MINING

The heavy-duty equipment required by mining applications is often exposed to extreme, uncontrollable environmental factors for long periods of time, yet is still expected to maintain maximum performance levels. Contamination and wear are imminent and when left unchecked, can halt production in a heartbeat. Monitoring the condition of both the fluid and the unit through analysis identifies wear-causing contaminants and their effect on component performance. Monitoring the condition of coolant along with engine oil creates a clearer picture of what’s occurring in the engine. Sampling frequency should be based on the unit’s criticality to production, as well as the costs involved in replacement or repair.

Below are the recommended tests for equipment and components in the Mining industry. Other test-packages or variations of these are available; but these recommended options are designed as best-fit for improved equipment and lubrication reliability.

To request a quote or if you’re looking for custom options, contact us.

Diesel Engine

Monitor wear, contamination and fuel dilution in engine oil to protect critical components and maintain performance in harsh mining environments.

Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Fuel Dilution %
ASTM D7593
Soot %
ASTM E2412
Viscosity at 100°C
ASTM D2270
Water by Crackle
Internal Method

Diesel Engine –
Hydraulic Water Glycols

Identify contamination, fluid degradation and additive depletion to ensure proper system performance and protect components operating under high temperatures and demanding conditions.

Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Particle Count
ASTM D7647 ISO 4406
pH
mod. ASTM D7946
Water by Karl Fischer
mod. ASTM D6304C

Hydraulic

Identify particle contamination, wear and water intrusion that can quickly impact system performance and reliability in demanding mining operations.

Acid Number (AN)
mod. ASTM D664
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Oxidation & Nitration
ASTM E2412
Particle Count
ASTM D7647 ISO 4406
Viscosity at 40^oC or 100^oC
mod. ASTM D445
Water by Crackle %
Internal Method

Gear Systems/Wheel Motors

Detect wear metals, lubrication degradation and abrasive contamination to protect critical drivetrain components from premature failure under extreme loads.

Acid Number (AN)
mod. ASTM D664
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Oxidation & Nitration
ASTM E2412
Particle Count
ASTM D7647 ISO 4406
Viscosity at 40^oC
mod. ASTM D445

Mechanic hand was opening the radiator cap to check the coolant level

Cooling Systems

Checks corrosion protection, contamination and inhibitor health to prevent overheating and system damage.

Boil Point
Carboxylic Acid Pass/Fail
(Shell, Chevron or Cat ELC only)
Contaminants (Chloride and Sulfate)
Corrosion, Contaminant and Inhibitor metals (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Tin, Zinc, Silver, Calcium, Magnesium, Silicon, Phosphate, Boron, Molybdenum, Sodium, Potassium)
Degradation Acids (Glycolate, Formate, Acetate and Oxalate)
ELC Basic Coolant analysis additive (Benzoate, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid, Sebacic acid, Octanoic acid, p-Toluic, MBT, TT Z, BZT)
Freeze Point
Glycol
Inhibitors (Nitrite and Nitrate)
Nitrite
pH
SCA#
Specific Conductance
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Hardness
Visual (color, oil and/or fuel contamination, foam magnetic/non-magnetic precipitation and odor)

LEARN MORE ABOUT COOLANT TESTING ➔

Diesel Fuel

Detect contamination, water and fuel degradation that can reduce combustion efficiency, damage injection systems and lead to poor engine performance.

API Gravity
ASTM D7777
Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
Manufacturer
Cetane Index
ASTM D976
Cloud Point
ASTM D7689
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Flash Point
ASTM D3828
Micro-Distillation
Predicted D86 results by ASTM D7689
Pour Point
ASTM D7346
Sulfur
ASTM D7220
Thermal Stability
mod. ASTM D6468
Viscosity
ASTM D445
Water & Sediment
ASTM D2709

Industry Sample Trends and Intervals

Component Type	Recommended Sampling Interval
Diesel Engine	500 hrs
Gear Box / Gear System (Mobile Equipment)	1,000 hrs
Gear Box (Crusher/Plant)	500 hrs
Hydraulic	1,000 hrs
Coolant	Twice per year, beginning Summer, beginning Winter

All critical equipment should be sampled at least once every 30 days to ensure proper functionality, maintain compliance with operational standards, and identify potential issues before they affect performance.
Equipment requiring compliance with ISO 4406 recommendations should be sampled at least once every 30 days to properly monitor fluid cleanliness levels and maintain adherence to the standard.
OEM recommendations should be followed to maintain warranty coverage and ensure equipment operates within the manufacturer’s specified performance standards.
Company policies and applicable EPA requirements should be reviewed when complying with the EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Subpart ZZZZ (Quad Z) to ensure all operational, reporting, and maintenance obligations are met.