What are your thoughts on evaluating these criteria for changing lube oil in large machinery? 1) Setting goal-based limits: Caution to Critical Cleanliness at 14/11 to 16/13, Water Content at 0.3% to 0.5%, TAN at 0.2 to 0.4, Fuel at 1.5% to 5%, Glycol at 200ppm to 400ppm, Soot at 2% to 5%, Flash Point Drop of 30o to 50o. 2) Establishing aging limits: Caution to Critical Viscosity +/- 5% to +/- 10%, RBOT -30% to -60%, FTIR-Ox at 0.3 to 1.0, Zinc -15% to -20%, Calcium -10% to -20%, TBN -50% to -75%.
Josh - It appears that these are more like benchmarks or goals. Can you outline the strategic approach to successfully navigating the program towards achieving these objectives? What challenges are likely to arise during this process? Some key aspects to consider include lubricant storage, consolidating suppliers, adhering to ISO cleanliness standards, implementing a robust oil filtering system, conducting regular used oil sampling, optimizing lubricant dispensing practices, providing comprehensive training for lube technicians and management staff, inspecting new lube deliveries, ensuring compliance with lubrication specifications, offering operator training, and establishing documented lube procedures. Could you elaborate on how you have successfully implemented these strategies, Josh? Regards, Terry O.
"One more key topic in our Lube Program is choosing the right lubricant to reduce the variety of lubricants kept on-site." This discussion will focus on finding equivalent lubricants that can streamline inventory management and maintenance processes.
I came across those parameters in a research paper and now I'm interested in learning about practical experiences from others. There's a suggestion to adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines or to consider changing the lubricating oil if any of the parameters go beyond recommended levels. Share your insights!
When it comes to engine oil, it's important to consider various parameters. Soot, a byproduct of combustion, is effectively removed from cylinders by the detergent properties of engine oil. Engine oil is preferred over gear oil due to its lubricating capabilities. If engine oil remains clean after two months, it may indicate carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, as one lubricant vendor once cautioned. The presence of fuel in the oil could signal injector issues or fuel system problems. Glycol, typically found in cooling water, may suggest internal leaks or faulty gaskets. Water contamination, often seen in tropical climates with high humidity, can impact air intake. A drop in flash point may indicate fuel dilution in the oil, often caused by a faulty fuel system. Contaminants such as zinc, calcium, and silicon are worth noting, while elevated levels of iron and copper could indicate wear and tear. Zinc contamination could potentially come from galvanized parts. Chemists and experts in the field are encouraged to provide insights and corrections regarding oxidation, TAN, TBN, and viscosity, as these factors are indicators of aging within the oil. - Steven
I agree with your strategy of setting goal-based and aging limits for changing lube oil in large machinery. These parameters provide a scientific basis for determining the optimal time to change the oil, thus reducing guesswork and enhancing the longevity and efficiency of the machinery. However, actual conditions can be quite variable and unforeseen circumstances can occur. I recommend incorporating regular physical checks alongside these mentioned criteria. Keep a close watch on other symptoms of oil failure such as abnormal noise, overheating, and decreased performance, for a more holistic approach to maintenance.
These goal-based limits and aging limits you provided seem like an effective starting point for evaluating when to change the lube oil in larger machinery. However, equipment type, operational conditions, and the specific duty cycle should also be taken into account. For instance, machinery operating under high stress or harsh environments might require more frequent checks. Analyzing trends over time via oil analysis could provide a more comprehensive understanding too. It would be more reliable than strict adherence to predefined limits, which could lead to premature or unnecessary oil changes. In essence, whilst these criteria are valuable, individualized maintenance schedules based on actual equipment needs might prove more efficient.
I think evaluating these criteria is essential for maintaining the health of large machinery. Setting goal-based limits provides a clear framework for when to act, helping to avoid potential failures before they happen. For example, keeping an eye on the water content can prevent rust and corrosion, which can be detrimental over time. On the other hand, establishing aging limits helps in understanding the oil's performance over time, giving operators insights into when oil has lost its effectiveness due to contaminants or wear. It seems like a balanced approach—maximizing productivity while minimizing risks associated with oil degradation.
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Answer: - The recommended goal-based limits include setting criteria for cleanliness, water content, TAN (Total Acid Number), fuel content, glycol content, soot content, and flash point drop.
Answer: - Establishing aging limits is crucial as it helps monitor factors such as viscosity, RBOT (Rotating Bomb Oxidation Test), FTIR-Ox (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy-Oxidation), zinc content, calcium content, and TBN (Total Base Number) to determine the oil's condition over time.
Answer: - The ranges may vary depending on the specific machinery and operating conditions, but typically caution to critical levels are defined for factors such as cleanliness, water content, TAN, fuel content, glycol content, soot content, and flash point drop.
Answer: - These criteria serve as indicators to assess the oil's condition, performance, and potential for further use. By monitoring these parameters and comparing them against established limits, maintenance professionals can make informed decisions on when to change the lube oil in machinery.
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