Blog | POLARIS Laboratories®

Employee Perspectives: Giving Thanks

While the holiday often causes us to pause and reflect on all we should be thankful for, I must say everyday I walk out of the doors of POLARIS Laboratories^® with a feeling of gratitude.

I’m grateful for our amazing customers who’ve challenged me to innovate new concepts. I’m grateful for a company who encourages me to grow both professionally and personally. I’m grateful to have a place for turning my ideas into reality. I’m grateful for a job where I always find myself learning.

Most importantly, I’m grateful that five days a week I get to spend my time working with the people that make POLARIS. We challenge each other by asking, “What can we do better?” We laugh with each other, ensuring that we never take anything too seriously. We encourage each other through long weeks and tight deadlines. And we offer each other support on those dreadful days when the coffee machine breaks down.

My heart is filled with gratitude to be a part of this amazing team – these crazy people are the best!

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Interested in Starting Your Fluid Analysis Program?

Change. Some people love it, some people hate it. It doesn’t matter what type of person you are, making the switch to a POLARIS Laboratories^® fluid analysis program is an easy change to make.

We’ve set up our onboarding process so you can easily transfer your existing program from another laboratory or even start a brand new program.

Making the switch is easy.

Phase 1:

Check to make sure the test package(s) you order will give you enough information to accomplish your goals. Make sure the tests are appropriate for all of your equipment and fluid types.
Sign and return the proposal as soon as possible.
Designate one or more staff members to oversee your fluid analysis program and mentor staff during the startup.

Phase 2:

Submit invoicing addresses, shipping addresses, account information, packaging requirements and contact information.
Fill out a spreadsheet with component information for each piece of equipment. Historical sampling data can be transferred to our system so established trending isn’t lost.

Phase 3:

Identify and train staff on accurate sampling methods. Educate team members on the use of your fluid analysis program, HORIZON^®, HORIZON Mobile and sample submission.
Order the sample jars, labels, mailing containers, tubing, pumps and valves needed to help you take samples. Activate our automatic resupply feature to never run out of consumable materials.
Establish a regular timeline to submit samples of a component and coordinate it with your PM intervals.

That’s it! Once you’ve completed these step, you’re officially a POLARIS Laboratories^® partner. If you’re ready to make the switch, feel free to contact us today.

We’ll help you put this plan into action!

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Diesel Fuel Testing: Necessary or Not?

Necessary! Absolutely necessary! Diesel fuel often develops a number of common conditions. Don’t be fooled. These issues can have a serious impact on your engine’s health, causing significant damage and sometimes even engine failure.

To learn about the common symptoms of poor diesel fuel, check out the solutions sheets below. They can tell you everything from what type of issues to look for to what kind of testing package you can use to prevent future damage.

We’ve also put together a resource you can use to determine if diesel fuel testing will provide value for your program. You can access it here. If you have any questions about the resource or diesel fuel testing, please feel free to contact us today.

We’re prepared to help you out!

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Oil Analysis 4.0: Introducing DataConnect

Introducing Oil Analysis 4.0, a new way to manage your fluid analysis! This new feature, developed by our IT and development team, automatically retrieves your latest HORIZON^® data for integration, making it easier for you to analyze the health of your equipment. We call it DataConnect.

The benefits of moving all of your information to one system are clear. Not only will it give you a better view of your maintenance program but it’ll also grant you greater flexibility so you can react quickly to your fluid analysis results. By maximizing your program’s efficiency, you’ll also be able to:

Better reach your business objectives
Increase your return on investment
Prove the value of your program to your leadership team

Using DataConnect, all of the information you need will be in one place. No more flipping from one program to the other. No more trying to connect the dots. Whether you need to analyze the status of your sample or view the testing data, you can do so in your own program.

If you’re interested in using this service:

Discuss with your IT team about how to take advantage of DataConnect with your existing systems.
Submit your request for DataConnect by emailing custserv@eoilreports.com. Please include your IT contact so we can provide them with the details.
Our IT department will then provide information about connecting your system to DataConnect.

Our IT and development team is constantly working to improve your user experience by adding innovative new functionality to HORIZON. If you have any questions about how Oil Analysis 4.0 impacts your business, please feel free to contact us at custserv@eoilreports.com.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Are You Testing for Particle Contamination?

The most common cause of equipment failure is particle contamination. This includes external contaminants, such as dirt or sand, as well as the microscopic pieces of metal generated during equipment operation. Elemental analysis (usually performed by an ICP) can quantify the concentration of contamination, but other typical oil analysis testing can provide additional information.

Further testing can investigate the size and shape of the particles to help maintenance personnel discover the source of the contamination and assess the damage to the component. Particle count, particle quantifier, filter debris analysis, micropatch and analytical ferrography tests each take a slightly different approach to this task, and each have their own limitations.

Thankfully, not every test is needed in every circumstance. Recommended tests vary based on type of equipment, equipment criticality, and operating cycles. POLARIS Laboratories® employees will always be willing to help you choose the best, most cost effective testing for your application.

This technical bulletin explains the different particle count tests available in the market today and their limits in testing used oil. Quantifying particles can be done with multiple techniques as well. Filter debris analysis can evaluate the cause of filter plugging or unexpected breakdown.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Published October 31, 2016

The Mystery of the Four Silent Killers

Shipping Samples: How to Avoid Leaking Bottles

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.

Building a Partnership

building-a-partnership
At POLARIS Laboratories^® our goal is to work with you to build a healthy and successful fluid analysis program. We do this by viewing our business relationships as partnerships, not transactions. While we supply fluid analysis testing, our main objective is to help you and your business’s maintenance program succeed.

We support this objective by providing our partners with all of the tools, resources and support they need to build a profitable program. Like all partnerships, this relationship has to go both ways. While POLARIS Laboratories^® HORIZON^® management tool can provide insights into your program health, it is the role of the customer to run the reports and act upon any abnormalities.

The greatest tool we offer is our account managers. More likely than not, you’ve communicated with your account manager about your program sometime in the last month. These individuals are prepared to help you make pivotal decisions about your program structure and testing. Communicating with these knowledgeable individuals is an essential part of building a successful partnership.

Another way we build partnerships is through our private label programs. These relationships help us support our customer’s programs, giving them the confidence of knowing their own client’s analysis will be done at the highest level of quality.

If you’re interested in building a partnership with POLARIS Laboratories^® or have any questions about how we can help you improve your already existing program, please feel free to contact us.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Diesel Fuel: Identifying Fuel Filter Plugging

fuel-filter
It’s Monday morning, you walk into work and…

1. Your dump truck is down for the count. You spend the rest of the day trying to determine the cause of the issue.

2. You receive your fluid analysis report and realize your dump truck has high particle counts. You schedule downtime for Wednesday to replace the fuel filter.

Which option sounds most appealing? Managing downtime caused by a plugged fuel filter is easy. It all comes down to testing your diesel fuel.

Plugged fuel filters are a fairly common issue to have. Fuel filters are used to remove contaminants from diesel fuel systems. The filter acts as a shield against contaminants, blocking them from entering expensive equipment and causing significant damage. When a filter is plugged it means contaminants such as fungus, bacteria, asphaltenes, and sediments have entered your diesel fuel and latched onto the filter.

A plugged filter can cause a number of issues including insufficient cold weather capability and downtime. Since neither of these problems are fun to manage, determining if your filter is plugged is essential.

We offer a variety of test packages to help you identify what is happening with your diesel fuel including: particle count, pour point, cloud point, thermal stability, and bacteria, fungi and mold.

If you are a current customer interested in testing your diesel fuel, please feel free to email us at custserv@eoilreports.com. If you are a new customer who would like to start a program, fill out this form to contact us.

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

It’s Tradeshow Season

Navigating your way through the chaos of tradeshows can be daunting. I understand, believe me. With as many tradeshows as I’ve attended and booths I’ve organized, I’ve picked up a few tips I can share on making the most of the experience. All I ask in return is that you keep an eye out for POLARIS Laboratories® next time you’re wandering through an exhibit hall.

They key to successfully navigating a tradeshow is to ensure you maximize your limited time by making meaningful introductions and visiting with important contacts you already have. Always enter a tradeshow with a mission: follow these suggestions to get started:

Plan your route. Before you step foot in the exhibition room, take a look at the layout and determine what booths you have to visit and who you want to learn more about.
Prioritize. What do you want to achieve from attending the tradeshow? While you’re waiting for your plane to take off or riding the shuttle to the event, outline and prioritize your goals.
Know your questions. Whether you have scheduled a private appointment with a vendor or are just stopping by a booth, know what questions you need answered and have them ready.
Take notes. Whether you’re using an iPad or gathering old fashioned business cards, taking notes is the best way to ensure you don’t forget anything valuable.
Think it through. Before making any hasty decisions about a product or service, take time to think about how the service will help you improve your business. It is okay to close with plans for a follow up post-show.
You don’t have to go it alone. If there’s someone in your company that could benefit from obtaining new information, bring them along!
Have fun. Tradeshows are an exciting learning opportunity and a great way to make new contacts in the industry. Plus, who doesn’t love to be away from the office for just a little bit?

You can visit the POLARIS Laboratories® booth at the International Maintenance Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida from December 12 to 16. Look for booth #415. Hope to see you there!

Proven Impact. Proven Uptime. Proven Savings.
Let us prove it to you.

Published October 31, 2016

Published October 9, 2016