Analyzing data

The final step in the oil analysis process is data interpretation. Oil analysis laboratories provide interpretation and commenting on test results. Trends will be identified, and recommendations will be made as to maintenance actions that should be taken. Further assistance with interpretation can be provided by the testing laboratory.

Not all of the processes associated with used oil monitoring of aggregate equipment are simple, but development of a site-specific used oil analysis regimen will result in data that is meaningful and essential to achieving optimum oil life and extended equipment life. AM

Steve Waggoner is the quality management system manager and in-house technical manager for D-A Lubricant Co. He can be reached at swagg@dalube.com.

Figure 1

Determine the ISO Cleanliness Code for the amount of dirt particles in a sample of oil:

Particle count testing detects: 30,000 particles of 4 µ and larger

500 particles of 6 µ and larger

60 particles of 14 µ and larger

30,000 falls into the ISO Code 22 range

500 falls into the ISO Code 16 range

60 falls into the ISO Code 13 range

The ISO Cleanliness Code is 22/16/13.

Figure 2

ISO Code                                12/9      14/11      16/13      18/15      20/17      22/19      24/21      26/23

Hydraulic Fluids                              Very Clean                 Clean                                      Dirty

Gear Oils                                          Very Clean                                 Clean

Turbine Oils                      Very Clean                Clean        Dirty