By Jim Fitch
Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine
Lubricant analysts face many challenges in trying to translate laboratory data into meaningful comments for those responsible for lubricant and machine health. One could say the analyst gives a voice to the oil in communicating “what hurts”.
But before a doctor can make a diagnosis, he must ask many questions regarding the patient’s health history and lifestyle. Like the doctor, the lubricant analyst requires similar information relating to provenance – that is, the source or the origin – before the data can be accurately diagnosed and corrective actions prescribed.