Vibration, Noise, Dampers & Torsional Analysis. Piping Dynamics , Asset Management

Oil analysis is the most widely accepted and implemented form of predictive maintenance technology. It is an integral part of the maintenance plan for power plants, manufacturing plants, trucking companies, construction equipment, aircraft, refrigeration systems, processing and chemical plants, etc. A successful oil analysis program requires an organized and sustained effort. Both the user and the laboratory must work closely together to achieve the desired results.

BENEFITS OF AN OIL ANALYSIS PROGRAM

Utilization

Increase margins of operational safety
Increase availability by decreasing downtime
Increase overall component lifespan
Control standby equipment and replacement part requirements
Decrease fuel and oil consumption

Maintenance

Identify and measure lube contamination and component wear
Eliminate unnecessary overhauls or inspections
Reduce in-service failures and field repairs
Establish proper lubricant service intervals

Management

Improve cost assessment and control for equipment, labor and material
Improve equipment record-keeping procedures
Evaluate equipment designs/applications
Reveal faulty operator practices

Almost any machine that has a lubrication system can be placed on an oil analysis program. Those component whose performance directly affects the continued operation of a particular unit or overall profitability of business are the most likely candidates for routine oil analysis.

Call a VibroDynamics representative to determine

the proper tests recommended for your application
the proper sampling interval
the proper sampling point and method

Provide the following information for oil analysis:

Unit ID. No.
Component
Time since new or since last overhaul
Time since oil change
Oil type
Oil consumption or makeup oil

Measure Cost Effectiveness

Reducing expenses and increasing profit margins are economic goals. Routine oil analysis will help you achieve substantial saving in maintenance and repair costs. The program operates much like a medical checkup; if problems are detected, they can be corrected before they develop into serious and hazardous conditions that are costly to repair. When samples are reported normal, then the immediate value of oil analysis is a personal "peace of mind" rather than an economic return. As the number of sampled pieces of equipment increases, the financial benefits of oil analysis also increases. Greater equipment availability and reliability means more production, less downtime and increased profits.

The importance of tracking the saving generated by your oil analysis program cannot be over-emphasized. Manpower, parts and tool expenses will all be affected. However, because a well-run oil analysis program is deeply integrated into a costumer's overall maintenance program, management must establish a strong platform of results, measurements and documentation to see oil analysis's unique contribution.

Although some benefits of oil analysis may not show clearly on the "bottom line" because they represent abnormalities that were prevented, most of the economic savings from oil analysis can be calculated by comparing-

Parts and labor expenses for component repair, overhaul, or replacement
Loss of revenue during daytime
Extension of the average component operating lifespan before overhaul or replacement
Reduction in consumable items such as lubricants of fuels
Increase in productivity