{"id":378,"date":"2011-10-27T11:16:19","date_gmt":"2011-10-27T11:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oil-analysis.testoil.com\/?p=378"},"modified":"2023-07-25T19:39:34","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T19:39:34","slug":"why-analyze-used-lubricants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/testoil.com\/program-management\/why-analyze-used-lubricants\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does Used Oil Need to be Analyzed?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Analyze Used Lubricants<\/h2>\n

Selecting the proper lubricant, along with careful maintenance of that lubricant, is essential to ensure adequate protection to any component.\u00a0 Proper lubrication is defined as the correct amount of the correct lubricant at the correct time.<\/p>\n

Maintaining a lubricant means ensuring that it is the correct viscosity and has the necessary additives for the application.\u00a0 The steps must be taken to keep the lubricant clean and serviceable.\u00a0 Oil analysis is the most effective way to prolong the useful life of lubricants while maintaining maximum protection of equipment.<\/p>\n

There are three aspects of oil analysis<\/a>: lubricant conditions, contaminants, and machine wear. Increased contaminants from the surrounding environment in the form of air, dirt, water, and process contamination are the leading cause of machine degradation and failure. Increased contamination alerts you to take action in order to save the oil and avoid unnecessary machine wear.<\/p>\n

The assessment of the lubricant condition reveals whether the system fluid is healthy and fit for further service, or is ready for a change. Lastly, an unhealthy machine generates wear particles<\/a> at an exponential rate. The detection and analysis of these particles assist in making critical maintenance decisions.<\/p>\n

Oil analysis tests reveal information that can be broken down into three categories:<\/p>\n