ABCD

Power Service

Lubrication Analyst

• In order to get representative and accurate results, proper sampling techniques must first be practiced. All
containers must be clean and dry. A sample of clean, unused lubricant should be collected for use as a reference. Used
samples should be collected when the lubricant is warm and well mixed. If samples cannot be taken while the
machinery is in operation, the equipment should be started and stopped before sampling. This is done to make sure a
representative sample of the system is obtained. The sample line should be purged to get rid of stagnant debris and
should be collected before the filter. Once the sample is collected, it should be identified with oil type, equipment type,
unit information, sample collection date and time since last oil change. After labeling the sample, it should be sent to the
analysis lab as soon as possible.
• Basic analysis tests for used industrial oils are given in the following list (with the ASTM method where
applicable)

Property Method

Appearance -

Odor -

Water

Crackle Karl Fischer D 1744

Viscosity @100°C D 445

Toluene Insolubles D 893

Emission Spectrometry -

Total Acid Number D 664

Particle Count F 661

• The standard used to determine the lubrication fluid cleanliness and lubrication fluid change out period is ISO
Standard 4406. This standard incorporates a rating system that uses codes when referring to the number of
particulates in a fluid that are 5 micron/15 micron and larger. The recommended cleanliness level code for ball bearings
is 13/11 that of roller bearings 14/12, journal bearings 15/13 at high speed and 16/14 at low speed and general
gearboxes 15/13

Note: These numbers do not define the number of particulates themselves but are codes to be used on the ISO
cleanliness chart.

• The quantitative effect of variation from this standard with respect to recommended maximum fluid particulate level
on change out period is not known. This is stated regardless of contaminant compound. Change out period is deemed to
be the time it will take the fluid to exceed contaminant levels and is specific to the mill. As it is believed that not all of
the mills will exhibit identical contaminant generation - it is up to the customer to determine, taking into account the
standard, when they wish to do lubrication fluid replacement.