and fragmented, creating barriers to communication, training, and operational excellence.

Lubripedia establishes a common, precise language that strengthens knowledge transfer, improves decision-making, and elevates professional practice across the lubrication and reliability community.

About the Author

Ken Bannister is an internationally recognized authority in machinery lubrication, reliability engineering, and asset management. He has authored more than 500 books, articles, and white papers in the field. Recent titles from River Publishers include Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities (Fourth Edition), Lubrication Strategies and Tips: How to Kick Start Your Lubrication Program, and The Maintenance Partnership Relationship.

Book Details

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]]> ICML Announces New Board Members With Global Industry Expertise https://precisionlubrication.com/articles/icml-announces-new-board-members-with-global-industry-expertise/ Wed, 28 Jan 2026 14:37:23 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8540 The post ICML Announces New Board Members With Global Industry Expertise appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

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The International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) today announced the election of three new members to its Board of Directors: Kelley Evans, Matthew G. Collins, and Mike Ramsey. Their appointments became effective January 23, 2026.

The election of Evans, Collins, and Ramsey brings a diverse range of leadership experience spanning organizational development, engineering, asset integrity, industry publishing, and professional education. Their combined backgrounds will support ICML’s continued growth and global impact in advancing lubrication and oil analysis standards.

“ICML is pleased to add these leaders who are highly motivated to shape our next stage of growth,” said Bryan Coggins, ICML’s Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to leveraging their experience and passion for service to further elevate ICML’s support of the current, as well as next, generation of maintenance and reliability professionals.”

Paul Dufresne, Board Chairman and Chief Reliability Officer at Reliability Playbook, said, “The addition of our newest board members marks an exciting chapter for ICML. With their insight and stewardship, we will continue to advance our global standards, certification programs, and industry partnerships with added strength.”

Kelley Evans

Kelley Evans brings more than 20 years of executive and operational leadership experience across organizational development, human resources, and manufacturing operations. Most recently, she served in several executive roles at Industrial Oils Unlimited (IOU) / Adjuvants Unlimited, including five years as co-chief operating officer, overseeing company-wide operations across human resources, finance, information technology, customer care, quality, manufacturing, and sales.

In these roles, Evans witnessed firsthand the positive career impact of ICML certifications on lubrication professionals, motivating her to contribute her experience in strategy, governance, and organizational development to the ICML board.

“People are the most important asset any organization can have,” said Evans. “Serving on ICML’s board gives me an opportunity to make a positive impact in an industry that has supported and shaped my career the past 15 years.”

Prior to IOU, Evans held HR leadership roles with Deloitte and Convergys, where she developed professional growth initiatives and led regional employee relations strategies across multiple business units and states.

Matthew G. Collins

Matthew G. Collins is a professional mechanical engineer and professional welding engineer with more than 34 years of technical and managerial experience. His background includes 22 years as a welding and mechanical engineering subject matter expert within the oil and gas industry and at Los Alamos National Laboratories, as well as six years in senior asset integrity, maintenance, and reliability leadership roles.

Collins spent much of his career with ConocoPhillips and ARCO Alaska, supporting complex onshore and offshore facilities worldwide, with deep involvement in corrosion control, inspection programs, welding technology, and international codes and standards.

“I have passion for the multiple industries supported by the ICML and have worked the entirety of my career in an industry (Energy/Oil & Gas) that is highly dependent on multiple lubrication products and personnel,” said Collins. “I am intrigued by the prospect of being part of ICML’s multi-discipline team from varied industries, coming together to provide consistent guidance while also providing a view of the future state of the industry.”

Collins currently serves on the ASME B31.3 Process Piping Code Committee and the Edison Welding Institute Industry Advisory Board. He consults through WeldMech LLC and also owns GJW Farm LLC, a 580-acre family-operated farm in Missouri.

Mike Ramsey

Mike Ramsey is a long-time industry leader in lubrication education, publishing, marketing, and professional development. He previously served on ICML’s inaugural Board of Directors and now returns with decades of experience helping organizations expand training, publishing, and certification-aligned programs worldwide.

“I was fortunate to be part of ICML’s formation 25 years ago, and from the beginning, I believed strongly that our industry needed a professional body to set global standards and provide certifications that give credibility to the work of lubrication and oil analysis practitioners. That belief hasn’t changed,” said Ramsey. “What motivates me now is the opportunity to give back to this organization that shaped both my career and the careers of so many others, and to help ICML continue evolving.”

Ramsey is the co-founder and former president of Noria Corporation, where he led the growth of publishing, training, consulting, events, software, and industrial products aligned with ICML’s vendor-neutral certifications. He currently publishes Precision Lubrication Magazine and Reliable.

Learn more about the International Council for Machinery Lubrication. 

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]]> Lubrication Strategies and Tips: A Must-Read for Maintenance Pros https://precisionlubrication.com/articles/lubrication-strategies-and-tips-a-must-read-for-maintenance-pros/ Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:39:57 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8152 The post Lubrication Strategies and Tips: A Must-Read for Maintenance Pros appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

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Lubrication Strategies and Tips

Lubrication Strategies and Tips: How to “Kick-start” Any Lubrication Program

Lubrication Strategies and Tips is a full-color practical and comprehensive quick- guide designed to help and empower lubrication, maintenance and reliability personnel to quickly navigate the complexities of industrial lubrication and put together with confidence and understanding, a winning lubrication management program.

A Most Practical Approach to Lubrication Excellence

Authored by Kenneth E. Bannister, a world-renowned author and expert in industrial lubrication and asset management, this book addresses how to quickly turnaround or fast-track a winning and effective lubrication  management program focused on equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and cost reduction.

Structured into eight focused, easy-to-read chapters, each one addresses specific challenges and opportunities in the practical lubrication of machine assets. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance existing practices, this guide provides actionable tips and proven strategies that serve as springboards for immediate success in your lubrication efforts.

Proven Strategies from Real-World Experience

Drawing from over three decades of hands-on experience across diverse industries, Kenneth E. Bannister shares field-tested strategies and tips that have consistently delivered outstanding results. These insights are presented in a clear, easy-to-understand format to ensure you can apply them directly and effectively within your organization.

Focused Chapters for Maximum Impact

Each chapter is carefully crafted to target critical areas known to deliver the greatest success when implemented, including:

  • Lubrication program/system design
  • Lubrication management
  • Lubricant receiving and storage
  • Lubricant application and operation
  • Contamination avoidance
  • Predictive testing
  • Weather strategies
  • Lubrication Safety

Your Companion for Lubrication Success

Lubrication Strategies and Tips is more than just a book – it’s a trusted companion designed to empower you with practical knowledge and expert guidance. It equips you to develop and implement a best-practice lubrication management program that enhances equipment reliability, reduces downtime, and maximizes operational efficiency.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is ideal for:

  • Maintenance Technicians and Lubrication Specialists – Seeking practical tips for daily lubrication tasks.
  • Reliability Engineers and Asset Managers – Aiming to optimize lubrication programs and equipment performance.
  • Maintenance Managers and Supervisors – Looking to implement effective lubrication strategies that reduce costs.
  • Students and Educators – In industrial maintenance and engineering programs focused on lubrication best practices.

Achieve Lubrication Excellence

With clear explanations, actionable insights, and proven strategies, this guide empowers you to take control of your lubrication program and achieve operational excellence. “Kick-start” your lubrication success today with practical, reliable guidance from one of the industry’s most respected experts.

Available at River Publishers.

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]]> New Edition Alert: Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities – 4th Edition https://precisionlubrication.com/news/new-edition-alert-practical-lubrication-for-industrial-facilities-4th-edition/ Sat, 22 Feb 2025 17:04:32 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=8148 The post New Edition Alert: Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities – 4th Edition appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

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Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities – Fourth Edition is a 790-page, full-color reference manual designed to provide a practical working knowledge of industrial lubrication and its applications. This book is ideal for individuals, departments, or corporations looking to understand and implement effective lubrication management in an industrial setting.

Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities – Fourth Edition

What’s New in the Fourth Edition?

This fully revised edition has been extensively rewritten and updated for improved clarity and understanding. The addition of full-color tables, diagrams, and photographs enhances the learning experience, making the text more comprehensive, practical, and easier to read. This update ensures the content remains relevant to current industry practices and standards.

Comprehensive Coverage and Practical Application

This book covers a wide range of topics, from basic lubrication theory to advanced practical applications, providing a solid foundation in industrial lubrication. It serves as a one-stop reference for anyone involved in maintenance, engineering, or lubrication management.

Aligned with Modern Standards and Certifications

With the introduction of the ISO 55001 asset management standard and the ICML 55® world lubrication standard, the demand for professional lubrication certification has risen significantly. This book is designed to meet these needs by providing the fundamental knowledge and practical tools required to implement an effective lubrication management program. It is especially useful for those preparing for certification in industrial lubrication.

Building Blocks for World-Class Lubrication Management

This edition emphasizes the basic building blocks needed to establish and maintain a practical and effective lubrication management program. It covers key topics such as:

  • Lubrication Basics: Understanding the fundamentals of lubrication and how it affects equipment performance.
  • Application Techniques: Practical methods for applying lubrication efficiently and effectively.
  • Contamination Control: Best practices for maintaining lubricant cleanliness and preventing contamination.
  • Condition Monitoring: Techniques for monitoring lubricant condition and equipment health.
  • Alignment with ISO 55001 and ICML 55 Standards: Guidelines for meeting the requirements of international standards and achieving world-class status.

Who Should Read This Book?

This book is designed for a wide range of readers, including:

  • Maintenance Technicians and Engineers seeking practical knowledge on lubrication application and management.
  • Lubrication Specialists looking to enhance their skills and prepare for professional certification.
  • Reliability Engineers and Asset Managers responsible for equipment performance and maintenance strategy.
  • Students and Educators in industrial maintenance, engineering, and asset management programs.

Your Comprehensive Reference for Industrial Lubrication

Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities – Fourth Edition serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand lubrication theory and implement practical applications in the industry. It offers a clear, practical approach to mastering lubrication management, ensuring that users are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve equipment reliability and operational excellence.

Available at River Publishers.

 

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]]> Innovative Chain Lubrication Technology Addresses Industrial Challenges https://precisionlubrication.com/news/chain-lubrication-technology/ Sat, 13 Jul 2024 17:42:02 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=7760 The post Innovative Chain Lubrication Technology Addresses Industrial Challenges appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

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In the world of industrial conveyors, a persistent challenge has long plagued operations: ineffective chain lubrication. This seemingly minor issue costs companies thousands annually in lost production, excessive wear, unnecessary oil consumption, and product contamination. Enter David Chippendale, an experienced conveyor engineer who has developed a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective.

Chippendale, now director of RotaLube, has invented a patented sprocket-shaped applicator that engages with each pivot point of a chain as it moves, ensuring lubricant is applied directly and only where needed. This ingenious device is at the heart of RotaLube’s automated lubrication system, which has been successfully implemented across various industries, from food production to cement manufacturing.

Reflecting on the genesis of his invention, Chippendale said, “Over a decade designing, installing, and re-engineering conveyors on all scales, I noticed the same recurring headaches among my clients – breakdowns, excessive wear, and product contamination. It was all due to improper lubrication, and rather than address the symptoms, I wanted to find a long-term solution to the root cause of the problem. The old ways of applying lubricant weren’t working. So rather than haphazardly applying lubricant through brush or drip-feed methods or spit systems that claim to be targeted yet are prone to inaccuracy, I thought, why not channel the lubricant through a sprocket’s teeth?”

This novel approach has proven highly effective. RotaLube systems now improve conveyor performance and generate significant cost savings in diverse industrial settings.

However, recognizing that an automated system isn’t suitable for all situations, RotaLube has adapted its technology to cater to a broader range of customers. The company has recently launched the RotaLube ECO Lubrication Kit, which allows operators to use the patented applicator with a handheld spray can of lubricant.

“It was clear that the automated RotaLube system wouldn’t be the right choice for everyone. However, we remain convinced that our patented applicator is the best and only reliable device for precisely and effectively lubricating conveyor chains. So we needed to find a way to make it work for a wider spectrum of customers,” Chippendale explained.

The ECO kit, designed for various conveyor and roller chain pitch sizes, includes all the necessary components for maintenance technicians to implement RotaLube’s precise lubrication method without needing a fully automated system. This innovation makes the benefits of targeted lubrication accessible to operations of all sizes and setups.

Chippendale added, “The ‘ECO’ in the name refers to both its economic and ecological benefits, as it is a lower-cost alternative to the automated RotaLube systems, and it supports environmental care by reducing oil consumption and spillages. It is straightforward and easy to use, and the flexible tube design enables maintenance technicians to apply lubricant safely from a distance without the need to remove safety guards.”

As RotaLube continues to innovate and adapt to market needs, they’re not just selling a product but revolutionizing conveyor maintenance. By addressing the root cause of many conveyor issues, RotaLube is helping industries improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. The launch of the ECO Lubrication Kit marks another step forward in their mission to make precise, effective lubrication accessible to all conveyor operators, regardless of scale or setup.

Learn more about Rotalube at www.rotalube.com

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]]> AMRRI and BIZLEARN International Announce Strategic Partnership https://precisionlubrication.com/news/amrri-bizlearn/ Sun, 09 Jun 2024 18:22:33 +0000 https://precisionlubrication.com/?p=7754 The post AMRRI and BIZLEARN International Announce Strategic Partnership appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

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AMRRI Corporation, a leading provider of reliability-centered lubrication practices, proudly announces a new partnership with BIZLEARN International, a renowned knowledge management consultancy based in Bahrain.

This strategic alliance aims to enhance the distribution and implementation of AMRRI’s engineering, professional services, and educational materials across the MENA region, specifically targeting Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as primary territories.

Under this agreement, BIZLEARN International will promote and conduct AMRRI’s lubrication and oil analysis training courses and Precision Lubrication Work Management Solutions. This collaboration leverages BIZLEARN’s expertise in delivering training and consulting services with AMRRI’s advanced lubrication engineering solutions, ensuring improved machine performance and productivity for clients in the region.

“We are thrilled to partner with BIZLEARN International,” said Mike Johnson, President of AMRRI. “Their strong presence and expertise in the Gulf area, combined with our proven lubrication engineering solutions, will help manufacturers in the region achieve dependable, repeatable capacity and boost their bottom line.”

“Partnering with AMRRI allows us to bring world-class machine reliability solutions to our clients,” stated Mohamed Shawki from BIZLEARN International. “In today’s competitive market, optimizing machine performance is crucial. We’re excited to help our clients in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and across MENA enhance their productivity through AMRRI’s advanced lubrication practices.”

About AMRRI:
Advanced Machine Reliability Resources Inc. (AMRRI) specializes in increasing productivity and reducing costs through innovative lubrication engineering and machine reliability engineering services. Since 2006, AMRRI has been assisting manufacturers worldwide in enhancing machine performance and achieving reliable, repeatable capacity.

About BIZLEARN International:
BIZLEARN International, based in Bahrain, empowers organizations to achieve their goals through comprehensive training and consulting services. Since 2018, BIZLEARN has been a key player in enhancing performance and productivity across the Gulf area.

For more information, please visit:

AMRRI: https://amrri.com/
BIZLEARN International: https://www.bizlearnintl.com/

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