OIL ANALYSIS
Consideration should be given to taking hydraulic oil samples at the same time as taking gearbox oil samples since the additional analysis costs is relatively small to the additional cost of taking the hydraulic oil sample and the relatively high cost should an issue be missed for up to a further six months before the system is analysed again. More frequent sampling is also highly recommended if there are abnormal levels of wear or contaminant elements, if vibration readings are increasing or if there is an unexpected increase in operating temperatures.
SEEK OUT PARTNERS WITH APPLICATION EXPERTISE & OEM RELATIONSHIPS Selecting an oil analysis partner that has application-specific expertise and strong relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) is extremely valuable. OEMs establish proprietary control limits based on the equipment model, lubricants used, applications and operating environments. When compared against the oil analysis results, these predetermined safeguards can help maintenance professionals make the best informed decision about the condition of the lubricant and the equipment.
ONLINE EFFICIENCY Just because you participate in an oil analysis programme does not mean that you are going to be inundated with paper reports. The digital age is helping maintenance professionals clean up the clutter in their offices while also successfully managing their oil analysis programme.
Most oil analysis companies have some level of online functionality so it’s important to evaluate oil analysis partners based on how these offerings can help expedite the administrative components of an oil analysis programme. Tasks such as managing/updating equipment registration, printing completed labels for sample bottles, ordering additional sampling kits and confirming delivery of samples can be greatly simplified through online tools from leading oil analysis providers.
Online programmes can also arm maintenance professionals with the proper tools to make more informed decisions about oil and equipment suitability. For example, ExxonMobil, a global leader in the field of oil analysis, offers its proprietary Signum oil analysis programme. Maintenance professions can access the Signum web site, and/or be sent, expert oil analysis assessments that identifies potential issues, list possible causes and recommends corrective actions. These files are formatted so they can be easily shared with colleagues. ExxonMobil’s Signum website is also equipped with a knowledge library so maintenance professionals have the resources to gain more information about specific equipment issues.
LONG-TERM SUCCESS By following the recommendations detailed above, wind turbine operators can benefit from optimised equipment performance, streamlined production and minimised maintenance. Selecting an oil analysis provider that has application- specific expertise, intimate relationships with OEMs and a comprehensive online oil analysis offering will help maintenance professionals achieve their company’s production goals as well as their own.
Robert Pears
ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties
www.mobilindustrial.com
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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