Keep your fleet running at peak performance

Running a heavy equipment fleet under harsh conditions can be demanding and you can’t afford to be overwhelmed by mountains of data. Routine fluid analysis gives you a first-hand look inside your equipment to identify problems and resolve them before they become catastrophic.

For mining and construction fleets, we have a tests, packages and analytics that will alert you to the things that will create the most downtime and costs, allowing you time to effectively manage the work that must get done.

Oils Test Packages

Oil analysis is a proven technique for monitoring and maintaining the reliability of mobile fleet assets. Engines, transmissions, hydraulics and drivetrain components are all prone to contamination or oil-related failure modes which may have a significant effect on your bottom line.

In order to maximize the benefits of oil analysis, it is important to select a test package that gives you the information and quality you’re looking for while staying within your budget. Fluid Life offers a series of standard test packages, along with a myriad of individual test options.

WE CAN HELP YOU:
  • Detect failures at an early stage
  • Plan and schedule your mechanical repairs
  • Protect your warranty
  • Improve your fleet availability
  • Optimize the life of your equipment
  • Protect your Tier 4 engines
  • Prolong the life of your hydraulic systems
  • Optimize your oil drain intervals
  • Ensure quality and cleanliness of diesel fuel
  • Maintain cooling system efficiency
  • Increase your equipment resale value

Fluid Life’s MOBILE 1 package provides an overall assessment of the oil and the machine component that it was taken from. This test package identifies the most common lubricant failure modes, while satisfying all equipment OEM warranty requirements. This testing verifies that the correct oil is in use, and that the oil is cool, dry, and free of excessive wear debris. Engine oils are also monitored for signs of degradation or contamination from harmful contaminants such as diesel fuel or glycol.

MOBILE 1 Tests:

  • Spectrometry (25 Elements)
  • Viscosity 40C or 100C
  • Water by Crackle
  • % Soot by FTIR (Diesel Engines)
  • % Glycol, Triggered GC (Engines, Transmissions)
  • % Fuel, Triggered GC (Engines)
  • Oxidation / Nitration / Sulfation by FTIR (Engines)

Fluid Life’s MOBILE 2 package provides an overall assessment of the oil and machine component, while providing a targeted focus on the lubricant condition of sensitive hydraulic components.

MOBILE 2 Tests:

  • Spectrometry (25 Elements)
  • Viscosity 40C or 100C
  • Water by Crackle
  • % Soot by FTIR (Diesel Engines)
  • % Glycol, Triggered GC (Engines, Transmissions)
  • % Fuel, Triggered GC (Engines)
  • Oxidation / Nitration / Sulfation by FTIR (Engines)
  • ISO Particle Count (Hydraulics, Steering)

Oil cleanliness plays a significant role in the overall reliability, longevity, and life-cycle costs of machine components. Fluid Life’s MOBILE 3 test package is recommended for customers wishing to use oil analysis to monitor their own contamination control efforts. Fluid Life analysis goes well beyond the industry norm to determine not just the amount of contamination present but also where the particles are coming from and how they were generated. This extra step allows you to make proper, informed maintenance decisions on notoriously contaminated components.

MOBILE 3 TESTS:

  • Spectrometry (25 Elements)
  • Viscosity 40C or 100C
  • Water by Crackle
  • % Soot by FTIR (Diesel Engines)
  • % Glycol, Triggered GC (Engines, Transmissions)
  • % Fuel, Triggered GC (Engines)
  • Oxidation / Nitration / Sulfation by FTIR (Engines)
  • ISO Particle Count (Hydraulics, Steering, Compressors)
  • OPC ISO Particle Count (Differentials, Final Drives, Wheel Motors/Hubs, Transmissions, Planetary…)

Fluid Life’s MOBILE 4 package provides you with all the necessary information to safely and confidently extend or optimize drain intervals for ALL components. This package is for customers who wish to take their maintenance programs to the next level by performing condition based maintenance on their fleet. Changing oil based on condition not only reduces unnecessary maintenance but also ensures the maximum potential life from all your mobile assets.

MOBILE 4 TESTS:

  • Spectrometry (25 Elements)
  • Viscosity 40C or 100C
  • Water by Crackle
  • % Soot by FTIR (Diesel Engines)
  • % Glycol, Triggered GC (Engines, Transmissions)
  • % Fuel, Triggered GC (Engines)
  • Oxidation / Nitration / Sulfation by FTIR (Engines)
  • ISO Particle Count (Hydraulics, Steering, Compressors)
  • OPC ISO Particle Count (Differentials, Final Drives, Wheel Motors/Hubs, Transmissions, Planetary…)
  • Acid Number By FTIR (Engines, Transmissions, Air Compressors, Hydraulics)
  • Base Number By FTIR (Engines)
  • % Water by Karl Fischer Method, Triggered

Additional Tests and Packages

Routine antifreeze (engine coolant) analysis verifies that the right coolant is in service, that correct chemical balances are being maintained and that the integrity of the cooling system has not been compromised by mechanical issues. Learn more about our coolant testing and analysis services.

Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) Routine Test Package:
  • Coolant Physical Appearance (Color / Clarity / Precipitates)
  • Coolant pH
  • Coolant Conductivity
  • Coolant Refractive Index (% Glycol, Freeze Point, Boiling Point)
  • Coolant Nitrites by Titration
Antifreeze (Engine Coolant) Individual Tests:
  • ICP Spectrometry – 15 elements reported (Outsourced)
  • Reserve Alkalynity
  • Carboxylates (by test strip)

Regular testing of your diesel fuel during delivery, storage or handling ensures compliance with engine manufacturer requirements while protecting you from costly fuel contamination or degradation issues. Learn more about our diesel fuel testing and analysis services.

Diesel Fuel Packages Available

*Not available in the U.S.
**Outsourced in the U.S.

DELIVERY ACCEPTANCE & ROUTINE ANALYSIS (DF1)
  • Bottom Solids and Water*
  • ISO Particle Count
  • % Water by KF
  • Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check)
  • Distillation**
BULK TANKS / CONTAMINATION (DF2)
  • Bottom Solids and Water*
  • ISO Particle Count
  • Sediment Photo
  • % Water by KF
  • Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check)
  • ICP Spectrometry
  • Bacteria / Yeast / Mold
  • Distillation**
SEASONAL FUEL TESTING (DF3)
  • Bottom Solids and Water**
  • % Water by KF
  • Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check)
  • Cloud Point**
  • Viscosity @40C
  • Distillation**
  • Density**
  • Cetane Index (Calculation from Distillation and Density)**
FUEL SPECIFICATION COMPLIANCE (DF4)
  • Bottom Solids and Water**
  • Viscosity @ 40C
  • ISO Particle Count
  • % Water by KF
  • Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check)
  • ICP Spectrometry
  • Flash Point (Closed Cup)**
  • Cloud Point**
  • Sulfur**
  • Active Sulfur (Copper Corrosion)
  • Distillation**
  • Density**
  • Cetane Index (Calculation from Distillation and Density)**
LONG-TERM STORAGE (DF5)
  • Bottom Solids and Water**
  • Viscosity @ 40C
  • ISO Particle Count
  • Sediment Photo
  • % Water by KF
  • Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check)
  • ICP Spectrometry
  • Bacteria / Yeast / Mold
  • Cloud Point**
  • Sulfur**
  • Active Sulfur (Copper Corrosion)
  • Distillation**
  • Density**
  • Cetane Index (Calculation from Distillation and Density)**

AVAILABLE INDIVIDUAL TESTS:

  • Urea Content (from nitrogen)
  • Density (20oC)
  • Refractive Index (20oC)
  • Alkalinity as NH3
  • Biuret content
  • Aldehydes
  • Insoluble matter
  • ICP trace elements (P, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Mg, Na, K)
  • FTIR identification
  • ISO Code by Microscopy

Learn more about our diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) testing and analysis services.

Screening Test Package

Routine Tests: Color, Total Magnetic Iron (TMI) Equivalent to PQ Index, Oxidation by FTIR Identification

Sampling Frequency: As needed

Applications:

  • Small Electric Motors
  • Chain Grease
  • Mobile Joints
  • Wheel Bearings

Standard Test Package

Routine Tests: Color, Total Magnetic Iron (TMI) Equivalent to PQ Index, Oxidation by FTIR Identification, Penetration Test (unworked), ICP Spectrometry

Sampling Frequency: 2x per year or as needed

Applications:

  • Large Electric Motors
  • Automatic Greasing Systems
  • Robot Arms

Advanced Test Package

Routine Tests: Color, Total Magnetic Iron (TMI) Equivalent to PQ Index, Oxidation by FTIR Identification, Penetration Test (unworked), ICP Spectrometry, RULER (Remaining Useful Life) of Grease, Analytical Ferrography

Sampling Frequency: 2x per year or as needed

Applications:

  • Large Diameter Bearings
    • Rolling Element
    • Trunnion/Plain
  • Troubleshooting Bearing Failures*
    • Condition-based Grease Program*
  • Confirmation Of
    • Grease Quality*
    • Grease Stability*
    • Grease Compatibility*

*May require additional, triggered, or custom tests. Contact Fluid Life for more information.

AVAILABLE INDIVIDUAL TESTS

  • Penetration Test (unworked)
  • Penetration Test (worked)
  • Penetration Test 1/4 cup (unworked)
  • Penetration Test 1/4 cup (worked)
  • Dropping Point
  • Color
  • Base Oil Viscosity
  • Total Magnetic Iron Equivalent to PQ Index
  • Analytical Ferrography
  • SEM-EDS Wear Debris Analysis

Learn more about our grease testing and analysis services.

Note:

Fluid Life takes a consultative approach to help you define and document the scope of your fluid analysis program.

Talk to a Fluid Life representative today to get the answers you’re looking for.