Hi there,

I need a little guidance on strategy for oil analysis. I'm trying to put togheter a oil analysis routine in a PM program, in which there would be about 600 samples per year, with regular analysis (viscosity, humidity, basic number, particle count, etc). I'm undecisive whether to hire a third to collect the samples and run the tests or to do it "in the house", wich require buying all the gear, hiring more personnel and aditional training.

If anybody has had any experience with this, it would be helpful.

Thanks

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mechanical pawn,

I know of a company that has an in-house oil sampling program. In-house people are trained to take a good sample for analysis. If the oil sample results go into alarm another sample goes to an outside oil analysis company to confrim results. My personnal preference is to use in-house to take the sample and a local outside vendor who has all the equipment and professionals on staff to give accurate results run the tests. The important thing with any program is to have all the necessary information available about the machine and lubrication so the vendor can run the tests that will best describe condition of your oil in that machine.

Wow - 600 is a lot.
Are these being taken together in 3 monthly lots or throughout the year at different intervals.

The reason I ask is considering it is 150 samples every quarter you probably want to use outside lab - cost of maintaining lab + equipment + manning expertise + calibrations and certifications etc could outway sample no.

I don't know if there's such a thing as a break even point for making a lab worth considering based on sampling population.

I would figure though if its 600 samples quarterly it may be worth your while or at least starting to approach that point.

Good question for a lube expert (not like myself).
The Noria team may be able to help advise.
Mark Barnes -
[EMAIL]Lube-Tips Newsletter [newsletters@noria.com][/EMAIL]


Mike.

600 samples a year is not a great number, certainly too small to set up an in-house lab. First, identify what you are going to sample, (Nomenclature, amount and type of fluid, etc). Select a lab based on your take on their quality system; turnaround time for samples; transit time for samples from you to them, additional test capabilities; and finally, cost.

Train in-house people to take proper samples, your lab will usually help with this or get someone knowledgeable to assist if needed. Consider installing permanent sampling ports on your critical equipment to ensure consistency of sampling. Ensure samples are properly labeled and shipped when taken. Do not let them pile up until the end of the quarter!

Do not forget to take samples of your unused oils to provide a reference point for your analysis. Finally, get some training on used oil analysis so you can interpret the generic findings and recommendations the lab will make until you are able to customize the alert and alarm limits to your equipment.

I have done this setup a few times and it takes some work at the start and oversight to keep things from coming undone but the results are worth the effort.

Ken Culverson

There are similar post like yours that you may want to read. Here's one :
http://maintenanceforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/319103451/m/3581020292

My advise is that there are both pros and cons on having an in-house oil analysis or if you will just hire a third party to have your analysis done. What is important is to way things out and prepare a feasibility study.

My Warm Regards,