Category: Industrial Oil

Industrial Oil Testing: Key Principles of Contamination, Condition & Wear

Industrial oil plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of machinery, acting as a lubricant, coolant, and protector against wear. However, over time, industrial oil can gradually degrade due to contamination, excessive wear, or changes in its condition, ultimately leading to reduced efficiency and potential equipment failure. Industrial oil testing is essential for monitoring oil health and ensuring optimal machinery performance. In this blog, we explore the key principles of contamination, condition monitoring, and wear analysis in industrial oil testing.

Understanding Industrial Oil Testing

Industrial oil testing involves a series of analyses designed to assess the oil’s quality and effectiveness in maintaining equipment reliability. By detecting contaminants, monitoring the condition, and evaluating wear, businesses can prevent costly breakdowns and extend equipment life.
  1. Contamination Analysis
Contamination in industrial oil can result from external or internal sources, affecting its performance and leading to equipment damage. Common contaminants include:
  • Water: Causes oxidation, corrosion, and reduced lubrication effectiveness.
  • Dirt and Dust: Introduces abrasive particles that accelerate component wear.
  • Metal Particles: Indicate excessive wear of machine parts.
  • Fuel or Coolant Leaks: Dilute the oil and compromise its lubricating properties.
  • Microbial Growth: Bacteria and fungi can degrade oil quality and clog filters.
Regular oil testing helps detect contamination early; thus, allowing for corrective action, such as filtration, oil replacement, or contamination source elimination.
  1. Condition Monitoring
Condition monitoring focuses on evaluating the chemical and physical properties of oil to determine its usability and effectiveness. Key parameters include:
  • Viscosity: Measures oil thickness and flow characteristics; changes may indicate contamination or degradation.
  • Oxidation and Acid Number: High oxidation levels lead to sludge formation, while an increasing acid number signals oil degradation.
  • Additive Depletion: Industrial oils contain additives for anti-wear, anti-foam, and anti-corrosion; depletion reduces performance.
  • Flash Point: A drop in flash point may indicate fuel dilution, posing a fire risk.
Monitoring these factors ensures that oil remains in optimal condition, reducing unplanned maintenance and operational downtime.
  1. Wear Analysis
Wear analysis examines the presence of metal particles in oil, providing insights into component degradation. Common wear elements include:
  • Iron & Steel (Fe): Indicates wear in gears, bearings, and shafts.
  • Copper (Cu) & Brass (Zn): Suggests wear in bushings and bearings.
  • Aluminum (Al): Points to wear in pistons or engine components.
  • Silicon (Si): Often linked to dirt contamination and abrasive wear.
By tracking wear trends over time, maintenance teams can proactively schedule preventive maintenance before critical failures occur, thereby ensuring machinery longevity and efficiency.

Benefits of Industrial Oil Testing

Regular oil testing provides several advantages, including:
  • Extended Equipment Life: Detecting wear early prevents severe damage.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: Preventive measures reduce repair and replacement expenses.
  • Improved Efficiency: Clean and high-quality oil enhances machinery performance.
  • Enhanced Safety: Identifying hazardous conditions minimizes operational risks.

Conclusion

Industrial oil testing is an essential practice for ensuring machinery reliability and efficiency. By analyzing contamination, monitoring oil condition, and evaluating wear, businesses can maintain optimal equipment performance and prevent costly failures. Implementing a proactive oil testing program leads to long-term cost savings, increased productivity, and safer operations. For industries relying on heavy machinery, a well-structured oil analysis routine is not just beneficial—it’s a necessity. Contact us to know more information about industrial oil testing.

Custom Automatic Oilers and Grease Bank Systems for Industrial Equipment

Efficient lubrication is a cornerstone of industrial equipment maintenance. Proper lubrication minimizes wear and tear, prevents component failures, and ensures optimal machinery performance. However, managing lubrication across complex systems can be challenging, particularly in industries with high-demand environments. This is where custom automatic oilers and grease bank systems come into play, offering tailored solutions to streamline lubrication processes. In this blog, we explore the advantages, applications, and key features of custom automatic oilers and grease bank systems for industrial equipment.

Need for Custom Lubrication Systems

Every piece of industrial equipment has unique lubrication requirements. Factors such as operating conditions, load, speed, and environmental factors influence the type and amount of lubricant needed. Off-the-shelf lubrication systems often fail to address these specific needs, leading to over- or under-lubrication. Custom automatic oilers and grease bank systems are designed to address these challenges by delivering precise lubrication tailored to the equipment’s requirements.

2. Benefits of Custom Automatic Oilers and Grease Bank Systems

  1. Increased Equipment Efficiency

Consistent lubrication reduces friction and wear, ensuring smooth operation of machinery. Automatic oilers and grease bank systems provide a continuous supply of lubricant to critical components, enhancing overall efficiency.

2. Reduced Downtime

Manual lubrication can be time-consuming and prone to human error. Automatic systems eliminate the need for frequent manual intervention, reducing downtime associated with maintenance.

3. Prolonged Component Lifespan

Proper lubrication prevents issues such as overheating, corrosion, and premature wear. By ensuring the right amount of lubricant reaches every component, these systems extend the lifespan of machinery.

4. Cost Savings

While the initial investment in custom lubrication systems may be higher, the long-term savings on maintenance, repairs, and downtime outweigh the costs. Additionally, reduced lubricant waste contributes to cost efficiency.

5. Environmental Sustainability

Custom systems optimize lubricant usage, reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact associated with excessive lubricant disposal.

3. Key Features of Custom Automatic Oilers and Grease Bank Systems

 

1. Tailored Design

Custom lubrication systems are designed to fit the specific requirements of your equipment. This includes the number of lubrication points, type of lubricant, and system capacity.

2. Automation and Monitoring

Advanced systems feature automation and real-time monitoring capabilities. Sensors track lubrication levels, pressure, and flow rates, ensuring consistent performance and alerting operators to potential issues.

3. Centralized Lubrication

Grease bank systems centralize lubrication points, making it easier to manage and maintain multiple components from a single location.

4. Durability and Reliability

Built to withstand harsh industrial environments, custom systems are made from high-quality materials to ensure long-term reliability and performance.

4. Applications of Custom Lubrication Systems

Custom automatic oilers and grease bank systems are versatile and find applications across various industries, including:
  • Manufacturing: Keeping conveyors, presses, and robotic arms running efficiently.
  • Mining: Lubricating heavy machinery such as excavators, haul trucks, and crushers.
  • Construction: Ensuring optimal performance of equipment like bulldozers and cranes.
  • Agriculture: Maintaining tractors, combines, and other farm machinery.
  • Power Generation: Lubricating turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems.

5. Choosing the Right Solution

Selecting the right lubrication system for your equipment requires careful evaluation of factors such as:
  • Operating Conditions: Temperature, humidity, and dust levels.
  • Lubrication Points: Number and accessibility of lubrication points.
  • Lubricant Type: Oil or grease specifications.
  • Automation Needs: Level of monitoring and control required.
Partnering with a reputable supplier or manufacturer ensures that your system is designed and installed to meet your specific needs. Customized solutions not only address your equipment’s unique requirements but also integrate seamlessly into your operational processes.

Conclusion

Custom automatic oilers and grease bank systems are an essential investment for industries seeking to optimize equipment performance and minimize maintenance challenges. By delivering precise lubrication, these systems enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and prolong machinery lifespan. Whether you’re operating in manufacturing, mining, construction, or any other sector, adopting a tailored lubrication solution is a proactive step toward achieving operational excellence. If you’re considering upgrading your lubrication strategy, explore the benefits of custom automatic oilers and grease bank systems today. Reach out to an expert to design a solution that perfectly aligns with your industrial needs. Contact our experts for more information.

Exploring the Rift: Synthetic Oil vs. Mineral Oil

In the realm of engine lubricants, the debate between synthetic oil vs. mineral oil has long been a subject of intrigue for car enthusiasts and experts alike. While both oils serve the primary purpose of lubricating an engine, their differences run deep, affecting everything from performance to longevity. Let’s delve into the nuances and contrasts between synthetic and mineral oils.

Composition and Origins:

The fundamental distinction between synthetic and mineral oils lies in their composition and manufacturing processes. Mineral oil, also known as conventional or natural oil, is derived from crude oil through a process of distillation and refinement. On the other hand, synthetic oil is engineered in a laboratory setting, crafted from chemically modified compounds to achieve specific performance characteristics.

Molecular Structure:

The molecular structure of synthetic oil is meticulously designed to offer enhanced lubrication properties and stability compared to mineral oil. Synthetic oils typically have uniform molecules of a consistent size and shape, resulting in smoother lubrication and reduced friction within the engine components. In contrast, mineral oils contain a mixture of molecules with varying sizes and shapes, leading to less consistent performance under extreme conditions.

Performance Under Stress:

Synthetic oils excel in high-stress environments, such as extreme temperatures and heavy loads. Their tailored molecular structure enables them to maintain viscosity and lubrication properties even in sub-zero temperatures or scorching heat, ensuring optimal engine performance and protection. Mineral oils, while adequate for regular driving conditions, may struggle to provide adequate lubrication in extreme environments, potentially leading to increased wear and tear on engine parts.

Longevity and Durability:

One of the notable advantages of synthetic oil is its superior longevity and durability compared to mineral oil. Synthetic oils typically have a longer service life and can endure extended drain intervals between oil changes. This not only reduces maintenance frequency but also contributes to overall cost savings in the long run. Mineral oils, while cost-effective initially, may necessitate more frequent oil changes to maintain optimal engine performance and longevity.

Environmental Impact:

From an environmental perspective, synthetic oils often have a slight edge over mineral oils. Synthetic oils can be formulated to be more biodegradable and environmentally friendly, reducing their ecological footprint compared to conventional mineral oils. Additionally, their longer service life translates to less frequent disposal, further minimizing environmental impact.

Cost Considerations:

While synthetic oils offer superior performance and longevity, they typically come with a higher price tag than mineral oils. However, the long-term cost benefits, including reduced maintenance and potential engine longevity, may outweigh the initial investment for many drivers. In conclusion, the choice between synthetic oil vs. mineral oil ultimately depends on various factors, including driving habits, environmental considerations, and budget constraints. While synthetic oil offers superior performance, longevity, and environmental benefits, mineral oil remains a viable option for those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative. Regardless of the choice, regular oil changes and proper maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of any engine. Contact us our experts for more information of Synthetic Oil vs. Mineral Oil.

Unlocking Peak Performance: The Invaluable Role of Truly Clean Machine Oil

In the intricate world of machinery, where components work seamlessly together, the lifeblood that ensures smooth operation is none other than machine oil. The value of clean oil cannot be overstated; it is the cornerstone of optimal performance, longevity, and reliability for a wide array of mechanical systems. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of truly clean machine oil and how it contributes to the efficiency and sustainability of machinery.

1. Enhanced Lubrication Efficiency:

Clean oil is a superior lubricant, ensuring that moving parts within a machine experience minimal friction and wear. Contaminants such as dirt, debris, and metal particles can compromise the lubricating properties of oil, leading to increased friction and accelerated wear on components. Truly clean machine oil provides an unobstructed lubrication pathway, promoting smoother operation and extending the lifespan of crucial machine parts.

2. Improved Heat Dissipation:

Machinery in operation generates heat, and effective heat dissipation is essential for preventing overheating and potential damage. Contaminated oil with particles and sludge acts as an insulator, hindering the efficient transfer of heat away from critical components. Clean oil, free from contaminants, facilitates optimal heat dissipation, preventing the buildup of excess heat and contributing to the overall thermal stability of the machinery.

3. Reduced Wear and Tear:

The presence of contaminants in machine oil can lead to accelerated wear and tear of components. Abrasive particles can act like tiny, destructive agents, causing damage to bearings, seals, and other critical parts. Clean oil acts as a protective barrier, reducing friction and minimizing wear on components. This not only extends the lifespan of the machinery but also reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement, resulting in cost savings for operators.

4. Prevention of Corrosion and Oxidation:

Contaminants in oil can contribute to corrosion and oxidation of metal surfaces within a machine. Clean oil with the right additives provides a protective layer against corrosion, preserving the integrity of components and preventing rust formation. Additionally, it inhibits the oxidation of oil itself, ensuring that the oil maintains its lubricating properties over an extended period.

5. Enhanced System Efficiency:

Machines operating with truly clean oil experience enhanced overall efficiency. Reduced friction, optimal heat dissipation, and minimized wear and tear contribute to smoother operation and improved energy efficiency. This, in turn, results in increased productivity, lower energy consumption, and a more sustainable operation of machinery.

6. Mitigation of System Failures:

Perhaps one of the most significant values of truly clean machine oil is its role in preventing system failures. Contaminated oil can lead to malfunctions, breakdowns, and unplanned downtime. Regular oil analysis, proper filtration systems, and adherence to recommended oil change intervals are essential practices to ensure that the oil remains consistently clean, mitigating the risk of costly and disruptive system failures.

Conclusion

Truly clean machine oil is not just a maintenance requirement; it is an investment in the longevity, efficiency, and reliability of machinery. Operators and maintenance professionals should recognize the value of clean oil as a proactive measure to safeguard their equipment, reduce operational costs, and ensure optimal performance. By prioritizing cleanliness in machine oil, industries can unlock the full potential of their machinery and lay the foundation for a robust and sustainable operational environment. Contact us to know more about clean oil.

Unlocking Efficiency: The Crucial Role of Low Oil Viscosity in Fleet Engines

In the world of fleet management, optimizing vehicle performance and extending engine life are paramount concerns. One often-overlooked factor that plays a crucial role in achieving these goals is the viscosity of engine oil. Viscosity refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow, and in the context of engine oil, it can significantly impact the efficiency and overall health of a fleet’s engines. In this blog, we will explore the importance of low oil viscosity and how it can positively influence the performance of a fleet.

Understanding Oil Viscosity:

Viscosity is a key property of engine oil that affects its ability to flow and lubricate engine components. It is commonly measured using two numbers, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40. The first number (e.g., 5W) indicates the oil’s viscosity at low temperatures, while the second number (e.g., 30 or 40) represents its viscosity at high temperatures. Lower viscosity oils, indicated by smaller first numbers, are thinner and flow more easily than higher viscosity oils.

Importance of Low Oil Viscosity:

  1. Enhanced Cold-Start Performance: Low viscosity oils, especially those with a lower winter viscosity rating (the first number in the oil specification), provide better engine lubrication during cold starts. This is crucial for fleets operating in diverse climates, as it ensures that engine components are properly lubricated even in frigid conditions, reducing wear and tear.
  2. Improved Fuel Efficiency: Lower viscosity oils reduce friction within the engine, promoting smoother operation and improving fuel efficiency. The engine doesn’t have to work as hard to overcome internal resistance, leading to reduced fuel consumption. For a fleet managing numerous vehicles, even a slight improvement in fuel efficiency can translate to substantial cost savings over time.
  3. Extended Engine Life: Proper lubrication is essential for preventing engine wear and prolonging its life. Low viscosity oils flow more easily, reaching critical engine components faster and providing a protective layer against friction and heat. This contributes to reduced wear on components like pistons, cylinders, and camshafts, ultimately extending the overall lifespan of the engine.
  4. Optimized High-Temperature Performance: While low viscosity is crucial for cold starts, it also plays a role in high-temperature conditions. Thinner oils maintain their flowability at elevated temperatures, ensuring consistent lubrication and cooling even when the engine is running at full capacity. This is particularly important for fleets involved in heavy-duty applications or long-distance hauling.
  5. Adaptability to Advanced Engine Technologies: As engine technologies evolve, manufacturers are designing engines with tighter tolerances and advanced features. Low viscosity oils are better suited to navigate through intricate engine components, providing the necessary lubrication without compromising performance.

Conclusion:

In the dynamic world of fleet management, where efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount, the choice of engine oil should not be underestimated. The strategic use of low oil viscosity not only improves the immediate performance of vehicles but also contributes to long-term benefits, such as extended engine life and reduced maintenance costs. Fleet managers looking to maximize their operational efficiency would do well to consider the viscosity of their engine oil as a key factor in achieving their goals. Contact us for more information about industrial oil viscosity.
 

What Should You Know About Oil Analysis?

What Should You Know About Oil Analysis? Heavy industries and factories are dependent on oil and petroleum for the efficient daily operations. Dealing with malfunctioning machines when you already have so much to manage can be pretty daunting, right? Why not save yourself from this by opting for a reliable oil analysis program? Regular oil analysis and testing can prevent contamination in the machines and thus, save you from excessive, costly damages and downtimes. Checking the oil health of your machines regularly is necessary for the health of your machines. A well-lubricated machine can perform well for years while an improperly lubricated machine can go into premature failure. Oil analysis plays an active role here and keeps the oil in a healthy condition, which makes it suitable for machines. So what is oil analysis, and why is it so important for your industrial machines? We will discuss all you need to know about oil analysis in this blog post, so you know you are taking the right steps for your precious machines.

What Is Oil Analysis?

Oil analysis is a regular routine of analyzing the health of oil, its contamination level, and the machine wear and tear. The purpose of an oil analysis program is to test for any contamination within the oil and remove it to avoid potential damages caused by contaminated oil. Oil analysis is necessary to prevent your machines from downtime. Oil analysis gives you a complete picture of your lubricating process and helps you solve problems at the early stages. The analysis can be done onsite, off-site, or online. Off-site oil analysis is necessary for a more comprehensive test. Onsite testing is necessary for the equipment to be monitored very frequently. This type of oil analysis and testing are used to perform a range of tests, for example, checking metal contaminants and particle accounts. Online testing is suitable for instant alerts and for those that are not really detectable via a vibration or other indicators. It provides an early warning and prompts onsite and outside sample testing to repair the problem straight away if the fault is present.

Why Is Performing Oil Analysis Necessary?

One of the obvious reasons to perform oil analysis is to find out the condition of the oil and mitigate any issues if it has. The purpose is to take out the oil sample, check the contamination and other properties, and ensure whether it is suitable for further use. The oil analysis technique is used to check the following three categories: fluid properties, contamination, and wear debris.

Checking The Fluid Properties Of Oil

One part of oil analysis includes checking the fluid properties, which means identifying the oil’s current physical and chemical state as well as identify its remaining useful life. With this process, you can find out whether the oil is correct to use or not. It also tells you if the additives are active or have depleted over time. Moreover, you can also find out the viscosity shift and what the expected viscosity is. All these fluid properties will tell you whether a certain lubricant or oil can be further used or not.

Checking The Contamination Of The Lubricant

Another useful benefit of performing oil analysis is checking the destructive contaminants and finding their probable sources, which might be internal or external. Performing oil analysis to check the contamination of the oil means checking whether the oil is clean or not and what type of contaminants are present in the oil. It also means tracking the origin of contaminants and finding out their source. This process also tells if there is any sign of internal leakage, which might be leading to contamination. Therefore oil analysis can prevent contamination within the oil and help it to last longer.

Checking The Wear Debris

Oil analysis also includes the identification of particles that are produced as a result of mechanical wear and corrosion. This helps answer questions related to machine degradation and the amount of wear debris. It also highlights any internal machine component from where the wear is originating. All of these methods help check the condition of the oil to keep the machine healthy and extend the life of the oil. An oil analysis report consists of different measures such as viscosity, wear data, elemental data, contamination data, and moisture/water levels. There are many benefits of oil analysis.

About Micro Lube

Get high-quality lubricants with Micro Lube. Micro Lube is a full-service conveyor lubrication Company with international experience and a genuine commitment to professional, affordable, and personalized service to our diverse customers. Contact us for more information. I hope now you will get the enough information about oil analysis.

What Are The Benefits Of Regular Oil Analysis?

What Are The Benefits Of Regular Oil Analysis Performing regular oil analysis on your lubrication system provides you with valuable insight into the operating levels of your heavy machines and the lubricant flowing through them. If you are not performing regular and consistent oil analysis then you are putting the efficiency and productivity of your machines at risk. Regular oil analysis is important but keep in mind that using proper industrial lubricants and industrial oil filters is also important for keeping your machines in good working condition. As we all know that lubrication plays an important role in keeping your industrial plant running at its best, hence taking care of your machine’s lube system means that you are taking care of your entire industrial plant’s machines. Therefore performing regular oil analysis on your machines will help you to avoid component failures and will also keep all your industrial machines in good working condition. From determining the additive levels to detecting coolant and fuel leaks, daily oil analysis will diagnose a bunch of issues that will help you prevent failures and breakdowns. There are many advantages of regular oil analysis but one of the top advantages of constant oil analysis is that the data you get from it helps you move toward a solution that will eliminate lubrication issues. There are many other benefits of regular oil analysis as well, in this blog post we will outline the top 2 benefits of performing daily oil analysis for your machines.

It Helps You Detect Problems Before They Occur

The biggest advantage of regular and consistent oil analysis is that it will help you detect problems in your machine even before they occur. So, when you know a problem might occur in your machine ahead of time you can fix it and save money and time. Regular oil analysis will provide you with an in-depth view of all the lubricants in your machine and with consistent testing you can identify the small issues in your machines and fix them before they become bigger problems. You can even detect different types of wear and tear in specific areas of your industrial machines through oil analysis. Other issues with the filtration system, such as combustion soot contamination can also be identified with constant oil analysis. Improper filtration and lubrication can cause multiple problems in your machine that can lead to expensive and extensive repairs. But with regular oil analysis, you can pinpoint the potential problems areas in your machine and fix the problems beforehand which will save you from costly repairs.

Fewer Repairs And Less Downtime

The majority of problems in industrial machines and equipment start small and grow increasingly worse over time. Bigger problems mostly require expensive and extensive repairs and often include a significant amount of downtime for your machines and business. Hence when your industrial plant is not running at full capacity then it will impact the productivity and earning of your business. But with regular oil analysis, you can detect the high level of wear and tear that signals the breakdown of internal parts beforehand. Problems like increased additive levels, escalating trends in particle counts and even viscosity that lead to cross and external contamination can also be detected early with the help of daily oil analysis. From internal issues such as coolant leaks or wear in different parts of the machine to outside contamination, regular oil analysis will help you detect all such issues ahead of time. So by analyzing the lubricants in your industrial machines regularly, you will be able to catch the issues earlier and will be able to fix the problem before it needs extensive repairs and all of this will minimize the overall downtime of your business.

About Micro-Lube

Micro-Lube is a full-service conveyor lubrication Company with international experience and a genuine commitment to professional, affordable, and personalized service to our diverse customers. Our staff has over ten years of “hands-on” experience in storage, conveyor, and chain lubrication which has earned our customers’ confidence in our products and services. Contact us here for more information about benefits of regular oil analysis and for the industrial oil supplier in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The Importance Of Effective Oil Sampling

The Importance Of Effective Oil Sampling Oils and lubricants play an important role in maintaining a machine. We all know and understand the benefits of a good oil or lubricant for our machines. However, many industrialists do not know the benefits of oil analysis or oil sampling. Oil analysis and oil sampling terms are used interchangeably, and both are used to analyze the contaminants, properties, and wear debris of the lubricant. Conducting regular oil sampling or analysis is important to ensure that the lubricant is in the condition to be used in any machine. This routine oil analysis or oil sampling is an effective way to determine optimum change intervals. Just like using quality industrial lubricants is important for the health of your machines, conducting regular oil analysis and oil sampling is also important for them. This blog post highlights why it is important to conduct regular oil sampling and analysis and how it can benefit your machines.

How Is Oil Sampling Done?

If we take a cursory look at oil sampling, it is a method of conducting oil analysis and checking the oil condition to determine whether it can be used as lubrication or not. It must work according to expectations. Oil sampling is also called oil analysis and includes checking the following three properties:
  • Fluid properties
  • Contamination
  • Wear debris
These properties are checked in each oil analysis procedure, which determines the oil’s performance level. Each batch of oil is QC tested, and its performance is analyzed.

Benefits Of Oil Sampling

It Helps In Enhancing The Equipments Lifespan

One of the biggest benefits of oil sampling is that it helps in enhancing the equipment’s lifespan. If the lubrication you use in any certain machine is up to quality standards, it will perform well in removing the dirt, contamination, and debris from the oil. Such contamination can affect the optimal performance of the machine. Excessive wear and tear can reduce the machine’s age, cause downtimes, and might affect your overall business.

It Tells About The Lubrications Condition

The main purpose of oil sampling is to check the lubricants condition. It helps you decide whether the oil can be used any further or not. Oil sampling also helps you estimate the lifetime of a particular type of oil. It helps you understand how long a certain lubricant can last before it needs to be changed. The period of effective performance is different for different oils. This period can be determined by the process of oil sampling, which might help you decide which oil needs changing.

It Extends The Lubricant’s Life

Another great benefit of the oil sampling method is that it extends the life of the lubricant. How? The process of oil sampling doesn’t only involve analyzing it, but also treats the oil if possible. Oil sampling monitors the oil’s condition and, if necessary, treats and cleans it. Through this, you can reuse the oil in the machine without having to invest in a new one. This also makes the oil change intervals longer.

It Indicates A Machine’s Wear And Tear

When a machine is undergoing a lot of stress. An unhealthy machine will create wear particles at an exponential rate. If the particle rate observed is quite high during the sampling process, it means that the machine is undergoing a lot of wear and tear. This early indication of its condition by analyzing particles can help you take the necessary actions on time. It can also help in avoiding machine failure.

Final Thoughts

Oil sampling is vital to the predictive maintenance of machines. It helps in keeping industrial machines in perfect condition for years by changing the oil at regular intervals and avoiding wear and tear.

About Micro-Lube

Get your oil services from Micro-Lube. Micro Lube is a full-service conveyor lubrication Company with international experience and a genuine commitment to professional, affordable, and personalized service to our diverse customers. We provide:
  • State-of-the-art industrial filters.
  • Lubricants.
  • Oil handling equipment.
  • Other equipment maintenance systems designed for both commercial and industrial applications.
Experiencing operational issues regarding lubrication, filtration, or preventive maintenance? Contact us here for further assistance. Moreover, check out our products here.

How To Manage Unintended Consequences During An Oil Change

How To Manage Unintended Consequences During An Oil Change Oil changes play an important part in keeping your machines in good working condition. But sometimes during oil change, technicians face unintended consequences. They see problems that never occurred before, you need knowledge and skills to tackle such problems. For instance, after a full-fledged successful lubrication program when you rinse the fluid with a new fluid fill you may see the new fluid become dark soon after the flush. For many, this can be an eye-opener and may come as a shock. Everyone knows the importance of oil cleanliness but many technicians are unaware of how to deal with such problems. You may think that this was due to the new debris within the system or may assume that the new oil was cleaning the system. Whatever the issue was you will have to quickly narrow it down as the new fluid can ruin the whole system. In this blog, we will explain the unintended consequences of oil changes.

New Problems

As this is a new problem for you, just like many other technicians, you may be confused. After experiencing such a problem the first thing you should do is change the filter in order to filter the dark fluid. Changing the filter might clean up the fluid after the chemical flush but keep in mind that it can become a problem of its own. If the filter is not working then you will need to send the pressure elements for analysis in order to find out the composition of the debris. Once you have done a filter analysis you will be able to figure out which elements were the cause of the problem. After detecting the elements you will now need to plan the next step in order to tackle the new problem. Moreover, there is a chance that not all the materials that were detected were the cause of the problem, maybe only a few reacted with the new fluid. So you will have to find out which material reacted against the new fluid.

Electrostatic Filtration

If changing the final filter did not work the next thing you should do is try electrostatic filtration. It has been seen that many industries have used electrostatic filtration and have seen excellent results. But this process is not cost effective and you will need to spend some extra money. Before you start electrostatic filtration it is important that you consider the fluid’s water content. As electrostatic filtration will not work effectively when the water levels are more than 500 ppm. So if the water level is high in the fluid then this process will not give effective results. But if the water level is in the range then you can carry out the electrostatic filtration process. Once you have decided to do electrostatic filtration you will have to decide which type of filtration you need to do. There are two types of electrostatic filtration that are used for industrial lubricants. One is known as a collector type and the other BCA (balanced charge agglomeration). BCA is usually tried on the second unit. As it consists of a mixing chamber and a pre-filter that starts the agglomeration process by charging the particles. In this method, the big agglomerated particles are filtered out in the final filter. You can also use the collector type of electrostatic filtration. The collector’s method takes a few months to show results. If after months you see the oil change color and notice a decrease in the weight of the patch, the electrostatic filtration has worked.

About Micro-Lube

Micro-Lube is one of the most trustworthy industrial lubricant providers in the Edmonton region. We have a complete range of products and offer oil filtration, dispensing, and storage products and solutions. At Micro-Lube, you can find a wide range of lubricants for almost any kind of machine. We help provide you with the best lubricant for your machines and several other products related to filtration, dispensing, chain, conveyor, and more. For more information visit our website or contact us today.

What Does A Change In Your Oil Level Mean?

What Does A Change In Your Oil Level Mean One of the most basic ways that you can check your machines and equipment is to check its oil levels. Your machine’s oil levels are the most important part of your equipment because if its levels are too low or high they can cause damage to your machine. If the oil level is low in your machine then issues such as heat, friction, and boundary conditions may persist. On the other hand, if the oil levels are too high it can cause problems like oxidation, fluid friction, and excess heat. So, you must check the oil levels of your machine regularly and maintain a balanced oil level in your machine. You can use an oil monitoring system to keep track of the oil levels of your machine. In this blog post, we outline some of the key factors that could lead to an increase or decrease in the oil levels of your machinery.

Leaks

One of the most common concerns with fluctuating oil levels is generally leaks. Oil leaks can be easily detected if a proper inspection is done. Through proper inspection you will be able to detect the decrease in the oils levels or pressure. When inspecting, if you see a decrease in the levels of the sight glass, pressure gauge, or level gauge you will have to take immediate action to avoid damage. By taking action you will be able to identify the location of the leak and also its size and severity, this will help you avoid more damage to the machine. If the leak requires a long-term fix then the best time to address the issue would be during an outage or turnaround. Oil leaks often recur on the same equipment over time and can be easily spotted by the use of saturated mats placed below the source of the leak. If all of this is happening on your site then it’s time that you address the issue. If you perform oil level inspection regularly then you will be able to understand which assets are prone to leaks and which machines have recently been maintained and how critical the leak is.

Vapourization

Vaporization is another less likely cause of lowered oil levels. Vaporization occurs mostly in high-temperature applications as in these applications there is less dense hydrocarbon dispersion and that results in a change in the viscosity of the oil level. If this type of issue is identified through in-field or laboratory oil analysis, then the most vital part will be good communication between the individual who conducted the analysis and the one who is reviewing the oil analysis reports, especially during shift turnovers, lubrication meetings, and work order documentation.

Improper Filling Practices

The main worry with a low oil level is with the reservoirs and sumps, but a level that is too high is concerning as well. If the lubrication is filled improperly in the system then it can lead to fluid friction, if this issue is not addressed timely it can result in oxidation. Improper filling practices can also cause boundary conditions if the oil levels are too low. Hence, it is very important to understand and review the filling practices being used in your facility. Are there any preventive maintenance tasks or work orders that need to be checked on a yearly basis? Are all the level indicators properly marked? Is there any documentation for in-field re-filling practices? You will have to monitor the filling practices at your facility keenly because if the filling practices are poor they can lead to serious damage to your equipment.

Contamination

Contamination is the last consideration for an increase in oil levels. Factors like seal and cooler leaks, cross-contamination, process chemicals, and even moisture ingression can lead to an increase in oil levels. It is very difficult to identify contamination in the field, therefore good communication between the individuals reviewing the oil analysis reports and in-field inspectors is very important.

About Micro-Lube

Micro-Lube is a full-service conveyor lubrication Company with international experience and a genuine commitment to professional, affordable, and personalized service. Our staff has over ten years of “hands-on” experience in conveyor and chain lubrication which has earned our customers’ confidence in our products and services. At Micro-Lube, you can find a wide range of lubricants for almost any kind of machine. We help provide you with the best lubricant for your machines and several other products related to filtration, dispensing, chain, conveyor, and more. Contact us for more information.

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