Oil analysis is the laboratory assessment of an oil sample and generally monitors for oil condition, contamination, and component wear. A well implemented oil analysis program gives you a window inside your equipment so you can identify and resolve problems at an early stage, mitigating unrecoverable downtime.
Just testing your oil won’t actually change anything
The value is in how you respond
Oil analysis lets you understand what’s happening and gives you the insight to change something if needed. It’s all about interpreting the results, reviewing the options, and responding accordingly. Watch the video to learn more about oil analysis response and download the summary of the three steps: Interpret, Decide, and Respond.
We offer specially designed industry specific oil analysis test packages to support your equipment reliability needs. Additional test packages for coolant, diesel fuel, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), and grease are also listed as applicable.
Fluid Life offers a variety of individual tests for oil analysis.
See listing below for an overview of some of the Oil Analysis tests available.
We also offer test packages specific to the industries we service.
Download the full test listing for reference.
| TEST OVERVIEW | BROCHURE | WHITEPAPER |
| ACID NUMBER: The acid number test method determines acidic constituents in lubricating oils. The result is reported in milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram (mg KOH/g). | DOWNLOAD | |
| ACID NUMBER + Initial-pH: Interpreting AN and i-pH, taken together as a dynamic metric, provides insight into the chemical nature, reactivity, and composition of in-service lubricants, which can highlight complex flags for other sources of degradation. | DOWNLOAD | |
| ANALYTICAL FERROGRAPHY: Ferrography provides a “forensic science” analysis of wear particles, contaminants and lubrication degradation, by interpreting the debris on a ferrography slide. | DOWNLOAD | |
| KARL FISCHER: Karl Fischer Water Titration (Karl Fischer) is an excellent test for hydraulics, compressors, turbines, bearings and any component where water contamination is a concern. | DOWNLOAD | |
| ISO PARTICLE COUNT: The IPC test reports size ranges and concentrations of particulate found in industrial fluids; an excellent tool for flowchart diagnosis of maintenance problems. | DOWNLOAD | |
| OPTICAL PARTICLE CLASSIFICATION: Optical Particle Classification (OPC) is an effective method for determining the particle count and the level of contamination in a lubricating system. | DOWNLOAD | |
| RULER: The Remaining Useful Life Evaluation Routine (RULER®) test monitors the remaining antioxidant concentration in the lubricant to better predict the oxidation of oil. | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| SEM-EDS: Scanning Electron Microscopy – Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) wear debris and large particle analysis determines the size and composition of hundreds of particles per sample in lubricating oil, grease, filters, and process materials. | DOWNLOAD | DOWNLOAD |
| TOTAL MAGNETIC IRON: Total Magnetic Iron (TMI) is a highly accurate test option designed to measure the degree of ferrous wear metal contamination in an oil sample. | DOWNLOAD | |
| VARNISH POTENTIAL: Varnish may not be identified via standard tests; Varnish Potential MPC is used to determine the potential of the system to form varnish. | DOWNLOAD | |
| FTIR DIRECT TREND METHODOLOGY: There are two main types of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy methods designed to look at new oils: Direct Trend (non-differential) and Differential (used oil minus new oil), also known as the Spectral Subtraction method. | DOWNLOAD |
For an overview of recommended oil analysis testing and sample frequencies, download the chart. Sampling frequencies should be adjusted based on the nature of failure modes, asset criticality, safety and environmental concerns.
Contact Fluid Life for routine analysis planning support.
Consistent sampling at regular intervals, utilizing a repeatable procedure, will reduce the noise within the data to make it easier to spot any deviations from normal results, providing the earliest, and proper, notification of necessary action.
Oil Sampling Using a Drain Plug/Pipe
For oil sumps/reservoirs, without fixed sampling hardware installed where dipstick or fill-cap access is unavailable. The oil sample is collected by gravity drain into a sample jar.
Oil Sampling Using a Sample Pump
This is the sampling procedure using the Fluid Life 38U Sample Pump. This procedure can be used for oil sumps/reservoirs, where dipstick, fill-cap, or other access is available.
Oil Sampling Using A Pushbutton Valve & KST-Series Valve
For components installed with a pushbutton valve or KST-Series valve.
Oil Sampling Using a Sample Valve
For a pressurized and non-pressurized fluid applications equipped with a “Thread-on Probe” style sample valve ( i.e. Fluid Life B-Series Sample Valve).
Fluid Life offers a variety of sampling hardware options including customized solutions to fit your needs.
To ensure accuracy and results integrity fill out all sampling cards as completely as possible. If the information is fully completed, your sample will be processed in the shortest amount of time.
The Oil Sample Card Guide outlines how to complete the individual sections of a Fluid Life oil analysis sample card.
Fluid Life offers three methods for registering your samples:
Learn how to read a sample report produced after a sample has been analyzed – Download Reading the Oil Analysis Report.
Depend on over 40 years of experience in fluid testing and analysis to improve your predictive maintenance programs and reduce unplanned downtime.
Contact Fluid Life to develop and implement an Oil Analysis program that fits your needs.
WE’RE FLUID LIFE. ALWAYS RELIABLE. ALL WAYS.
Call: 1-877-962-2400
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