The Importance of an Effective Oil Analysis Program

Many factors come into play when you’re evaluating lubricant options for your fleet, including: quality, intended application or use, performance, oil life and price. However, there’s another very important factor that’s often overlooked—how to evaluate lubricant effectiveness once it’s in use.

Benefits of an Oil Analysis Program 

Choosing a quality lubricant that meets your needs and is well-suited for your application is essential. However, that is really just the beginning of your journey. By enrolling in an oil analysis program you can expect:

·         A detailed breakdown of the lubricant’s performance

·         More value out of your oil investment

·         Maximum performance from your lubricant and your parts

·         A proactive program instead of a reactive emergency

·         Fewer repairs and equipment downtime

·         Potential costs savings

Oil analysis offers a snapshot into how your machinery is operating at a given time.  It also allows you to compare samples from previous tests so you can make necessary adjustments to keep your equipment operating at peak performance and to plan for maintenance in advance. 

When you have thousands of parts moving fast and working hard for you, keeping them running smoothly with the right lubricant is smart business. By knowing the condition of the oil in your system and how it is performing, you can adjust changeover intervals as necessary.  Oil that is in good condition and working properly can be kept in the system longer, reducing replacement costs.  

What is Oil Analysis?

At its most basic, oil analysis is the laboratory analysis of: a lubricant's properties, suspended contaminants and wear debris.  This analysis is performed by capturing oil samples during routine predictive maintenance to provide meaningful and accurate information on lubricant and machine condition. By tracking oil analysis sample results over the life of a particular machine, trends can be established which can help extend equipment life and eliminate costly repairs.

Who Performs Oil Analysis?

There is a wide range of oil analysis practices ranging from standardized and routine sampling to ad hoc sampling to performing no analysis whatsoever. Those who are very familiar with the sampling process may have a degree of difficulty analyzing the data because what appears to be straightforward can be very complex.  For this reason, data is best analyzed by lubrication engineers and tribologists, who specialize in studying the lubrication and the effect of wear of machinery.

Where to Start?

If you are not already doing proactive and detailed oil analysis, the best way to start down that path is to contact your lubricant vendor to determine how they can help and what they might recommend. Some work closely with customers to set up programs unique to their needs and can continue to make recommendations based on regular results. 

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same rings true when it comes to equipment lubrication. Preventative maintenance is less expensive than replacing parts and having your equipment out of commission. Approach your oil analysis like you would a business partnership, and find someone that is just as invested in your success as you are. Lubrication specialists are the experts in the lubricant industry. Let them do their job so you can focus on what’s really important—keeping your fleet running and your business profitable. 

Contact RSC Bio Solutions today at 800-661-3558 or [email protected] to learn more about our oil analysis program.