Used Lubricant Analysis (ULA) or more
commonly known as Oil Analysis, spectro-chemical, wear metals and
elemental analysis is a series
of laboratory tests used to evaluate the condition of used lubricants and
equipment components. By studying the results of the used oil analysis
tests, a determination of lubricant's condition in relationship to the
equipment/component can be made. Primarily, this is possible because of the
“cause and effect” relationship of the condition of the lubricant to the
condition of the component sampled. Many of these cause and effect
situations are outlined in this manual.
Oil performs several vital functions with many of them being interrelated.
The ability of the oil to perform as designed can be determined by used oil
analysis. Following is a list of some primary lubricant functions that can
be evaluated:
-
Friction Control
-
Containment Control
- Wear
Control
-
Hydraulic Pressure
-
Corrosion Control
-
Shock Control
-
Temperature Control
-
Sealing Function
-
Cleaning
The
inspection or analysis of lubricating oil has been used to check and
evaluate the internal condition of oil lubricated equipment since the
beginning of the industrial age. Early methods included smelling the oil to
detect the sour odor of excess acidity, rubbing (oil between finger tips) to
check lubricity and observing its color and clarity for signs of
contamination.
To-day, oil analysis programs utilize modern technology and laboratory
instruments to determine equipment condition and lubricant serviceability.
Used Oil Analysis testing by Professional Service Industries, Inc. (REAL
Services) uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to provide the
best oil analysis possible. These state-of-the-art equipment include an
I.C.P. (Inductive Coupling Plasma) atomic emission spectrometer and FT-IR
(Fourier Transformer Inferred) atomic absorption spectrometer. The service
will provide the user with invaluable information leading to greater
equipment reliability.
HOW
DOES THE
REAL
Services
OIL ANALYSIS SERVICE WORK?
The program is based
upon four components:
- Take
oil samples from sumps or reservoirs of equipment at specific intervals;
- Mail
the oil samples to the REAL Services’ Laboratory where a series of
tests are performed;
- Test
results are then evaluated to determine the condition of the equipment;
- Test
results and recommendations are provided to your maintenance personnel.
This information is used to monitor
equipment condition and to assist in controlling operating costs.
HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM YOUR
REAL
Services
USED OIL ANALYSIS SERVICE
This manual has been developed
to assist in increasing your knowledge of used oil analysis. Explanations
of routine tests are provided together with “Cause & Effect”
troubleshooting charts and recommended solutions to problems. Use this
information to get the most benefit from the program
.
Application
Notes:
