What suitable oil sampling frequency
Thanks
Phoo

For what machines Phoo?

Typically cut the life expectancy for the fluid into quarters. Once you have a comfort level, you can move to thirds and then halves. You will begin to interpret your test results more accurately as time goes on. I learned more about oil analysis practicing on my vehicles than anything. You know your vehicle, how you drive, the conditions are constantly monitored as you sit behind the wheel, so use this to your benefit. Get a comfort zone with your own machines and then bring that experience to the workplace.

Josh
For hydraulics system, Center lubrication for Gear box, Hydrostatic oil for sleeve bearing.

Shaun
I also have to do maintenance for 10 Forklifts, capacity 3Ton, 5Ton, 10 Ton and 28 Ton, they have Engine Oil, Hydraulic Oil, Gear Oil that never ever monitor oil condition. I think it not worth for oil analysis, just inspect through human sense is OK.
What about you?

Cordially
Phoo

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish, and also on what your operating environment is.
Generally you are trying to understand the fluid physical and chemical condition as well as the machines internal health. You may want to run the equipment to failure but know when it is going to fail. Or you may want to be very proactive and reduce overall maintenance costs. Each one of these causes different sampling critera to be triggered.
However to start 250-350 hours for your diesel engines. 250 operational hours for hyd systems over 3500 psi. 500 hours for typical mobile equipment hyd systems. 1000 hrs for in plant hyd systems. 3-4 months for 24/7 gbx's. Normally 3-4 months for hydrostatic self generated systems. Probably 2-3 months for pressurised recirculating systems.

regards........

Phoo:

I ran a large mill's oil sampling program (1,500 employees) for a few years. What I found successful for us was a very generic sampling to start out with and then as necessary, you can tweak based on history, and oil condition as you test...

Gearboxes - sample quarterly.
Circulation oil systems - sample monthly
Hydraulic systems - sample monthly or more often depending on criticality and condition of the hydraulic system.
Mobile Equipment - Crankcases sample every 500 hours, Hydraulics sample every 800 hours.
Pumps - Sample (large pumps, critical pumps) monthly, and others every two months.

Again, these are what we found to be good. Also, the sampling program was not a mature program. People were getting familiar with sampling and testing, and being able to read and interpret the results. So, with time and experience, your program should look like what your equimpent needs.

Remember, there is no silver bullet, but what works for the plant needs, and equipment demands. Every plant is different. These listed above are just a guideline.

Have a great one!

Hey James. Get a chance give me a call.

Gary B

I am planning to put my major gearboxes on a oil analysis program. As Shaun already mentioned, it is a good idea to start with a quarterly program and then adjust depending on the oil analyses results.

By the way, has anyone heard of Servo-Eurodrive type R63? I can't find the manual, please let me know if anyone has it.

Thanks
Iyad