Machinery Lubrication May June 2014 May June 2014 | Page 35

Ref. Fluid Life

and

aluminum

could

potentially

components, any spikes in wear metals

For elemental data pertaining to

indicate dust/dirt contamination as the

can be better associated, allowing a

additives, alarms are set for downward

root cause. One likely explanation for

proper conclusion as to which internal

trends. Having a baseline of new

these spikes is that as dirt (silicon)

components are experiencing wear.

lubricant reference data is critical in

enters the oil from an external source,

Keep in mind that for trend analysis, it

assessing which additives are expected

three-body abrasion occurs within the

is important that samples are taken at

and at what levels. These baselines are

machine, causing wear debris including

an appropriate and uninterrupted

then established to help determine any

aluminum, iron and nickel to increase.

frequency.

significant

With

elemental

data

related

to

With a better understanding of the

are set for upward trends in the data.

in

specific

additives.

contaminants and wear metals, alarms

metallurgy

reduction

within

the

system’s

Another section of the oil analysis

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