Thursday, 17 May 2012

Oil Analysis

Industrial machinery performs at peak efficiency only if every moving part is in top condition. Companies that use compactors, balers, conveyer systems and generators spend huge amounts of money on maintenance and repairs.

This takes a large chunk out of company profits, but instituting a regular schedule of machine servicing based on the likelihood of machine parts failure can be accomplished through oil analysis. Sampling the lubricating fluids or coolants in a piece of machinery will provide information about when certain parts need to be replaced. An oil testing procedure is inexpensive and gives companies a deep understanding of equipment health.

Machine Wear And Oil Condition

A large turbine unit has numerous moving parts. Blades, rotors, shafts and fluid gaskets operate constantly and must be lubricated with a special petroleum or synthetic compound. This extends the usable life of the metal parts, but eventually the wear and tear requires these parts be replaced. The oil itself contains clues about the extent of machine wear, and a careful examination of the fluid will reveal any problems with bearings, valves, gear components or impellor shafts.

The oil acts as a depository for tiny particles of steel or iron. It also collects dust, grime, soot and water that may be entering the system from the outside environment. An oil analysis involves taking a sample of the fluid, running it through a battery of advanced testing procedures, and constructing a detailed report on the overall performance of the machinery.

No Stone Left Unturned

Laboratory technicians examine the particles suspended in the oil and check for size density and composition. An analytical ferrography is performed that uses electromagnetic to separate particulates from the fluid. The exact shape and size of suspended particles is determined, and the location from which the particles originated is established.
Laser light is used to identify particle density. The number of metal fragments present in the oil is accurately counted using this method. Any water content can be detected though a high-temperature crackle test. The acidity of the lubricant is determined through an automatic titration system. An oil bath is used to measure the viscosity of the fluid. Infrared absorption detects the presence of organic contaminants.

Compiling A Detailed Report

These are just a few of the tests performed on fluids taken from a turbine, generator, electric transformer or internal combustion engine. The findings are gathered together, analyzed, and noted on an easy-to-read graph. Machinery that is experiencing a problem with metal fatigue or structural integrity will show definite signs of particle wear, and the report generated by the testing laboratory is sent directly to the client.

This testing procedure can be repeated at regular intervals to determine whether accelerated particle wear is occurring within any type of industrial equipment. A constant monitoring program that involves oil analysis helps the client schedule proper maintenance on equipment, saving a tremendous amount on overhead costs.

TricoCorp – Is one of the leading oil analysis service providers in a USA. We have a lab where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Analysis, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc.For more information please visit:-http://www.tricocorp.com

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Oil Analysis Lab


One of the largest overhead expenses for production companies involves repair and maintenance of industrial equipment. Mechanical failure results in loss of revenue, downtime for employees, expensive servicing of machinery and a backlog of production deadlines. An oil analysis lab has the key to solving this problem. Accurate testing of industrial coolants, hydraulic fluids and lubricant oils can show exactly what machinery is susceptible to breakdown. This type of predictive analysis can save companies tens of thousands of dollars annually in repair costs.

The Science Of Oil Analysis
Petroleum-based and synthetic oils are made to last. Subjected to heat, pressure and the component parts of machinery, oils will very slowly change their molecular structure. The lubricating effect slowly diminishes, friction increases, and the oil or hydraulic fluid must be changed at regular intervals. The metal components of industrial equipment also degrade slowly over time. Tiny fragments of iron and steel become loosened, eventually ending up suspended in the lubricating fluid. Any type of exterior contaminant such as dirt, soot, grease or water also finds its way into the areas being lubricated by industrial oil.

Aging industrial oil contains the clues about what might be going wrong with any or all parts of a piece of machinery. An oil analysis lab takes a sample of the fluid and performs dozens of tests to see if there is an accelerated problem with a compactor, baler, compressor, electric generator or any type of equipment that uses oils as a lubricant or cooling agent.

Tests Performed At The Lab
Oil sample analysis begins with a study of the molecular composition of the fluid. The type of machinery from which the oil was extracted is important. Some machinery puts the oil under a great deal of pressure, subjecting it to very high temperatures. A compactor used to crush metal may have various settings and therefore different amounts of pressure. The number of hours per week the machinery is used is also factored in during a complete analysis of industrial oil.

A Ferro graphic analysis will show exactly what metals are suspended in the liquid. A crackle test for water will determine if there is an outside source of contamination. The oil will be compared to a sample that is brand new. The degree to which the fluid has degraded or undergone chemical metamorphosis will show whether the correct brand and type of oil is being used.
Preparing A Behavior Model
This initial test will indicate if there is an immediate problem with a particular piece of industrial equipment. Subsequent tests performed by the lab on a regular basis will show if machinery is experiencing an advanced schedule of degradation.

Setting up a program to detect machinery fault is the job of an experienced oil sampling operation. The goal is to construct a probability model the client can use to perform regular maintenance on equipment without having to stop production entirely. An oil analysis lab will work in partnership with the client to insure minimal downtime of machinery and maximum production efficiency.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, Familiarize yourself with the oil services we offer. We have an Oil Analysis Lab where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Analysis, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com

Saturday, 31 March 2012

Oil Analysis Lab in Wisconsin

Oil of different weights and types is essential to the operation of heavy machinery in many industries. Equipment in mining, refining, food and chemical processing, metal milling, paper and pulp manufacture, and many other industries require oil in the machinery to be the right consistency and not heavily contaminated. The only way to know if the oil is properly protecting the machinery is to test it. An oil analysis lab can perform those tests. Even better, the lab can give the operator information about the condition of the machinery and the oil without shutting down the machine or halting production.
Samples of oil will be collected from the correct parts of the machine to ensure valid results. Technicians in the oil analysis lab perform tests to determine the quality, consistency, and performance range of the oil. Included is an exhaustive list of metal fragments and contaminants, such as dust, dirt, or water.
A list of the possible tests and how they are performed is available on the website. Also, operators can receive specific training to ensure that oil samples are collected correctly.
Once the analysis is complete, the lab will generate an easy-to-read report showing the condition of the oil. It will specify the contaminants found and the amounts, as well as the overall condition of the oil. The report shows the variety of metal particles, contaminants such as dirt and water, and extrapolates those values into a wear trend measure. The owner of the machinery receives a list of the particles found in the oil over a time period of several tests, as well as a set of graphs showing the analysis. The two depictions of the data give the owner two ways to visualize the condition of the oil and how that is affecting the machinery. The report also gives the normal ranges, so an owner can see that the machine is outside of normal operating conditions and whether the situation is marginal or critical.
The analysis allows an operator or owner to determine if the machine must be repaired immediately or if the repair must be scheduled in the near future. Knowing that a machine will need maintenance in a few months gives the owner time to schedule shut down time without fear of an unscheduled breakdown, costing hundreds of dollars.
The oil analysis lab follows ASTM and ISO standards for instrumentation and for quality control. Reports can be returned by email or on the password protected website. Customer service is available when questions come up.


TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, Familiarize yourself with the oil services we offer. We have a Oil Analysis Lab where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Analysis, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:-http://www.tricocorp.com

Oil Sample Analysis in Wisconsin

TricoCorp website and familiarize yourself with the oil services that they offer. They have a lab where they perform tests to analyze fluids such as oil, coolants, lubricants, fuels, etc. There are specific reasons for having an oil sample analysis performed on your equipment on a regular basis. You can also have lubricants (other than oil), fuels and coolants analyzed as well. Some of the reasons for having a specific oil analysis/testing schedule would be; it is a money saver program. It will save you money by letting you know various things about your equipment.

1- If the Oil Sample Analysis shows the oil is still in good shape, then it will not be recommended to be changed. Changing oil unnecessarily costs money and also creates more waste oil than necessary which also costs money to dispose of these days.
2- It will show if there are any metal particles in the system which means there is undo wear in your equipment. The analysis will indicate what type of metal is in the oil, which in turn gives the owner/operator an idea where to start looking for the problem. This can keep the operating costs and down time to a minimum.
3- Using the oil testing lab / laboratory / services can show if there is water in the system. Water can be very damaging to any equipment lubricated or driven by/with oil. It is especially hazardous to a hydraulic driven system. When there is water in the hydraulic oil it can cause inconsistent pressures in the system which can be dangerous, not only to the equipment, possibly causing damage to dies and/or tools, but to operators or any persons around the equipment.
4- The oil sample analysis can also tell if you are using filters with the correct microns for filtering the oil in your operating environment. If the microns are to big then you will be letting particles go through your system that could be damaging to the equipment. If the microns are to small they may restrict the oil/fluid flow too much and that can also be damaging to the equipment. 
 5- By performing the tests on the fluids and avoiding all of the above problems, money will also be saved on avoiding excessive down time.
When contacting your oil analysis lab / laboratory / services you will need information for them concerning the type of fluid you are going to have analyzed. Chances are it would be very helpful to them if you have the manufacturer’s name and code for the type of fluid being tested.
The bottom line is, oil analysis will always be worth the cost and little bit of time that it may take to perform the tests.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, We have an Oil Sample Analysis Laboratory where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Testing, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com 

Oil Sample Testing in Wisconsin

Oil sample testing is a critical maintenance item for any heavy machinery. By testing the oil samples taken from the machine, an analyst can produce a report that shows the condition of the oil, what contaminants are present, and when the testing should be done again. The report will show when the machine might need repair, so the operator can plan for that time and avoid unexpected shutdowns.

The sample will be tested for the following:

• Machine specific analysis: a report based on the particular machinery and the past performance.

• Direct reading ferrograph: the particles found in the oil are separated into two density equivalents. DL is the larger particles, greater than 5 mm, and DS refers to smaller particles, less than 5 mm. The combination measure shows how much wear has occurred on the machinery.

• Analytical ferrograph: this machine examines metal particles to determine what ones are present. Knowing the type of particle can show where the particle came from in the machinery and pinpoint the wear.

• Elemental analysis: analyzes for a list of contaminants, including several types of metal.

• Particle count: measures the total particle count, whether they are metal fragments, dirt, or soot.

• Water by Karl Fischer: water as a contaminant can cause oxidation and corrosion. This test determines the amount of water in the oil.

• Total acid number: also shows the amount of degradation of the oil.

• Total base number: measures the amount of acid contamination that can be neutralized by buffers in the oil.

• Infrared analysis: shows the concentration of organic molecules, stemming from contamination by additives or from the breakdown of other materials.

• Crackle: a quick test to determine if there is water in the oil. This will show if the more detailed “water by Karl Fischer” oil sample testing needs to be performed.

• Viscosity: one of the most important tests. Viscosity outside the normal range can mean contamination that needs to be taken care of.

• Fuel dilution of diesel lubricants: some fuel dilution is expected, but any outside the expected numbers can indicate heavy contamination.

These are the possible tests for oil from heavy machinery. The testing protocol and schedule can be customized. If previous testing showed that a machine might be reaching the repair point, additional testing in a few run hours can narrow down the time frame.

The entire spectrum of oil sample testing ensures safe and productive operation of the machinery. It is a vital part of machine maintenance.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, We have a Oil Testing Lab where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Testing, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com

Oil Analysis Laboratory in Wisconsin

Every company that relies on industrial equipment must perform periodic maintenance. Industries such as waste water treatment, metal and chemical processing, mining, oil refining and paper and pulp manufacturing, require large machinery to operate. In most operations, machinery such as pumps, turbines, gearboxes, and conveyors work continuously. When maintenance is required, machinery must be shut off and production time is lost. There is a way to determine when that maintenance is needed and schedule it in a timely manner.

An investigation by an oil analysis laboratory provides answers to the inside condition of the machinery. The analysis gives company managers information in three main areas:

1. The oil analysis allows the machine oil to be inspected for wear and tear while the machine is running. Tests will show the amount of wear by measuring metal fragments shed by the gears, bearings, turbines, and pumps, contaminants such as dust and water, and the consistency and performance of the oil. By knowing the physical composition of the oil and the contaminants, an expert can prepare a report showing if the oil is in a marginal or critical condition. Knowing the conditions allows a company to plan more extensive maintenance of the machine. Planning maintenance avoids unexpected and expensive breakdowns and allows for scheduling personnel vacations to coincide with routine maintenance.

2. The condition of the oil also tells the operator when more oil or a complete replacement of the oil is necessary. If an oil product is breaking down too quickly, the company may need to find a more stable oil. Over time and several tests, the oil analysis laboratory report will show a baseline and the continuing trend to know if the products in use are effective.

3. Knowing what contaminants are in a machine’s oil demonstrates when other measures must be taken. For example, if a lot of dust or water is showing up in the analysis, steps should be performed to limit the exposure to these elements. If more than normal amounts of metal particles are present, the machinery may need replacement gears, bearings, and other metallic parts.

Whatever kind of machinery your company is running, you need a look inside to gauge the condition of your equipment. An oil analysis laboratory can provide that look and give you ideas for fixing the problems before they cause a breakdown and expensive loss of production time. The report from the oil analysis gives you time to plan routine maintenance only when it is needed and it is valuable information that your company needs.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, We have a Oil Analysis Laboratory where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Testing, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com

Oil Testing Laboratory in Wisconsin

There are specific reasons for having an oil sample analysis performed on your equipment on a regular basis. You can also have lubricants (other than oil), fuels and coolants analyzed as well.
Some of the reasons for having a specific oil analysis/testing schedule would be; it is a money saver program. It will save you money by letting you know various things about your equipment.
1- If the Oil Sample Analysis shows the oil is still in good shape, then it will not be recommended to be changed. Changing oil unnecessarily costs money and also creates more waste oil than necessary which also costs money to dispose of these days.
2- It will show if there are any metal particles in the system which means there is undo wear in your equipment. The analysis will indicate what type of metal is in the oil, which in turn gives the owner/operator an idea where to start looking for the problem. This can keep the operating costs and down time to a minimum.
3- Using the oil testing lab / laboratory / services can show if there is water in the system. Water can be very damaging to any equipment lubricated or driven by/with oil. It is especially hazardous to a hydraulic driven system. When there is water in the hydraulic oil it can cause inconsistent pressures in the system which can be dangerous, not only to the equipment, possibly causing damage to dies and/or tools, but to operators or any persons around the equipment.
4- The oil sample analysis can also tell if you are using filters with the correct microns for filtering the oil in your operating environment. If the microns are to big then you will be letting particles go through your system that could be damaging to the equipment. If the microns are to small they may restrict the oil/fluid flow too much and that can also be damaging to the equipment.
5- By performing the tests on the fluids and avoiding all of the above problems, money will also be saved on avoiding excessive down time.
When contacting your oil analysis lab / laboratory / services you will need information for them concerning the type of fluid you are going to have analyzed. Chances are it would be very helpful to them if you have the manufacturer’s name and code for the type of fluid being tested.
The bottom line is, oil analysis will always be worth the cost and little bit of time that it may take to perform the tests.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, We have an Oil Sample Analysis Laboratory where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Testing, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com


Oil Testing Lab in Wisconsin

TricoCorp website and familiarize yourself with the oil services that they offer. They have a lab where they perform tests to analyze fluids such as oil, coolants, lubricants, fuels, etc.
An oil testing lab specializes in the analysis of lubricating fluids, coolants and fuels. This procedure determines not only whether the appropriate oil is being used in most types of industrial equipment, but also if the machinery is experiencing unusual wear and is in need of repair. Companies that depend on conveyor systems, turbines, generators and compactors can establish an accurate timeline for routine maintenance on equipment merely by implementing a simple oil test program.

Industrial Oil Tells A Story
When oil is used as a cooling agent or lubricant, metal fatigue is slowed to some extent. However, there comes a time when parts begin to wear out and are in need of replacement. Tiny particles of metal begin to loosen and become suspended in the liquid. Contaminants from other sources also find their way into the oil, hydraulic fluid or coolant. A careful analysis of the oil reveals what if any degradation is occurring. It will also show exactly where the problem occurs. After repeated testing procedures, parts that are wearing out can be identified.

Companies that depend on heavy equipment on a daily basis spend an enormous amount of money conducting emergency repairs in order to keep the business afloat. Downtime resulting from equipment failure means a loss of revenue. Periodic testing of oil samples is an inexpensive way to insure that equipment repair is conducted on schedule and that machinery failure is kept to a minimum.

Comprehensive Test Procedure
An oil testing lab will take a small sample of fluid from a piece of equipment and put it through a battery of tests. These include a scan for metal particulates, dirt, grime and soot. A crackle test for water contamination will reveal if there is a leakage problem somewhere in the machinery. The viscosity of the oil is examined as well as the molecular structure of all petroleum-based products. When the test is complete, a detailed report is sent to the client, outlining any potential problem with the machinery.

Companies wishing to institute an oil analysis program will find the services of Trico invaluable. This company has years of experience evaluating the condition of heavy machinery through an extensive oil sampling procedure. An ongoing relationship with the client involves setting up a routine testing schedule to determine the overall health of the machinery. If there is an accelerated problem occurring in a particular piece of equipment, Trico will identify it and report to the client.

Trico will even set up a training program that allows companies to take samples of the oil without shutting down machinery or causing a loss of production. This simple routine allows the oil testing lab to establish a maintenance schedule for the machinery and saves the client money on equipment repairs.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA, We have an  Oil Testing Lab where we perform tests  such as  Oil Sample Analysis, coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com


Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Oil Sample Analysis


Companies wanting to maximize the performance and durability of their industrial equipment should consider an oil sample analysis by an experienced laboratory. In a controlled environment the lubricating fluids, coolants and oils used in heavy machinery are carefully studied, and potential problems with equipment can be identified at an early stage. Much of a company's overhead costs are in the repair and maintenance of industrial equipment. Oil testing can prevent many of the unforeseen parts replacements and labor expenses caused by mechanical breakdowns.

Eliminating Costly Repairs

Most every type of industrial machine has some sort of lubricant or cooling fluid present. This helps the machine last longer by reducing metal fatigue and unnecessary wear on the moving parts. The oils used to lubricate bearings, gearboxes and other metal surfaces are themselves mutated over time. A buildup of grime, soot, metal fragments or other contaminants slowly inhibits an oil's ability to act as an effective lubricant. Curiously, examining the condition of an industrial oil sample is the best method for determining the overall health of the machinery. Telltale signs of wear and tear are found in the lubricating fluid. An oil sample analysis can act as a starting point for creating a useful maintenance schedule.

Predicting Equipment Failure

When a piece of machinery is in good operating condition the oils and lubricants used will show a predictable pattern of degradation. But if there is a problem within the equipment such as chipped metal surfaces, leakage points, worn out steel and iron, excessive pressure in the oil chambers or irregular motion of parts, oil testing may be the best way to discover the acceleration of equipment decay. Oils and lubricants, hydraulic fluids and even liquid coolants show evidence that something is out of kilter.

An oil sample analysis will reveal what is causing the fluid to change its overall composition. Laboratory experts run tests on the sample to check for the presence of iron or other metals, water, dirt or soot. Anything suspended in the fluid will have a certain chemical characteristic that confirms the source of the contamination. Oil sampling results in a detailed report on the machine from which the fluid was taken and whether the condition of the substance is normal or indicates a problem within the equipment.

Creating An Analysis Program
Every company is unique in terms of its equipment and what it is used for. A fluid testing laboratory is trained to look carefully at the machinery, how much usage is involved, what lubricating fluids are currently being used and the current schedule for maintenance on the equipment. TricoCorp provides not only full laboratory services and a complete oil sample analysis program but also assists companies in setting up a repeat testing service to insure machinery is kept in top condition. The goal is to eliminate the possibility of unexpected equipment failure.

TricoCorp - Is one of the leading oil analysis service provider in a USA. We have a lab where we perform tests such as Oil Sample Analysis,Oil Testing Lab coolants, lubricants, fuels testing etc. for more information please visit:- http://www.tricocorp.com