TECHNOLOGY •
THE ROLE OF PARTICLE COUNTING
IN OIL ANALYSIS
Edited by Sharyn Macnamara
Particle counting is considered one of the most important tests for used oil analysis . Many problems can be identified quickly and easily by monitoring the number and sizedistribution of particles in an oil sample . While there are various test methods to determine the additive and chemical composition of a sample , the ISO Code , as per ISO4406 , is the most common unit of reporting the number of particles found in a sample .
Photos supplied by ISO-Reliability Partners
“
Most mines and industrial companies conduct particle counting and oil analysis ,” says Craig Fitzgerald from ISO-Reliability Partners . The former determines the contamination levels in the oil , while the latter looks at how the oil has broken down chemically during its period of service . Warning signs are oxidation , changes in viscosity and depleted additive levels .
In terms of mineral oils specifically , which are commonly used in industry , viscosity is reduced by 50 % for every 10 ° C increase in temperature . This will affect the performance and ability of the oil to separate metal parts . Fitzgerald points out , “ The hotter the oil runs , the shorter the lifespan of the oil and the lubricated components . It is an inverse relationship .” It is reasonable that the rate of wear increases as the oil degrades .
When it comes to keeping an eye on the oil temperature in equipment , engines tend to have a built-in temperature sensor , while industrial equipment uses a thermocouple . Essentially a probe , it submits a reading to the operator ’ s screen that will either sound an audible alarm or shut the equipment down automatically as a precautionary measure to prevent any kind of catastrophic failure .
“ What we find is that personnel tasked with carrying out oil analysis ; for the most part do not know how to interpret the results properly ,” highlights Fitzgerald . This is where the expertise of a company like ISO-Reliability Partners comes into play . It is an original equipment manufacturer ( OEM ) of class-leading micro fine oil filtration solutions , vacuum dehydration systems , automated water removal for compressed air , and high efficiency industrial air scrubbing . Its expertise combines the sciences of lubrication , filtration , and tribology .
ISO-Reliability has the capability to analyse in-operation oil samples and implement proactive measures to counter machine wear as part of predictive maintenance . The company ’ s reputation and success span 25 years , with it owning and managing the iconic Filter Focus brand , and Fitzgerald having incorporated all his intellectual property into the new company .
“ We can look at an oil analysis and quickly determine what the issues are ,” says Fitzgerald . “ We further extrapolate information and
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • September 2023 • 17