Contamination Control After a Flood

It’s been approximately one year since Hurricane Harvey hit the gulf coast. Harvey was a once-in-a-lifetime-size storm, some of Houston and surrounding areas are still recovering and for the most part, have resumed life as usual. As we come closer to this year’s Hurricane season, it’s important to know what water contamination can mean for your equipment, and what you can do to prepare for these devastating – and unexpected – acts of nature.

What to Look For

If a flood does occur, what are some of the signs to look for on your equipment?

  • Dried mud crusted on your containers
  • High water marks above your container
  • Whether your cap lids and vents are still in place
  • Filters are saturated with water
  • Your oil is milky or cloudy
  • When you take a sample, is there free water separated?

Test ASAP to Determine Contamination

If you see any of these issues we recommend immediate testing. We offer several different testing methods that can identify water contamination:

  • The simplest and way and most often used is Water by Crackle. This is usually the quickest – but the least precise. It can indicate the need for further testing with more advanced methods.
  • Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can determine an approximate amount of oil in water.
  • Water by Karl Fischer – a measured amount of the oil sample is introduced into the titration chamber of an automated Karl Fischer Titrator. The sample is titrated to an electromagnetic endpoint. The result is reported in % water or parts per million.

Click here to see a complete list of the tests and services POLARIS Laboratories® offers.

Moisture, when it contaminates hydraulic and lubricating oils, has a degrading effect to both the lubricant and the machine. Free or emulsified water can lead to excessive wear and can destroy bearings and effect the aging rate of your oil. When in doubt, it’s best to test right away to prevent further damage to your equipment.

It’s also important to continuously test your oil – to establish consistent sample history and to begin creating a baseline for your equipment. In an event a hurricane or unexpected disaster does occur, you’ll be able to tell if your oil has been contaminated or not.

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Published July 17, 2018

Extended Life Coolant: Why You Should Monitor Your Corrosion Inhibitors

Extended Life Coolant formulations contain organic acid inhibitors for corrosion protection similar to how conventional formulations use inorganic inhibitors. With extended life coolants becoming more popular testing, the organic acid inhibitors can be trickier in the field and require additional testing in the laboratory than what the conventional formulation would have used. For conventional formulations, monitoring nitrite and/or molybdenum was the main way to determine if corrosion protection levels were adequate or not. Now with all different possible organic inhibitors used in extended life coolants, the fluid may or may not contain inorganic inhibitors, nitrite and/or molybdenum, with the addition of organic inhibitors. Some may contain only organic inhibitors in the formulation.

Organic Acid Inhibitors

Not all extended life coolants are applicable for testing on all test strips used to determine organic levels. The test strip testing may only work on certain organic formulations because the strip is looking for a certain organic acid(s) present which may or may not be present in the formulation in use. Some of the more common organic acid inhibitors found are Benzoic Acid, Sebacic Acid and 2-Ethylhexanoic Acid for iron and aluminum protection. Azoles that are commonly used are Benzotriazole (BZT), Tolyltriazole (TTZ) and Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) for copper and brass protection. Coolant manufacturers might not use all of these inhibitors in their formulations which is why laboratory testing is beneficial in determining the type of inhibitors present in the coolant formulation.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

In the laboratory, the only testing that can report in parts per million the organic acids (carboxylic acids) is with the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) testing. The HPLC will report the organic acids present in the formulation and determine if the levels are adequate for corrosion protection. The testing can indicate if mixing of coolant formulation has occurred as well. To determine if mixing occurred, make sure the laboratory testing will include the testing of both the inorganic and organic inhibitors when submitted to the laboratory. If the coolant formulation is unknown it is important to include testing for both inorganic and organic inhibitors as well. If mixing did occur already, then testing will show the current level of inhibitors and help determine if levels are adequate for corrosion protection. Receiving testing that includes identification of all types of inhibitors will be the only way to help determine the type of inhibitors present currently in the system and how to maintain the fluid.

Why Add HPLC to Your Program?

Adding this testing to your current test package will help to indicate if someone has topped off with a different coolant formulation which can cause dilution of the organic acids that protect the metal in your engine or if the current fluid inhibitors are still adequate for corrosion protection. If the organic acid inhibitors are low cavitation, pitting and premature failure can occur. Overall, HPLC testing will help to ensure you achieve longevity with your Extended Life Coolant and engine. The Technical Bulletin, Benefits Gained from High Performance Liquid Chromatography Testing, will provide additional information on the benefits of HPLC testing and explain how the HPLC instrument operates.   

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Published July 10, 2018

Are You Using the Right Test Package?

POLARIS Laboratories® offers a wide range of fluid analysis test packages and choosing the right ones for your equipment can be difficult (especially if you’re new to fluid analysis). The most common mistake is believing basic testing is a good starting point for all programs. Basic tests for testing your oil, coolant and diesel fuel are clearly much better than changing oil at set intervals and then fixing problems after the equipment breaks down. However, it can only provide limited maintenance recommendations. So, how do you know what test packages are best for your program?

What are the Goals?

A good place to start is going back to the goals of your program that were established when you started your fluid analysis program. For example, if your goal is to optimize drain intervals of diesel engines, you need to monitor trends on when oil properties break down and can’t protect the equipment adequately. Basic testing doesn’t provide the necessary testing (oxidation/nitration and base number) to gather the data for you to make an informed decision based on the results of a basic test. It’s important to re-visit the goals of your fluid analysis program before you approach test package options and this will allow you to determine whether you need basic or advanced testing.

An Example: Karl Fisher vs. Crackle

Some test packages seem to cover the same areas, but the more expensive the test is, doesn’t necessarily mean it will provide better recommendations. For example, the Karl Fisher test runs at a higher price than the crackle method, both tests measure the water concentration, but your equipment, fluid type and how the equipment is being used affects what test should be performed.

Crackle is only an estimate of the water content while Karl Fisher will accurately measure the water content and report it in percent or parts per million. Engine oils are designed to hold a certain amount of water, so it takes a high concentration to affect the system. Crackle testing is adequate for this purpose, while Karl Fischer testing is a bit of an overkill.

On the other hand, the fluid in a hydraulic or turbine system isn’t designed to absorb nearly as much water as engine oil. In addition, the concentration where water begins to damage those systems is below the detection limit of a crackle test. In this case, Karl Fisher testing is necessary to identify when the equipment is at risk.

Choosing a Test Package

When choosing your fluid test package, keep the big picture in mind – the real savings come from preventing breakdowns, optimizing fluid drains and extending the useful life of equipment. As long as your testing provides data and recommendations that support those goals, you’re on the right track. Click here to download the complete testing list of tests provided by POLARIS Laboratories®.

If you want to discuss your current fluid analysis program or discuss the test packages options available, contact your account manager or email custserv@eoilreports.com.

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Published June 28, 2018

Summer Heat Got You Down?

Cooling systems are already burdened with high operating temperatures, and summertime heat can take its toll on your equipment. In order to continuously improve your system’s life and maintain effectiveness, proper cooling system maintenance is vital.

So, what can you do to monitor and identify overheating issues that can lead to catastrophic failure, loss of productivity and a decrease in ROI? Routinely test your coolant – especially during the hot summer months. Read more in our technical bulletin.

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Published June 12, 2018

ISO/IEC 17025: What Does it Mean to You?

In this day and age there are many internationally recognized quality standards. One of the most common is ISO 9001, used predominantly in the production industries. This standard primarily addresses management, corrective and preventive polices and procurement. I’m sure you’ve heard of ISO/IEC 17025 in relation to laboratory quality standards and accreditation. These requirements were developed from the ISO 9001 – with a specific focus on laboratory functions.

What is ISO/IEC 17025?

ISO/IEC 17025 specifies requirements for the competency of the entity to carry out tests and/or calibrations, including sampling. It covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, non-standard methods and laboratory-developed methods. It ensures accredited laboratories are able to demonstrate that they are technically proficient and that the data produced is both accurate and precise. While it is a voluntary requirement, the accreditation requirements are reviewed by third-parties to ensure that the laboratory’s quality management system is thoroughly evaluated to guarantee continued technical competency and compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.

Laboratory accreditation bodies use the ISO 17025 standard specifically to assess factors relevant to a laboratory’s ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data. This includes:

  • Traceability of measurements and calibrations to both national and international standards
  • Technical competence of laboratory staff
  • Test equipment maintenance
  • Quality assurance of test and calibration data
  • Validity and appropriateness of test methods
  • Appropriate handling and transportation of test items

Accreditation bodies regularly re-assess laboratories that are under the ISO/IEC 17025 for continued compliance to the standard. Furthermore, laboratories are required to participate in regular proficiency testing programs, to demonstrate their ongoing competence to perform the testing.

So, what does all of this mean to you, the customer?

Whether you are a current customer or are looking to begin fluid analysis testing with a laboratory, selecting an ISO/IEC-accredited laboratory helps you:

  • Minimize risk – an important component of the ISO 9001 quality standard.
  • Ensure you are choosing a technically-competent laboratory.
  • Gain peace of mind that the laboratory a has sound, proficient quality system in place.
  • Be confident the laboratory has had its systems and processes evaluated by an independent third party.

As an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory, POLARIS Laboratories® demonstrates a proven track record of having a robust and effective quality system to ensure that you, the customer, can expect accurate and reliable sample data and technically-sound maintenance recommendations. Learn more about POLARIS Laboratories’ commitment to quality performance and our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

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Published June 4, 2018

Creating Customer Value with Lean

As a leading fluid analysis laboratory – we strive to meet our customers needs and exceed their expectations. Our fluid analysis laboratories operate under Lean principles – maximizing customer value while minimizing waste. Simply put, this means we create more value using fewer resources. The Lean ideas, principles and standards were originally created by Toyota to eliminate waste and inefficiency in its manufacturing operations. The process became so successful that it has been embraced in manufacturing sectors around the world – POLARIS Laboratories® included. We fully embrace and operate under Lean principles in all six of our laboratory locations.

So, how do we ensure our laboratory is operating efficiently and effectively through these principles? Some of the practices, standards and initiatives we have implemented to support a Lean laboratory environment are below.

Efficient work flow, standard work and performance management:

  • No walls or separation of testing areas – this promotes flexible operations and the sharing of workloads and resources.
  • Visualization of workloads at each test station.
  • Workplace design – this allows the combination of tests to create balanced, productive technician workloads and standard work while reducing waste of motion and energy.
  • Visual management of laboratory performance (for example, TV monitors display current work performance and performance over time. These metrics are monitored and reviewed daily).

Effective use of staff time and minimizing waste of motion:

  • Adjacent and accessible conference and huddle rooms that encourage collaboration.
  • Areas dedicated specifically to write-ups, reviews and approvals provides timely documentation.
  • Laboratory test stations are in close proximity to sample processing, ensuring a quick transfer of samples from receipt to testing stations.
  • Central location of parts and consumables near test stations.

Maximize future configurability:

  • The building’s HVAC and electrical systems are set up in a grid system – allowing stations to be moved easily if necessary.
  • Test stations equipped with wheels allow for quick and easy reconfiguration.

Lean behaviors and communication:

  • Glass walls between support staff and operation staff offers an open-office feel.
  • Laboratories are equipped with Process Improvement Boards throughout.

Support workplace organization and “5S”:

5S goes hand-in-hand with Lean principles (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and improves workplace efficiency and eliminates waste.

  • All laboratory workstations are identified with labels for designated supplies.
  • Easily identifiable color-coded sample trays provide effective sample management, processing and testing.
  • Workstations equipped with 5S checklist – which is reviewed and approved daily.
  • Designated storage and organization throughout the laboratory.

By ensuring our laboratory facilities, staff and testing stations align with Lean principles, we continue to provide maximum value to our customers – saving time and money – and more of their equipment.

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Published May 29, 2018

3 Ways to Achieve Program Success

Oil analysis will not and should not replace good, everyday maintenance practices. If used properly, oil analysis becomes a valuable diagnostic tool that can reduce maintenance costs, increase productivity and boost company profits. When used in conjunction with diagnostic tools such as vibration analysis, ultra sound and thermography, oil analysis can detect a variety of problems before they become failures. This gives users the valuable time necessary to make decisive, well-informed maintenance decisions. But often times, this is easier said than done. I’ve outlined a few ways to help your program be successful and reach its full potential:

  1. Set Realistic Goals

    • Set productive, attainable goals by which you can measure the success of your program and examine your current maintenance program.
      • What is your maintenance strategy and what, if anything, does it accomplish?
      • How do you measure that accomplishment?
    • Do you want to:
      • Monitor the condition of the lubricant?
      • Monitor the condition of the equipment?
      • Monitor the condition of the lubricant and the equipment?
      • Monitor system cleanliness?
      • Monitor contamination and wear?
      • Adopt a proactive maintenance strategy vs. a reactive one?
      • Extend oil drain intervals?
      • Reduce downtime?
      • Prevent/reduce failures?
      • Extend equipment life expectancy?

  2. Set Realistic Expectations

    • What would it mean to your company financially to reduce downtime by 20%? Extend drain intervals by 25%? Reduce failures by 15%? Increase equipment life by 10%? How much money could be saved by becoming proactive as opposed to reactive? Affect change in your everyday maintenance practices by performing minor maintenance as often as necessary to avoid failure and ALWAYS act immediately on critical samples.

  3. Measure Your ROI

    • Measuring the effectiveness of your oil analysis program can easily justify its cost, or ROI, to management. To do this: determine your savings in increased uptime, reductions in oil consumption, labor parts replacement and compare that to the cost of doing oil analysis. Seeing these savings can help determine if your program is successful.

Setting both realistic goals and expectations and then measuring your return on investment can help you determine if your program is maximized and functioning as it should, and allows you to re-evaluate those goals if necessary.

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Published May 22, 2018

Is Your Program Losing Momentum?

Maintaining a successful program comes with challenges

Maintenance teams jump over countless hurdles and experience numerous challenges while building an efficient predictive maintenance program. These hurdles and challenges can result in the maintenance program slowly losing it’s momentum. Below, I’ve outlined some common reasons we see that could explain why maintenance programs may not live up to their potential and be maximized fully:

  • Budget | maintenance program is the first budget to get reduced
  • Leadership Changes | executive management changes can result in new overall maintenance goals
  • Loss of Value| the company may no longer see value in their predictive maintenance program

At POLARIS Laboratories®, we strive to establish, achieve and maintain rapport with our customers and who we call Program Champions. These Program Champions are true believers in the benefits, cost savings and increasing equipment reliability resulting from an effective fluid analysis program. As an Account Manager, I see the above reasons and changes occur more frequently than you would expect. Often times, when maintenance programs lose their momentum and begin to dwindle, the entire process for establishing a Program Champion and a routine, effective fluid analysis program starts over. Although this provides a struggle for us as a partner you as a customer – we see this as an opportunity to educate the maintenance team and executive level leadership on the importance of a successful predictive maintenance program while incorporating fluid analysis.

What do you do if your predictive maintenance program loses its momentum?

There are companies that provide solutions and services – whether it be a consulting firm or equipment manufacturer – for improving maintenance programs but ultimately, the customer is responsible for implementing the solutions and maintaining them.

Below are some practical ways to keep your predictive maintenance program from losing momentum – by utilizing existing resources.

  1. Establish a Program Champion who sees the value in improving equipment reliability who can train the maintenance team to maximize and execute the program.
  2. Keep in constant communication with the fluid analysis and other service providers.
  3. Partner with a reliable, accredited fluid analysis laboratory who can help the end user monitor their equipment’s condition before it becomes critical.

Overall, it’s important to overcome these hurdles and maintain your maintenance program, it could save you both time and money in the end. And, let’s face it – can your equipment afford not to?

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
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Published May 8, 2018

From the Expert: Effects of Varnish

Varnish is a gel-like substance that adheres to metal surfaces and can cause hot spots, increase in machine temperature and can result in filter plugging, micro-dieseling and can cause catastrophic failure. It’s important to test for varnish on turbines, compressors, hydraulics and large circulation and lube systems. We’ve turned to our expert, CLS and OMA I certified Data Analyst, Elaine Hepley, to explore varnish and the Membrane Patch Colorimetry (MPC) test conducted to detect it as well as two other tests that can help identify varnish formation potential.

  • Membrane Patch Colorimetry (MPC) ASTM D7843
    • MPC is a test designed to capture any presence of varnish that is soluble with the oil. This test is performed by heating the sample to 60 to 65 degrees Celsius for 23 to 25 hours. The sample is then placed in the dark away from UV light for 68 to 76 hours. After the incubation period, the sample is mixed with Petroleum Ether and stirred for 30 seconds to allow a complete mixture and then filtered onto a 47mm, 0.45-micron-size membrane patch.
    • The patch is placed in a location free of dust and heat and air-dried for about 3 hours. Once the patch has been dried, a colorimeter is used to detect the color of the patch and the CIE Lab ΔΕ and L*a*b* calculations are used to report the color of the patch. The color and severity scale is as follows:
      • 0-14.99: Severity 0 – Very low potential for varnish formation
      • 15-19.99: Severity 1 – Minor potential for varnish formation
      • 20-29.99: Severity 2 – Moderate potential for varnish formation
      • 30-39.99: Severity 3 – Significant potential for varnish formation. Preventative measures should be taken to stop the continuous formation of varnish
      • >40: Severity 4 – Severe and evident formation of varnish in system, and action must be taken to remove varnish.
    • The lighter (whiter) the color of the patch, the lower the MPC value and the darker (amber) color of the patch, the higher the MPC value.
    • PLEASE NOTE: Gray discoloration of the patch can be attributed to micro-dieseling or static discharge in the filters.
    • MPC testing can be performed on turbines and other unit types such as compressors, hydraulics, large circulation and lube systems.
  • Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) ASTM D6971
    • LSV uses a voltage reading to detect the presence of anti-oxidants amines and phenols. The test is performed using an alcohol/acetone based solution (yellow or green) to help draw out the anti-oxidants from the oil. An electrical current is introduced to the sample and reveals the presence of amines and phenols in a matter of seconds. The results of the used oil are compared to a standard (new lubricant levels) and the differences/changes in the anti-oxidants in percentage are reported.
    • Some formulations are composed of amine, phenols or both. Phenols are considered to be the “sacrificial anti-oxidant” when formulated in conjunction with amines. The role that the phenols have is to be the first to deplete. This leaves behind amines to stabilize and keep the potential for varnish at bay.
    • That is not to say that phenols are a weak anti-oxidant. In a phenol-only formulation, the phenol is formulated to hold its presence and not deplete as rapidly when formulated with an amine. The same rule would apply to an amine-only formulation. These anti-oxidants help keep the free radical oxides from taking over the system and creating “varnish”. Anti-oxidants help sustain a healthy operational life for the equipment.
    • It has been discovered that as these anti-oxidants deplete, the potential for varnish is eminent and action should be taken to help remove the varnish from the system entirely.
  • Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxidation Test (RPVOT) ASTM D2272
    • RPVOT was designed to measure the oxidation stability of a turbine oil in minutes. The lubricant is placed in a vessel containing a polished copper coil. The vessel is charged with oxygen and then placed in a bath heated to a constant temperature of 150 °C. The vessel rotates while submerged in the bath and will stop once a drop of 25.4 psi is reached from maximum pressure.
    • When the test is complete, the RPVOT results are divided by the starting value RPVOT of the new lube to calculate the overall percentage of remaining useful life.
    • Calculation %=RVOT test result ÷ RPVOT new lube
      • Values of >55% are within the acceptable limits for the method and no action is needed.
      • Values of 55-45% are approximately half of the products starting life and sweetening is recommended.
      • Values of 44–26% indicate low oxidative stability. The possibility for sludge formation and discoloration is likely, and sweetening the sump is recommended.
      • Values of <25% is an indication the oxidative stability is extremely low and change of lubricant is advisable.
    • RPVOT testing is essential to for turbine oils this test helps determine when to schedule downtime and maintenance actions.

It is believed that as the antioxidants deplete, there is an increased potential for varnish formation. LSV Ruler testing is recommended to help monitor the antioxidant properties as well as the presence of varnish formation via MPC. As these antioxidants deplete, the presence of varnish forming can be captured on the MPC. These two tests can be used to help correlate any decreases or increases in antioxidants and monitor any changes/improvements with the presence of varnish. The same correlation can be used with RPVOT as the values decrease or are <44% the potential for varnish formation.

Click here for a complete list of testing performed by POLARIS Laboratories®

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Published May 1, 2018

8 Tips for Setting Flagging Limits

Our customers often ask us to display the condemning limits for the tests performed on their sample, on the actual sample report they receive. Believe it or not, there is a reason why we exclude the limits from the report. It’s not a simple case of we are unable to, or we do not want to. The real reason relates to the complexity of using the correct limits for each parameter, based on several pieces of equipment and application information; as well as looking at trends of historical samples from the same unit, rate of change and any other applicable information relating to the sample and component. These differentiating factors result in limits changing dynamically on a sample by sample case, dependent on this information.

When setting limits, the following information must be taken into consideration on each sample, below are some examples:

  1. Equipment Type: (e.g. hydraulic)
  2. Specific Application: (e.g. Injection Moulding Machine)
  3. Equipment Manufacturer: (e.g. ARBURG)
  4. Equipment Model: (e.g. 1120H)
  5. Industry Type: (e.g. industrial manufacturing)
  6. Filter Type: (e.g. INLINE)
  7. Filter Micron Rating: (e.g. 10 micron)
  8. Sump Capacity: (e.g. 1000 litres)

Once limits are set, it’s best not to use them exactly. If for example, the iron ppm condemning limit for a hydraulic oil sample is set at 30ppm, customers may not expect the iron result to be flagged until it exceeds 30ppm. However, if historical samples from the same unit have consistently shown iron results of less than 5ppm, and on the latest sample the results are 22ppm, this is considered an abnormal trend, and exceeds expected Rate of Change values. In this instance, the result of 22ppm would be flagged as abnormal for these reasons, but is still below the statistical condemning limit level of 30ppm. So, if we did display this limit of 30ppm on the sample report, the customer may ask why the result has been flagged at 22ppm as it is under the threshold, which would in turn lead to more confusion and questions. Another important point to note is that combinations of metals present also affect the limits used, as they may indicate abnormal wear to a specific component.

Most OEM’s will provide some form of condemning limits in their technical bulletins or operational guides, but often come with the caveat that ‘these fixed limits should only be used if the laboratory cannot provide limits based on robust statistical analysis of previous results’, which further confirms the need for an accurate statistical model to be used on all samples tested.

Click here to read more information on setting limits. 

 

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Published April 24, 2018