Used Lubricant Analysis - a Maintenance Tool

This paper initially outlines the major components of used lubricant analyses, and their significance in monitoring the performance of equipment. Items discussed include the physical condition of the lubricant - viscosity, density and flashpoint, the chemical condition, for example total acid number and total base number and finally the wear metal levels which have been generated in the used oil. The paper goes on to discuss the principles of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrophotometer which has been used by our company to monitor wear metal analyses. The importance of regular sampling, wear metal trend analyses and care in interpretation of the complete analyses is stressed. Finally, the paper outlines case histories where regular lubricant analysis systems have saved operators thousands of dollars by highlighting contaminants and abnormal wear rates in machinery and providing early warning of progressive damage and potential failure.