With many organizations pushing for data-driven decisions based upon machine condition (rather than a static time interval), lubricant analysis is being relied upon more heavily. We are in an age where we are used to finding, in near real-time, the information we use to make choices on everything from what product we buy off the internet to where we are going to eat. This has also made its way into maintenance, and now more professionals are looking with renewed interest at a question that has existed for some time: should we perform our lubricant analysis in-house or rely on a commercial laboratory?
For more mature programs, there is often a desire to bring the majority of the testing in-house or to have the ability to do some analysis to determine if there could be problems with equipment or lubricants. While this can be incredibly beneficial, there are downsides as well.
As is the case for most improvement projects, there would need to be a cost-benefit analysis or, even more simply, a pros and cons list. If we were to provide that for most facilities, it might look something like the following (far from exhaustive, but a good starting ground to understand the impacts).
BENEFITS OF ONSITE ANALYSIS
Turnaround time — Perhaps the most significant tangible benefit to performing the testing under your own roof is the ability to sample and analyze much quicker than what is traditionally possible when using a commercial laboratory. A scenario such as someone hearing a strange noise or noticing an increase in temperature could trigger an immediate response; we could receive useful data in a matter of hours to make corrections and stave off failure or downtime.
Denne historien er fra July/August 2023 Issue-utgaven av MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA.
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Denne historien er fra July/August 2023 Issue-utgaven av MACHINERY LUBRICATION INDIA.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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The Secrets For Implementing A Clean lubricant Program
If you could find an investment that guaranteed a return 40 times greater than your initial investment, you probably wouldn't pass it up.
MAINTAIN? REPAIR? REPLACE?
When considering the life of any asset, the question arises: what types of interventions should be planned to keep it operating or to restore operation in the event of its failure?
Engineering Reports Should Be Like Bad Movies
I'm frequently asked to review engineering reports, and I'm continually baffled by how many engineers want to take their readers on a journey instead of getting to the point.
WHY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES AREN'T ENOUGH TO MITIGATE LUBRICANT CONTAMINATION
There are few problems more insidious or damaging to large industrial machinery than contaminated lubricant.
LUBRICATION CONTAMINATION PREVENTION
How many articles have you read, or seminars listened to, that tout the value of contamination control? If you are like me, they number in the hundreds—if not thousands. One thing about these articles and seminars that bothers me is the word “control”.
LUBRICANT CONTAMINATION PREVENTION AND MITIGATION: A Guide For Maintenance Professionals
Lubricants are essential for the smooth and efficient operation of many types of machinery, from engines and turbines to gears and bearings.
TASK-BASED TRAINING | INSPECTING A SINGLE-POINT LUBRICATOR
A single-point lubricator is a device engineered to attach to a single unit to regularly and automatically deliver a small amount of clean grease or lubricating oil to a specific area.
TOP LEADERSHIP FOCUSES FOR IMPROVED RELIABILITY AND COST REDUCTION
Here’s a scenario that may sound eerily familiar – you have a new reliability initiative.
4 KEY ELEMENTS FOR INTERPRETING AN OIL ANALYSIS REPORT
Years ago, a customer came into my office, visibly upset. He had just received his second oil analysis report for one of his Caterpillar gas engines.
ASTM ENHANCEMENTS TO MICROSCOPIC PARTICLE IDENTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION
In 1982, Daniel Anderson published his influential book, \"Wear Particle Atlas\", which describes, sizes, and classifies particles found in oil.