Pull A Representative Lubricant Sample

A Proper Sample Tells A Story

3

• Lubricant sampling and extraction is perhaps the most important and highly variable step taken prior to the analysis of a sample and it is also the easiest to make consistent.

• Before we decide the appropriate way to extract the sample from our equipment for analysis, we first need to determine the desired end result.

• We determine the end result first by examining the mandate of our lube oil program.

• We then can make decisions on the location of where we should be extracting our sample, what tools to use and what procedure to follow.

4

Goals of the Program

The goal of your program should always relate back to understanding the condition of either the lubricant and understanding its useful life or the machinery and what type of wear is occurring so that useful life and root cause can be determined.

• Lubricant Analysis– Condition of Lubricant– Condition of Additives– Useful Life

• Machine Analysis– Wear Particle– Type of Wear – Useful Life– Root Cause

5

What’s the best Method for pulling samples?

Methods: There are several methods used for drawing oil samples from equipment. Of course, some are more effective than others; the idea is to make the method in which you sample oil consistent among those sampling. We want to make sure that each time a sample is drawn, the end result is the same regardless of the technician drawing the sample. Written procedures and specific training are vital to the success of your program.

Drop Tube Sampling Drain Port Sampling Minimess Valve Sampling

Low CostFastSafety concernsPossible contamination of reservoir lubricantPoor consistencyLeast Preferred Method

Not idealOnly if other methods are unavailablePoor locationContamination risk in sample More consistent than drop tube sampleCan be improved with Pitot tube system

Most consistent sampleBest locationMost difficult to set up but easiest to maintainCan be done in pressurized systemsBest representative sample

6

Methods are determined by application and desired accuracy

Although there are several methods and tools available for sampling lubricants, the key is to ensure that the method and procedure used is consistent among those performing the task. Written procedures need to be enforced and streamlined. Sampling methods need to be easy and effective and be able to follow the mandate set out for the lube oil program. We must also make sure that we employ the use of Primary and Secondary sampling ports to gain vital perspective on the condition of our equipment and lubricant to make key decisions on equipment and lubricant maintenance.

Drop Tube Sampling Drain Port Sampling Minimess Valve Sampling

1-2 1-3

7

Pulling the sample

• Pulling the oil sample:

1. Always sample well mixed oil after running at least 15 minutes.2. Always sample oil at normal operating temperatures.3. DO NOT allow external dirt to enter the sample.4. When sampling from the drain ensure the oil is hot.5. Check remaining oil level and top up as required

DO NOT:• 1. DO NOT take the sample as the oil starts to drain.• 2. DO NOT take the sample as the oil finishes draining.• 3. DO NOT take the sample from oil collected in another container.

8

Now What?

• Trico oil analysis laboratory:• 1. Our samples are analyzed on a daily basis• 2. We manufacture the testing equipment so we are experts in the field• 3. Our team has an average of 20 years experience per staff• 4. Our process insures accuracy on each and every sample• 5. Every single sample is reviewed by a lubrication and wear analysis

expert• 6. In-house ferrography experts go into action with end to end solutions

when a “critical” sample is found to be out of limits.• Visit Trico’s Oil Analysis Website• Contact Trico Oil Analysis Team:• Oil Analysis Services• 262.691.9336, ext. 243 or visit

http://www.tricocorp.com/services/oil-analysis