Blog | POLARIS Laboratories®

Transformer Oil Testing is Coming

Transformer Oil plays a vital role in the operation of power and distribution transformers by providing insulation and heat dissipation. The quality of the oil directly affects transformer reliability and overall system performance. Routine monitoring helps ensure transformers continue operating safely and efficiently, especially in demanding industrial and utility environments where equipment reliability is critical. POLARIS Laboratories® is excited to announce the addition of transformer oil testing to our comprehensive fluid testing capabilities – coming in the next few months.

Prevention Before Problems

Over time, heat causes oxidation, moisture ingress, and contamination and the oil begins to degrade. Neglecting to maintain transformer oil quality could result in severe overheating, rapid insulation degradation, and catastrophic electrical failures or explosions – the exact issues that a working transformer is equipped to prevent.

As oil condition decreases, the risk of reduced performance, unexpected failures, and costly downtime increases.

Smarter Transformer Maintenance

In 2019, updated ASTM standards and maintenance guidance reinforced the importance of routine transformer oil testing as a critical part of asset reliability and electrical safety programs. Standards such as as IEEE C57.104-2019 emphasized Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) for early fault detection in oil-immersed transformers, while ANSI/NETA MTS-2019 highlighted regular maintenance testing to ensure continued equipment reliability and compliance.

Today, proactive oil testing and analysis remains one of the most effective ways to identify developing faults, monitor insulation health and meet industry standards to support long-term transformer performance.

Insight Into Action

Regular, routine testing provides valuable insight into transformer condition before small issues become major operational problems, such as:

Detecting faults early by identifying gases, moisture and contaminants
Improving reliability and uptime to keep transformers running smoothly and reducing outages
Extending transformer life by reducing stress on internal components and prolonging asset life
Reducing replacement or downtime costs in critical operations
Yielding better, data-driven maintenance decisions

Support Your Equipment

By integrating transformer oil testing into your maintenance strategy, you can ensure earlier detection of developing issues and extend the service life of your critical assets. The result is increased reliability, fewer unplanned outages, and stronger operational resilience. As POLARIS Laboratories® expands our testing capabilities to include transformer oil, we understand when every hour of uptime matters, early detection makes all the difference.

Interested in participating in transformer oil testing or adding it to an existing program? Fill out this form and we’ll keep you in the loop.

Published May 22, 2026

Smarter Fluid Analysis Starts Here

Is your fluid analysis program truly delivering accurate, actionable insights or are manual processes and incomplete data holding you back? If so, it might be time to rethink your fluid analysis program.

Many maintenance teams still rely on handwritten forms, disconnected systems, and inconsistent data entry. These outdated workflows don’t just slow things down—they introduce errors, reduce visibility, and limit the value of your fluid analysis program. The result? Missed insights, delayed decisions, and preventable downtime.

Predictive maintenance demands a smarter approach to how you utilize fluid analysis.

Start with a Strong Data Foundation

Accurate equipment and component data is the backbone of any effective fluid analysis program. Without it, even the most advanced diagnostics can fall short. Standardizing and maintaining clean, consistent data ensures every sample is tied to the right asset—improving reliability and confidence in results.

Eliminate Manual Errors with Digital Workflows

Handwritten sample forms are prone to mistakes and delays. Moving to digital sample registration helps eliminate misinterpreted data errors, ensures required fields are completed, and speeds up the entire submission process. Better data from the start leads to better analysis and clear maintenance actions.

Streamline Sampling in the Field

Mobile tools allow technicians to register samples, access asset information, and submit sample information in real time—right from the field. This not only improves efficiency but also ensures data is captured accurately at the source.

component ID scan

Use QR Codes for Speed and Accuracy

QR codes simplify sample registration and component identification, removing guesswork and standardizing the process. A quick scan links the sample directly to the correct asset in HORIZON, reducing errors and saving valuable time.

Learn More About How to Go Digital

Connect Your Systems

Fluid analysis shouldn’t live in a silo. Integrating data with your CMMS or EAM system creates a more complete view of equipment health, enabling faster, more informed maintenance decisions for condition-based maintenance. Learn more about POLARIS Laboratories’ secure, seamless API HORIZON Connect.

Improve Data to Unlock Better Insights

High-quality, complete data is essential for advanced insights and diagnostics—including POLARIS Laboratories’ AI-driven analysis engine, Aurora. The more accurate and consistent your data, the more powerful and smarter your insights become.

Turn Insight into Action

When your fluid analysis program is connected, standardized, and digital, it becomes more than a reporting tool—it becomes a driver of reliability. Teams can prioritize maintenance more effectively, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve overall program ROI.

It’s time to rethink fluid analysis and learn how to predict maintenance with fluid analysis. Join our upcoming webinar and learn practical steps you can take today:

Smarter fluid analysis isn’t just about testing—it’s about transforming how data is captured, connected, and used.

Published May 4, 2026

Honoring the Best of the Best: 2026 Program Champion Awards

We’re excited to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2026 Program Champion Awards—an opportunity to recognize organizations that have made measurable impact through exceptional leadership, management and improvements in fluid analysis programs.

The Program Champion Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond to drive meaningful improvements, elevate best practices, and deliver data‑driven results. This award is open across all markets, and nominations are welcomed from a wide range of nominators, including account managers, distributors, end users, and program champions.

If you—or someone you work with—are helping move the needle on the impact of fluid analysis, this is the time to be recognized!

Who Can Be Nominated?

Nominees should demonstrate:

Consistent program engagement by submitting at least 25 samples per month
Significant, measurable program improvements, backed by data
A commitment to advancing program’s impact and efficiency

These awards are designed to highlight real‑world impact. Whether it’s improving sample compliance, optimizing program performance, expanding buy-in, or delivering insights that drive smarter decisions, we want to honor those success stories.

Why Nominate?

Being named a Program Champion is more than an accolade—it’s an opportunity to:

Gain global recognition for your achievements
Showcase your program’s success and innovation
Inspire peers across markets and industries

How Do I Nominate?

Submitting a nomination is simple, and self‑nominations are welcome. If you know someone who exemplifies what it means to be a Fluid Analysis Program Champion—or if that sounds like you—we encourage you to take the next step.

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION HERE

Let’s celebrate the champions who are making fluid analysis stronger, smarter, and more impactful in 2026.

Published April 28, 2026

Direct‑to‑Chip Cooling Fluid Monitoring in Modern Data Centers

As data centers evolve to support AI, high‑performance computing (HPC), and higher power densities, traditional air cooling alone is often no longer sufficient. This shift in cooling technologies is driving increased adoption of Direct‑to‑Chip (D2C or DTC) liquid cooling, particularly in high‑heat, high‑density environments.

Liquid cooling is not meant to replace air cooling 100% in data centers, but rather complement it. From a practical and economic standpoint, due to its higher costs than air cooling, it is best applied where it adds the most value—namely in high heat‑flux, high power‑density areas and where heat needs to be transported efficiently over longer distances. Liquids can absorb and transport large amounts of heat per unit volume, enabling stable temperature control in high‑load zones, while air cooling remains well‑suited for lower density areas.

In Direct‑to‑Chip (DTC) systems, cooling fluids, often comprised of propylene glycol, circulate through cold plates mounted directly on CPUs, GPUs, and accelerators, removing heat efficiently at the source. While much attention is placed on hardware, the cooling fluid itself plays a critical role in system performance, reliability, and sustainability.

Why Fluid Monitoring Matters

Periodic fluid quality monitoring and servicing is essential to maintain continuous operation with little to no downtime. Sensing devices installed on the coolant distribution unit (CDU) can provide alarms if levels are low or if leaks are detected.

In addition, DTC cooling fluid samples can be collected for laboratory analysis for routine monitoring. Testing over time helps identify contamination risks, corrosion, or additive depletion and determine next steps. Cooling fluid vendors provide guidelines which should always be followed when treating systems with recommended chemicals.

Supporting Reliability and Sustainability

Properly maintained and routinely monitored Direct to Chip cooling fluids help:

Preserve thermal performance at high densities
Reduce corrosion and component wear
Avoid fouling of micro‑scale cooling channels
Extend fluid service life and reduce waste

Together, monitoring these fluids through laboratory testing supports proactive maintenance strategies that improve system uptime and reduce environmental impact. POLARIS Laboratories® provides testing and analysis of cooling fluids and backup power – helping data center operators monitor fluid condition, detect degradation early, and maintain reliable, efficient liquid‑cooled infrastructure.

Published April 15, 2026

Supporting Sustainable Operations: Minimizing Waste & Maximizing Impact

Environmental responsibility and sustainability is integrated into how we operate all of our global laboratories every day. From how samples are tested and stored to how materials are recovered and recycled, our laboratory processes are intentionally designed to minimize waste, conserve resources, and support sustainability. At the same time, our testing and analysis insights help customers extend equipment life and reduce unnecessary energy and material consumption.

A Testing Process Designed to Minimize Waste

Our fluid testing workflow is built to ensure responsible use of materials at every stage. Each sample received in our laboratories follows a carefully controlled lifecycle designed to maximize value while lowering its environmental impact.

Once a sample is received, testing and data analysis is completed timely and results are shared with the customer. Fluid samples are then stored for 30 days, allowing for additional verification or follow‑up testing if needed. After this holding period, remaining fluids are disposed of through designated waste streams and prepared for proper recycling.

Then, certified third‑party collection firms remove fluids from our facilities, ensuring safe handling and regulatory compliance. These recovered fluids are recycled into non‑virgin products, including asphalt, and in some cases processed into high‑purity Group II+ base oil or diesel fuel additives. This closed‑loop approach keeps valuable resources in use and out of landfills.

To support sustainability beyond the laboratory, testing kits are shipped to customers in recyclable packaging. We lower material use and support a sustainable supply chain through re-usable, returnable vendor packaging

Measurable Environmental Impact

Our commitment to sustainability yields real, measurable results:

118,000+ pounds of waste recycled annually, keeping hazardous materials out of landfills
15,000+ gallons of oil recycled annually through responsible fluid recovery
2+ tons of cardboard saved each year by reducing single‑use packaging
180+ trees saved per year through responsible recycling

These results represent ongoing progress toward reducing waste across our operations while helping customers move closer to their own sustainability goals.

Extending Equipment Life = Reducing Environmental Impact

Environmental responsibility goes beyond recycling; it also means using resources more efficiently. Through delivering accurate, reliable and timely fluid analysis results powered by data‑driven insights, we help customers optimize oil drain intervals, reduce unnecessary fluid changes, and avoid premature component failures.

For maintenance activities, longer equipment life =less oil consumption, fewer replacements, reduced energy use, and lower emissions. By optimizing maintenance decisions, customers not only improve reliability and cost control but also lower their overall environmental footprint.

At POLARIS Laboratories®, virtually all materials used during the testing process—including samples, packaging, and laboratory supplies—are recycled. By combining responsible laboratory practices with intelligent maintenance insights, we are proud to support a more sustainable future for our customers and the industries we serve.

Published March 31, 2026

Turbidity Testing for Data Center Cooling Fluids

POLARIS Laboratories® has expanded its testing capabilities with the addition of turbidity analysis—an important diagnostic tool for maintaining the health and performance of aqueous cooling systems in data center environments.

Turbidity testing measures the clarity of a fluid, providing a highly sensitive indication of contamination that may not yet be visible through traditional inspection or standard testing methods. Reported in Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), this test detects suspended particles that can contribute to fouling, reduced heat transfer efficiency, or system reliability concerns. With a detection range from <0.01 NTU up to 600 NTU, turbidity will offer precise insight into even minimal changes in fluid condition.

When Will Turbidity Testing Apply?
Turbidity testing is specifically available for data center cooling fluids. It is most valuable when confirming suspected contamination in aqueous systems; particularly when cloudiness, filtration challenges, or performance concerns arise.

Applicable Sample Types
This test applies exclusively to aqueous fluids, such as those used in data center cooling systems. Submitting the correct sample type will ensure accurate and meaningful results.

Test Availability
Because of its specialized application, turbidity testing is offered as a standalone test and can be requested when conditions warrant additional investigation into fluid clarity and contamination.

Reporting & Results
Test results will be clearly reported in NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), making it easy to interpret and trend over time. This quantitative measurement will help identify changes in fluid cleanliness and support proactive maintenance decisions.

Published March 24, 2026

Strengthening Fluid Analysis Through ASTM Engagement

Highlights from the ASTM D02 Committee Meeting

POLARIS Laboratories® recently participated in the ASTM International Committee D02 meeting on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants in Houston, Texas December 7-11, 2025. Our technical team attended multiple subcommittee sessions focused on petroleum test methods and condition monitoring.

As a laboratory organization that performs a broad range of ASTM methods daily, active participation in ASTM is essential. Engagement at this level ensures our testing practices remain aligned with evolving standards while reinforcing our commitment to accuracy and consistency for our customers.

Key Technical Discussions Across D02

Several working groups met throughout the week, covering both established and emerging test methods related to titration, elemental analysis and water separation.

Within the titration group, discussions included methods outside POLARIS Laboratories’ primary scope of offered testing, but a key takeaway was confirmation that titration electrodes typically have a lifespan of three to six months—highlighting the importance of proactive instrument maintenance to preserve data quality.

The elemental analysis group focused largely on the development of an ICP-MS method for gasoline testing. No changes were proposed to elemental methods currently used in POLARIS Laboratories®.

In the turbine subcommittee, members reviewed a proposed automated Water Separation test method. Discussion centered on resolving negative ballot comments and ensuring the method’s reliability before broader adoption.

Condition Monitoring Focus: Subcommittee D02.96

Subcommittee D02.96, dedicated to condition monitoring and in-service fluid analysis, provided the most relevant updates for our laboratories and reliability-focused programs.

One major topic was a new solvent-less viscometer method. The committee is actively addressing technical challenges in the current draft to improve clarity and repeatability across laboratories.

Proficiency testing results were also reviewed, reinforcing the role of interlaboratory data in validating method performance and identifying areas for improvement.

The committee discussed the potential withdrawal of the Particle Quantifier (PQ) method due to the need for an updated interlaboratory study. This discussion aligns with broader industry movement toward more quantitative and repeatable ferrous debris measurement techniques. POLARIS Laboratories® switched from PQ to FerroQ in September of this year, check out the blog here: Detect Equipment Wear Sooner with Ferrous Debris Analysis.

Advances in FTIR and Analytical Methods

The group reviewed preliminary precision statements for new FTIR methods designed to detect water and glycol contamination. As expected, variations in lubricant formulations limit the effectiveness of a single calibration model. However, trending absorbance data was confirmed as a reliable and effective approach for condition monitoring applications.

In addition, the committee reviewed upcoming interlaboratory studies aimed at establishing repeatability and reproducibility for dilution-based particle counting, fuel dilution testing, and headspace glycol analysis by gas chromatography.

Our Commitment to Standards and Continuous Improvement

POLARIS Laboratories®’ continued involvement in ASTM D02 reflects our commitment to advancing fluid analysis standards and supporting smarter, data-driven maintenance decisions. Participating in method development, proficiency testing review, and interlaboratory studies ensures our laboratories remain current, consistent, and aligned with best practices.

Through active ASTM engagement, we continue to invest in education, collaboration, and innovation; strengthening our testing capabilities and delivering reliable results that support equipment reliability.

Published December 23, 2025

Seeing the Unseen: Advancing Microscope Wear Analysis

At POLARIS Laboratories®, precision and innovation drive everything we do, especially when it comes to helping customers understand what’s happening inside their equipment. We’ve recently expanded our analysis capabilities with the addition of the Olympus DSX1000 Digital Microscope, a powerful tool that enhances our ability to detect, analyze, and document wear debris consistently across all our global laboratories – something you won’t get with other laboratories.

Elevating Microscopic Analysis Capabilities

The Olympus DSX1000 delivers unmatched magnification, clarity, and automation, allowing our data analysts and reliability experts to visualize the smallest wear particles with extraordinary detail. With up to 9,637x magnification, this technology captures what traditional microscopes can miss and gives customers a more complete picture of component wear and overall fluid cleanliness.

The advanced microscope allows for consistent, high-resolution imaging across every sample we test and analyze. This automation not only speeds up analysis time but also ensures repeatability and accuracy, both critical factors when trending wear patterns or investigating abnormal test results.

Connected Technology & Global Consistency

Thanks to its PRECiV unified imaging software, the DSX1000 seamlessly connects every POLARIS Laboratories® location worldwide. Samples can be scanned with the microscope at our headquarters laboratory in Indianapolis and reviewed and interpreted by reliability analysts at any of our seven global laboratories. This feature enables remote collaboration, faster training, and a consistent interpretation of results across the globe.

This connectivity also supports global standardization in testing methods like Analytical Ferrography, Micropatch, and Photomicrograph Analysis. Customers benefit from the same advanced imaging, precision, and reliability, no matter which lab processes their samples.

Beyond the Numbers: Telling the Story

While fluid analysis provides the data, microscopic analysis tells the story. The DSX1000’s multiple observation modes, like Brightfield, Oblique, Darkfield, Mixed, and Polarization, help analysts reviewing the images distinguish between particle types, identify ferrous wear, and investigate sources and failure modes. This level of detail allows for more accurate root cause analysis (RCA), helping customers make confident maintenance decisions based on clear, visual evidence.

The result? Earlier detection of wear, more reliable diagnostics, and greater confidence in making critical decisions.

Raising the Bar for Reliability

By integrating this advanced microscope technology into our global operations, POLARIS Laboratories® continues to lead the industry in delivering data you can trust and insights you can act on. The DSX1000 doesn’t just enhance our testing capabilities, it strengthens the connection between the laboratory and your maintenance team, helping you protect assets, extend component life, and improve overall equipment reliability.

Published November 13, 2025

Detect Equipment Wear Sooner with Ferrous Debris Analysis

In the world of heavy-duty equipment, small issues can quickly become big problems. A worn bearing or damaged gear doesn’t just cause mechanical headaches , it can lead to costly downtime, safety risks, and unexpected repairs. That’s why early detection of wear is one of the most valuable tools in any maintenance strategy.

One of the most effective ways to spot wear early is through ferrous debris analysis. This is a key part of fluid testing that helps you understand what’s happening inside your equipment long before performance declines.

What is Ferrous Debris?

Ferrous debris refers to the tiny metal particles (typically iron and steel) that are generated when internal components begin to wear. These particles are carried in the lubricant and can tell a detailed story about what’s happening inside an engine, gearbox, or hydraulic system.

While some wear is normal, a sharp increase in ferrous debris is often one of the first signs that something is going wrong. Identifying these particles early helps maintenance teams take corrective action before the wear turns into failure.

Why Testing Matters

Routine oil analysis provides an overview of fluid health and contamination, but ferrous debris testing focuses specifically on wear; the earliest and most direct indicator of mechanical distress. By trending ferrous data over time, maintenance professionals can spot abnormal wear patterns and schedule repairs before they become emergencies.

The Next Generation of Wear Detection: FerroQ

Traditionally, laboratories have used Particle Quantifier (PQ) testing to measure the amount of ferrous material in a lubricant sample. While effective, PQ testing can have limitations when dealing with complex samples or heavy contamination.

That’s why POLARIS Laboratories® has implemented the FerroQ method across all laboratory locations. FerroQ is an advanced approach to ferrous debris analysis that delivers more accurate, consistent, and repeatable results — giving you a clearer picture of equipment condition. Learn more about the switch here.

With FerroQ, you get:

Improved precision for detecting even small changes in wear levels
Faster, more reliable trending for better long-term insight
Consistent results across all POLARIS Laboratories® locations

This consistency ensures that wherever you send your samples, you’ll receive the same high-quality data, making it easier to monitor trends and take action with confidence.

Turning Insight into Action

Ferrous debris analysis doesn’t just measure metal content — it helps identify the type of wear occurring. When combined with techniques like Analytical Ferrography, maintenance teams can determine whether particles are from normal rubbing, cutting wear, or fatigue failure.

This level of insight allows you to move from reactive maintenance to a truly proactive, data-driven approach — extending equipment life, improving reliability, and maximizing return on investment.

The Bottom Line

When every hour of uptime matters, early detection makes all the difference. With advanced ferrous debris testing like FerroQ, you can identify wear before it becomes damage — keeping your equipment running stronger, longer.

Ready to detect wear sooner? Contact us today!

Published October 24, 2025

Get More from Your Lubricants: How Oil Analysis Can Optimize Drain Intervals

In today’s market, lubricant supply challenges are pushing maintenance teams to rethink how they manage oil drain intervals. From additive shortages and rising demand to logistical delays, getting the lubricant you need when you need it isn’t as easy as it used to be.

How can you get the most of the lubricants?

The answer lies in oil analysis.

Routine oil analysis is a powerful tool for extending and optimizing drain intervals without risking equipment reliability. Instead of relying solely on preventive maintenance (PM) schedules or disposing of used oil without checking its remaining life, consider switching to a condition-based monitoring (CBM) strategy. With CBM, sample results guide your maintenance actions, allowing you to safely push drain intervals further while monitoring for wear, contamination and fluid health.

Lubricants can often be safely used beyond OEM-recommended intervals, but only when supported by testing and analysis. A routine fluid analysis program evaluates the oil’s physical properties, identifies signs of wear and determines if the fluid can still perform effectively. POLARIS Laboratories® offers customers an Extended Drain Comments Program where our team of support analysts help you determine how to reach optimal lubricant usage.

At a time when it’s needed the most, oil analysis can reduce costs, minimize waste and lower maintenance spend.

For more insight into optimizing drain intervals and getting more from your lubricants, check out this infographic:

Contact your Account Manager or Customer Experience (service@eoilreports.com) to learn more about participating in the Extended Drains Program at POLARIS Laboratories®.