-
Introducing Condition Alarm Mapping (CAM)
The sheer number of infographics in the condition monitoring field is staggering; they show up on social media, and in conference presentations, whitepapers, websites and books. Infographics are effective at helping people comprehend difficult concepts that integrate an array of variables and factors. Read More
-
Sight Glass Oil Analysis
Several years ago, when my son was a Cub Scout, his den went on a night hike at our local wildlife sanctuary. He and I went together on this outing. We were led by a professional nature guide who worked full-time at the sanctuary. I wasn’t expecting much; after all, what can one see in… Read More
-
Intervention is Key to Machine Life Extension
Try this simple experiment. With notepad in hand, go out into your plant and walk around a sampling of your most critical machines. These are the ones that have high probability of failure and/or the greatest consequences of failure. Read More
-
The Difference Between Good Lubrication and Good Lubricants
I have learned that excellence in lubrication is just as difficult to realize as it is rare to find. The reasons for this are many. One simple explanation is the field of lubrication is a specialty that takes education and years of experience to master – like most professions. Read More
-
The Power of Root Cause Pre-failure Analysis
Abnormal wear is not like a bad rash, which tends to go away on its own in time. Instead, it’s more like early-stage cancer, which requires intervention and treatment. Oil analysis has exceptional abilities to detect abnormal conditions, both root cause (like dirty oil) and predictive (active failure in progress). Read More
-
16 Knowledge Areas to Improve Oil Analysis Interpretation
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”. Read More
-
Using ‘Unscheduled’ Oil Analysis for Early Predictive Maintenance
Most oil samples are taken based on a fixed schedule. For large, stationary rotating equipment, monthly or bi-monthly samples are common. Proactive maintenance programs depend on regular checks for oil cleanliness, dryness and lubricant quality. Read More