Articles & Resources

The Greatest Racecar Driver of All Time. Mario Andretti Talks to Jim Fitch

By Jim FitchPracticing Oil Analysis Magazine It is no wonder that Mario Andretti is considered by many to be the greatest racecar driver of all time. His career touched five decades, longer than any driver, and he has won championships at all levels of competition. His list of racing accomplishments seems almost endless. It includes…
The Hot Stove Effect in Precision Lubrication

The hot stove effect was first given to learning and management science by Mark Twain. He observed that if a cat happens to jump on a hot stove, he will never jump on a hot stove again. This of course is a good thing. However, not so good is the fact that he will not…
The Power of 10X Cleaner…Dryer…Cooler…Better Aligned…More Training

Have you ever considered how we might be rewarded if we improved something by 10 times? For instance, what if we were 10 times richer; would we be 10 times happier? How about if we were 10 times smarter; would we be 10 times more successful? What if we worked 10 times harder? How might…
The Power of the Patch. Comparing Particle Analysis Methods

The practice of transferring suspended particles to the surface of a membrane for analysis has been around for decades. It is perhaps the earliest method for inspecting solid contaminants and wear debris in a used sample of oil.
The Rationale for Using Magnetic Particle Collectors

Let’s face it: Machines in industry are largely made of iron and steel. Ferrous metals both encase these machines and bear the brunt of most friction, wear and corrosion. Often, the most critical machine components, parts and surfaces are those that possess the greatest intrinsic strength and wear resistance. In more than 90 percent of…
Using Oil Analysis to Monitor the Depletion of Defoamant Additives

The defoamant (also known as antifoam agents and foam inhibitors) is a common additive in many types of lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids. As the name implies, the purpose of the defoamant is to retard the formation of stable foam on the surface of the oil in the sump, gearbox, or reservoir.
When a Filter is Not a Filter

Just like lubricants, filters have a life expectancy, and it’s not indefinite. Users should be aware that there are certain operating conditions that can abruptly alter a filter’s performance and shorten its service life. These events can silently turn what you think is a filter into a non-filter. The unpleasant consequences of most filter failures…
Why Should Managers Care About Oil?

Managers don’t need to know about oil, that’s why they hire maintenance people. They have far more important things to do with their time, right? We’ve all heard it, oil is oil and if the machine has oil everything is okay.
Will ISO 55000 Change the Definition of Lubrication Excellence?

This past year I’ve been spending a lot of time studying the possibilities of ISO 55000, especially its long-term impact on the lubrication field. I was a bit skeptical at first.
A Conversation with Dad – Pioneer, Educator and Mentor in Fluid Contamination Control

Some of you are personally acquainted with my father, Dr. Ernest C. Fitch. Others may know of him by reputation or perhaps through his publications.
Crucial and Healthy

Somewhere in your plant there are all-important pieces of production equipment that simply must operate as intended-or else. And most likely the “or else” is too painful to even think about: injuries, catastrophic damage, contract penalties, irate customers, missed shipping dates, junked parts, ballooning costs, a sickly quarterly financial report, and so on. Those critical…
Extensive Cost Saving Opportunity from Strategic Implementation of Proactive Maintenance in the Iron and Steel Industry

Recently, maintenance managers and corporate executives have shown a greater interest in rising maintenance costs and failure rates. The realization of the need to curb these costs has logically brought about the field of proactive maintenance. This is a program that concentrates on minimizing downtime and maximizing machine life.
Five Essential Lube Oil Properties Not Routinely Reported by Your Oil Lab

You may be surprised to learn that there are no less than five lubrication performance properties that are missing from nearly all in-service oil analysis reports. These are not esoteric properties that are of limited value or interest to those in charge of machine reliability. Instead, they represent the core foundation of a lubricant’s formulation…
Is Your Oil Analysis Program a Quart Low?

Not long ago I read a magazine article on predictive maintenance that referred to oil analysis as a means to “time” an oil change. Sadly, no other application or benefit was mentioned. The author was obviously trying to give credit to the field but unknowingly diminished its importance and value. An opportunity was lost.
Looking Through the Eyes of Onsite Contaminant Monitors

Without the lens of a microscope, bacteria and viruses might only be recognized as painful symptoms of sickness and disease by those who are infected. Just as technology is an important enabler in human pathology, it also serves in the detection and diagnosis of a host of machine health issues, including the invasion of lubricant…
Make Touchstones of Lubrication Excellence Shine

Almost subconsciously, our senses gather information on our surroundings. They recognize subtleties, discern unique features and examine characteristic details.
No Contamination, No Wear, No Kidding

I realize that this statement – No Contamination, No Wear, No Kidding – may not sit well with some readers, such as a few purists within the tribology community. But before anyone gets too excited, let me start by listing my assumptions:
Oil Analysis and the Lean Organization

Like people, organizations have their defining moments– points in time when old notions and business paradigms must be cast aside. Indeed, as we cross into the new millenium, such transformations are permeating nearly all business sectors.