Top 4 Benefits of Oil Analysis
Performing regular oil analysis on your lubrication system provides valuable insight into your machine’s operating condition and the lubricant flowing through it. Without proper and consistent analysis, device efficiency is left to chance.
Lubrication plays a very important role in keeping your equipment in top condition, so proper care of your lubrication system means taking care of the overall operation of your equipment.
Studies have shown that improper lubrication causes:
43% of mechanical failures
54% of bearing failures
50% of rolling bearing damage
70% of device failures
Establishing a regular oil analysis program is key to avoiding component failure and keeping your equipment in the best possible condition. From detecting fuel and coolant leaks to determining additive levels, consistent oil analysis helps diagnose a wide range of problems and avoid breakdowns and damaged parts. One of the main benefits of oil analysis is that the data revealed leads to solutions to solve lubrication problems. Here are four other benefits of scheduling regular oil analysis of your equipment.
1. Detailed breakdown of lubricant performance
A comprehensive analysis of the oil in the system enables detailed analysis of the performance of the lubrication system. This overview allows you to identify problem areas based on the type of contamination and the problems it can cause.
Some contaminants can cause major problems if not detected early. Certain metals such as aluminum and iron may indicate piston or cylinder damage. Leaking water or antifreeze will cause big problems later. In particular, it stresses the entire machine as it tries to push out the concentrated oil. Water detection can also indicate that the seal is broken or the device is not operating at its optimum temperature.
2. Find problems before they happen
Knowing ahead of time that there may be a problem with your equipment can save you time and money. The oil analysis provides a detailed overview of the lubricating oils in your machine. Consistent oil testing allows you to identify and correct minor issues before they become major issues.
Certain types of wear in certain areas of equipment are detected by oil analysis. Filter system problems such as contamination by combustion soot can also be seen. Improper filtration can cause multiple problems with your machine, leading to extensive and expensive repairs. By identifying potential problem areas, you can stop problems before they occur, saving you time and money.
3. Reduced repairs and downtime
Most major machine issues start small and get worse over time. Critical issues often require major repairs and often mean significant downtime for your equipment and your business. A business cannot reach its full potential if its facilities are not running at full capacity. Regular oil analysis can detect high levels of wear metals early, which can indicate internal component failure. Increasing trends in particle counts, additive levels, and even viscosity indicate external or cross-contamination.
From external contamination to internal problems such as coolant leaks and engine wear, regularly scheduled oil tests provide early warning of impending failure. In-depth testing provides important insight into the proper working of your machine. By regularly analyzing machine lubricants, you can identify problems early and fix problem areas quickly and efficiently before they require major repairs or unscheduled downtime.
4. Durable gear
Regular inspections and maintenance greatly extend the life of your equipment and increase the productivity of all operations in your facility. Early detection through oil analysis not only helps avoid costly repair bills and lost production, but can also improve the overall operating condition of equipment and extend machine life.
The KW Oil Difference
Although oil analysis programs might all seem the same, there are clear differences. The KW Oil services team partners with Mobil Serv to deliver a full spectrum of analytics on your Mobil™-branded lubricants, which no other program can provide. Through patented processes, Mobil Serv is a leader in oil analysis technology and works with KW Oil to provide you with reliable predictive information, recommended action steps, and on-site support. Contact Us to discuss your lubricant and oil analysis needs today!