Time and time again, you hear how critical a good oil sampling practice is to the success of an oil analysis program. No matter how good your oil analysis methodologies are, all efforts mean nothing if your data are garbage. So, what makes a good oil sampling practice? Here are the guidelines to follow:
Over the years, industries all over the world have been steadily adopting and integrating IoT, or Internet of Things, into their operations. IoT was sparked by the heavy reliance of the fourth industrial revolution on data. The fourth industrial revolution is simply borne out of the industries’ need for digitalization, streamlined process, and interconnectivity of the physical, biological, and digital worlds.
Two of the most critical requirements of oil sampling are the correct location and the process of sampling. A sampling port is a location from which you can collect oil samples. It can either be a valve, tap, or drainpipe. A sampling port that follows the best practices ensures that you get a sample that best represents the current condition of your machine. Without a representative sample, oil analysis is just a waste of time. In other words, garbage in garbage out.
We have always stressed the importance of proper sampling techniques to the accuracy of oil analysis results and machine diagnostics program. The same can be said for choosing the right oil analysis test slates or parameters. When you avail of oil analysis test packages, the tests must be designed according to the failure modes you are diagnosing and the requirements of the equipment.
Oil analysis can help you get the most out of your lubricant and equipment. Oil analysis is a very useful tool, and knowing how to read your oil analysis report is critical to your maintenance program's success.