What’s New: Particle Count

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.

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Published March 21, 2017

5 Steps for Selecting the Proper Coolant Formulation

There are many different formulations of coolant, most of which aren’t fully compatible. Prevent premature engine failure by learning the right way to maintain your coolant.

Below are five quick steps for selecting the proper coolant formulation. This approach should keep your cooling systems free of coolant cross-contamination.

  1. Determine what the equipment requires. The engine manufacturer and ASTM specifications can be found in the equipment manual or on the company’s website.
  2. See if you are on spec. Make sure your bulk fluid meets the engine manufacturer and ASTM specifications.
  3. Avoid mixing coolants. Using different formulations will dilute the protective inhibitors from each formula and leave the cooling system metal unprotected.
  4. Check the coolant during scheduled maintenance. Check for color change, petroleum contaminants, precipitate, abnormal odors, inhibitors, glycol and pH levels.
  5. Perform laboratory testing. Test coolant quarterly in high-hour, heavy-duty engine applications and twice a year (before summer and winter) in all other applications.

Cooling system problems are responsible for more than 50 percent of unexpected maintenance. Protect your engines with coolant analysis.

Download the coolant solution sheet to learn about protecting your cooling systems and your engines at the same time.

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Published March 14, 2017

We’re at ConExpo!

What makes ConExpo different than all other trade shows? Size! With over 2,500,000 square feet of exhibition space, it can be difficult to find your way around. Don’t let that be your excuse for not stopping by the POLARIS Laboratories® booth!

To help you find your way, visit our ConExpo page. There, you’ll find a map of Bronze Hall that’ll lead you straight to Booth B92713.

Our team has put together a number of true stories that we look forward to sharing with you. Make sure you take a moment to ask our team how they:

  • Saved a major equipment dealer $75K on a brand new transmission
  • Decreased a Fortune 500 company’s cost of repairs by 40%
  • Helped a leading coal company decrease its critical fluid analysis reports by 15%

We look forward to addressing these and any other questions you may have! For those of you not attending, contact us at getstarted@polarislabs.com to stay connected.

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

Published March 8, 2017

Submit Your Samples Online

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.

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Let us prove it to you.

Published January 20, 2017

Why We Love What We Do

It’s Valentine’s Day and we can’t stop thinking about why we love what we do. Every day, our team works to improve your maintenance program, saving you time and money. We are truly dedicated to your success. Don’t take my word for it! Find out why our team members love to help our customers.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Published February 14, 2017

Extend Drains with Management Reports

Management reports matter. A POLARIS Laboratories® Technical Business Consultant (TBC) used his knowledge on customized reports to help a major oil company’s customer, VCNA Prairie Material, extend its drain intervals. The goal was to determine the optimum service interval for VCNA Prairie Material’s ready-mix fleet of trucks. These efforts exemplify the idea, “It’s not just data, it’s what we (you) do with it!”

Seven Steps to Managing an Effective Fluid Analysis Program

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.

Published February 7, 2017

The Benefits of Fluid Analysis for OEMs

OEMs often use fluid analysis to enhance their product offerings. Partnering with an accredited laboratory, they can help their customers obtain the most value out of their equipment.

Whether an OEMs’ customers want to extend both oil and equipment life, increase equipment resale value, or reduce overall maintenance costs, they have a resource to help improve their maintenance program.

This is not the only value fluid analysis provides to OEMs.

  1. Warranties. The use of fluid analysis allows OEMs to address warranty claims made by their customers.
  2. Equipment Service Support. Oil analysis is often included as part of the service package for both OEMs and dealers’ customers.
  3. Early Failure Detection. This allows OEMs to have an earlier indication of when equipment moves into failure mode
  4. Increase Resale Value. The use of a fluid analysis program has proven to increase equipment resale value.
  5. Brand Awareness. Fluid analysis programs help OEMs enhance the value of their brand in the eyes of their customers.

OEMs who work with a fluid analysis provider offer additional value to their end-users. This added value helps them advance their brand as well as build credibility as their customers’ maintenance partner.

Have questions about the value of fluid analysis for OEMs? Contact us at custserv@eoilreports.com to learn more.

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

Published January 31, 2017

The Why, When and How of Diesel Fuel Testing

Diesel fuel testing is important for program health. This proactive maintenance approach can help you prevent engine failure, contamination and fuel dilution, among other types of equipment damage.

Why should I test diesel fuel?
Testing your diesel fuel can help you avoid engine failure, minimize the number of expensive repairs performed, and ensure the quality of the fuel. Additional issues to consider include:

  • Injector damage
  • Water and sediment contamination
  • Bacteria, fungi and mold
  • Reduced combustion efficiency
  • Impact of seasonal changes
  • Increased corrosion of fuel components
  • Plugged fuel filters
  • Smoking
  • Injector valve sticking
  • EPA compliance

When should I test diesel fuel?
When you should test depends on what equipment you’re using, the performance issues you’re experiencing, and the methods of storage you’re utilizing. To help you decide when to start testing, run through this list of questions:

  • Is my engine experiencing performance issues?
  • Should I perform basic testing on bulk delivery shipments?
  • Could contamination, sabotage or vandalism have occurred?
  • Are my bulk tanks being tested twice yearly?
  • Am I blending or treating my diesel fuel?

How can I start testing?
Taking action is simple. Our team can help you determine what you should test and when you should test in order to maximize program success.

If you have any questions, contact us at custserv@eoilreports.com.

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

Published January 23, 2017

Throwback to 1988

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.

Published January 16, 2017