With all the choices in oil analysis today, there can be much confusion about which testing is best for a maintenance program. Routine testing can be broken down into two main categories, basic and advanced testing. Basic testing can provide information about the condition of the equipment as it relates to wear and contamination. This can prevent small issues from turning into major failures (saving real dollars).
POLARIS Laboratories® has shaken up how we perform particle count testing at our U.S. location, and I’m excited about the improvements we’ve seen so far. In order to continue providing customers with top-notch oil analysis service, we switched from using the ISO 11500 test method to ASTM D7647 utilizing a solvent dilution test method.
There is nothing wrong with the equipment performing the ISO 11500 test methods, but we relied on pore blockage testing – an alternative particle count test – for dark samples or water-soluble fluids.
A few years ago, the manufacturer ceased supporting our pore blockage instruments. The effort to maintain the ageing equipment continued to rise, and POLARIS Laboratories® faced the choice of simply replacing the units or consolidating particle count and pore blockage testing into one instrument. We concluded the latter would be better for our internal processes at the same time it improved the service we provide customers.
By setting aside the good to accomplish the great, we knew we would face difficulties that always accompany change. First of all, it meant only the U.S.-based instruments would be replaced, leaving our labs in Edmonton, Guatemala City, and Poznan running ISO 11500 on the current units. While we now have plenty of spare parts for those units, we need to maintain two different test methods until we’re ready to switch over the rest of the locations.
It took about a year to validate the instrument’s capabilities, demonstrate the new method would match or outperform the current process, and organize the laboratories for the change. All of the preparation allows us to be confident we can switch to ASTM D7647 and provide a higher quality test results without a service interruption.
But changing test methods will benefit customers as well. The ISO 11500 test method results sometimes included water and soft, non-damaging particles (such as varnishes and long-chain additives) along with the hard particles that pose a danger to equipment longevity. The solvents we are using in ASTM D7647 allow the results to better represent the particle count of fluid under those conditions. Customers currently receiving pore blockage testing should see a mild shift in particle count results as a result of the new method.
To learn more about the different particle count test methods, the ISO cleanliness code, and how particle count tests results help you extend equipment life, explore our particle count technical bulletins or contact our data analysis team.
Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.
You’ve heard about sample submission. You’ve heard about how easy the process is and how quickly your samples will make it out to the lab once logged into the system. But do you understand how easy the process is to setup online submission? There are a few steps you must take prior to submitting your sample.
Use the tips below to help get ready for your online submissions!
Equipment Information
Have we tested this piece of equipment before? If not, does the equipment component exist under your account already? If we haven’t tested it before and the equipment does not already exist, then just click on the “Equipment Management” tab in HORIZON® and click on “Add Equipment”.
For equipment that already exists under your account but needs updates such as component manufacturer/model or lubricant information – click on your “Equipment Management” tab and then click on “Edit Equipment”. This will allow you to edit any piece of equipment under your account.
Do you know the difference between component time and lube time? The component time is the total number of miles or hours on your equipment. The lube time is the amount of miles or hours since you last changed the fluid.
Kit Information
Remember, coolants, oils, and diesel fuels have their own kits tied to their specific testing. If the correct kit isn’t used during the online submission process, the sample will be placed in a hold status until a bar code from a correct kit is used. For example, when you are submitting a sample for your coolant component but use an oil testing kit – that sample won’t be able to be processed when it arrives at the lab.
Account Information
If you have access to multiple accounts online, it is important to make sure the account on your paperwork matches the account your equipment is registered under. You can find the first part of your account number on your paperwork.
Once you have gone through the checklist above, you and your sample are ready for the online sample submission process! To learn more about online sample submission, contact us at custserv@eoilreports.com.
Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.
Managing your fluid analysis program is simple. At least it should be. If you struggle to ensure your fluid analysis program meets your maintenance goals, check out these seven steps. I guarantee, it will make a world of a difference.
Set attainable program goals
Take a moment to set your goals. Then, review your current maintenance practices and strategies to determine if they will help you accomplish your goals.
Identify the resources you need to sufficiently run the program
Resources play an important role in program success. Another factor is the size of your program. This will impact the personnel and resources needed to reach your goals.
Build the appropriate equipment lists
Equipment list information should be sent to your laboratory before samples are submitted for processing.
Determine sampling intervals
Although an equipment manufacturer’s recommendations provide a good starting point for developing preventive maintenance practices, sampling intervals should be based on various factors.
Take an active role in minimizing sample turnaround time
Don’t compromise the value of your fluid analysis results and the laboratory’s maintenance recommendations with unnecessary delays in turnaround time.
Report key results to management
When reviewing your most critical information, consider what management needs to know most – and share the results with them. The size of your operation and your goals and resources will dictate the best and most efficient metrics to share with management.
Select a laboratory that will help you every step of the way
To realize the true value that an effective fluid analysis program can have on your overall business performance, you need to select the right partner.
To learn more, read this article about what makes a successful fluid analysis program or contact us a custservice@eoilreports.com.
Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.
Flashback to 1988 when “Rain Man” first appeared on the silver screen and Ronald Reagan was serving his last full year as president. I was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Germany in an air defense unit. At that time, I held the rank of sergeant with a military occupation specialty (MOS) of 63Y20, Track Vehicle Mechanic.
The two images below are forms DA 1045, the official form used if you wanted to suggest any changes to the Department of the Army. I filled out and submitted these forms in March of 1988 with a suggestion that the army change their maintenance practice on M163A1 and M163A2 Vulcan Air Defense Guns.
The M163 series included 20mm Gatling Cannons mounted on the very popular M113 series armored personnel carriers. The maintenance practice at the time was to replace the oil and filters in the engine, transmission and all gear boxes on a 90 day interval, without consideration for hours on the oil. This time based interval of 90 days seemed to be a potential waste of lubricants, filters, labor and the added burden of waste disposal.
My suggestion was simple, rely on oil analysis results to determine the proper oil drain interval. We were already using the Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP) to monitor the condition of components, why not use it to monitor the condition of the oil?
Since I submitted those reports, the industry has proceeded to evolve and, for many, using oil analysis to optimize drain intervals is now a common practice. Advances in technology have made handwritten reports, such as these, a thing of the past. I can only imagine how much easier my job would have been had I access to all of the tools available today.
If you’re interested in learning more about my experiences or how to optimize drain intervals by using oil analysis, feel free to email me at rclark@polarislabs.com or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.
The New Year is here and we can’t keep a lid on our excitement. As our holiday gift to you, we are providing a new sampling jar to our customers. While the bottle itself is not bigger, it is certainly better.
Keeping your concerns in mind, we’ve selected a bottle that is better equipped for sampling. Whether you have issues with leaks or are concerned about sample bottle cleanliness, this bottle is made for you.
What makes this bottle better?
If you have any questions about this change, contact us at custserv@eoilreports.com. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the new bottles!
One more thing…
Happy New Year from POLARIS Laboratories®!
Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.
At the root of every successful fluid analysis program is a program champion committed to success. From creating a project plan to assembling a sampling team, there are a number of actions maintenance professionals can take to maximize the value sampling provides.
A global leader in providing temperature control, temporary power generation and compressed air systems already had a robust maintenance program, but they decided to explore fluid analysis as a way to reduce downtime and costs.
With the leadership of their program champion, they developed into a reliability program saving between $750,000 to $2 million each year using fluid analysis. By documenting their process and program success, the team proved their value to their leadership team ten times over.
The success of a fluid analysis program is usually measured by the amount of money or number of assets saved. However, program success can also be measured through an organization’s compliance.
A global lubricant manufacturer partnered with POLARIS Laboratories® to provide oil analysis to their customers with the goal of ensuring product quality. Determined to prove their commitment to their customer’s success, the manufacturer hired business consultants to help showcase the value of their product and extend drain intervals using oil analysis. Providing this free service helped the company build long-term relationships with their customers based on mutual trust.
Are you seeing dark spots on your scanned sample paperwork? Was your sample not run because there was not enough fluid? These are both signs your sample may have leaked in transit. Lucky for you, there are a few simple actions you can take to both prevent samples from leaking and improve your testing experience.
The following questions can help you determine the cause of your sample leaks and help you make improvements.
Are you checking to see if your bottle cap is secure before sending?
When samples are filled with a hot fluid and the lid is secured, the bottle will expand from the heat. Once it has cooled, your cap may no longer be tightly secure. Before you place your sample in the mailer, check to see if each lid is tightly closed. This will help prevent both damaged paperwork and fluid loss.
Are you submitting your samples online via HORIZON®?
If you are using a paper copy of the sample submission form to submit your sample, a leaky bottle can spill on the paper, resulting in hard to read paperwork and processing errors. Using online or mobile sample submission can help you avoid this issue and ensure your sample information is readable by the POLARIS Laboratories® team.
Are you only submitting paper forms?
If you choose to submit your samples with a paper form, instead of HORIZON, it is especially important your bottles are cool and caps are secure. This can protect your paperwork from a leak, ensuring your samples are processed efficiently and accurately. When submitting the paper form, be sure to take advantage of the pocket on the outside of the envelope mailer.
Are you properly packing your paperwork?
The most effective way of avoiding a sample leak is by taking the time to properly pack your samples for transit. Be sure to place your paperwork in the pocket on the outside of your envelope mailer. This will help ensure your paperwork is safe and dry should the sample leak. Double check your work and make sure you are carefully writing all information.
Are you unable to read scanned sample paperwork? Seeing spots?
If you are seeing dark spots on your scanned sample paperwork, your sample is most likely leaking in transit. Check with your maintenance team to verify everyone is following proper procedure when shipping samples. This includes: allowing samples to cool and double checking all sample bottle lids are tightly secured. Submitting samples online or storing your paperwork away from the sample, when placed in the mailer, can also help you prevent damaged paperwork and delayed results.
For more information on sample submission, check out my recent blog post on the Dos and Don’ts of Sample Submission.
Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.
Corporate Headquarters
7451 Winton Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268
+1.317.808.3750
Mon 7:30am thru Fri 7pm. ET
