Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Technical Bulletin PDF
Technical Bulletin PDF
Technical Bulletin PDF
com
Technical Bulletin #1
What is the Meaning of the PQ Index?
“PQ” stands for Particle Quantification (not to be confused with Particle Counting which is a completely different test). The PQ Index
is a relative measurement of the total Ferrous (Iron) metal content of your oil regardless of the size or shape of the debris by means
of detection by a magnetic field. The higher the PQ index reading in a sample the higher the total concentration of ferrous material
generally associated with wear.
So why does ALS measure iron using two tests (PQ Index and Wear Metals - Iron)? This is done because these two tests provide
us with different information about your sample. The spectroscopic wear metal measurement of Iron only detects the iron that is
suspended in your oil with a particle size of 10 microns (micrometers) or less. The larger the size of the iron particle, the less total
mass that is detected. This test gives us a very accurate concentration measurement, in ppm (parts per million), of iron particles that
may be contributing to wear or the product of wear. The PQ Index gives a measurement of the total relative concentration of ferrous
material. This test will pick up the presence of larger iron particles, such as a gear tooth or slivers, which would not be completely
detected by a spectroscopic iron measurement.
PQ Index data can also help determine overall size concentration of iron particles. Low iron test results and a high PQI would indicate
overall particles are large (>20 micron). High iron test results and a low PQI would indicate overall particles are small (<10 micron). If
iron and PQI results are at relatively the same concentration then it usually indicates overall size range of particles is small. Seeing a
test report with low iron test results and a high PQI, indicating overall large particles, can also predict accelerated wear or impending
catastrophic wear, especially if there is a sudden upswing in the trend analysis.
The PQ Index is an excellent trending tool and can also be used to screen for samples that may require further, more detailed,
investigation. The amount of ferrous particles generated varies from component to component, depending on equipment design. As
an example, a compressor will have lower iron concentration in the oil, thus a lower limit PQ Index reading than a gearbox. Please
be aware that benchmark values for the PQ Index test are being continually reassessed for suitability and may change from time to
time.
If you require any assistance with instructions on taking your sample or understanding the analysis report that you receive from ALS
Tribology, feel free to contact the ALS Tribology laboratory site nearest you.