CSH.07.

4394448
Oil Analysis Technical Guide
The next generation in oil analysis exclusively from
ConocoPhillips Lubricants
Lubricants
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1
Table of Contents
2
Laboratories
3
Introduction
4
Viscosity
6
Water/Coolant Contamination
7
Fuel Dilution
8
Solids
9
Fuel Soot
10
Oxidation
11
Nitration
12
Total Acid Number (TAN)
13
Total Base Number (TBN)
14
Particle Count
16/17
Wear Metals/Elemental Analysis
18
Infrared Analysis
19/20
Typical Paper Analysis Test Report
21
Quality Equipment Oil Analysis
Program
22/23
Oil Sampling Procedures
ConocoPhillips Lubricants
600 N. Dairy Ashford
2W-9000
Houston, TX 77079
http://lubricants.conocophillips.com
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2
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Customer Selects Laboratory
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3
Oil analysis is a series of laboratory
tests used to evaluate the condition of
lubricants and equipment components.
By studying the results of the oil analysis
tests, a determination of
equipment/component condition can
be made. Primarily, this is possible
because of the cause- and-effect
relationship of the condition of the
lubricant to the condition of the
component sampled. Many of these
cause-and-effect situations are outlined
in this manual.
Oil performs several vital functions
with many of them being interrelated.
The ability of the oil to perform as
designed can be determined by oil
analysis. Following is a list of some
primary lubricant functions that can be
evaluated:
Friction control Corrosion control
Contaminant control Shock control
Hydraulic pressure Wear control
Temperature control Sealing function
The inspection or analysis of
lubricating oil has been used to check
and evaluate the internal condition of
oil-lubricated equipment since the
beginning of the industrial age. Early
methods included smelling the oil to
detect the sour odor of excess acidity,
rubbing it between finger tips to check
lubricity, and observing its color and
clarity for signs of contamination.
Today, oil analysis programs
use modern technology and
laboratory instruments to determine
equipment condition and lubricant
How does the AnalysisPlus

Program work?
The program is based on four
components:
' Take oil samples from sumps or
reservoirs of equipment at specific
intervals;
^ Mail the oil samples to the
laboratory, where a series of tests
are performed;
Test results are then evaluated to
determine the condition of the
equipment;
Test results and recommendations
are provided to your maintenance
personnel. This information is used to
monitor equipment condition and to
assist in controlling operating costs.
How to get the most from
your
AnalysisPlus

Program?
This manual has been developed to
assist in increasing your knowledge of
oil analysis. Explanations of routine
tests are provided together with cause-
and-effect troubleshooting charts and
recommended solutions to problems.
Use this information to get the most
benefit from the program.
serviceability. Oil analysis uses state of
the art equipment and techniques to
provide the user with invaluable
information leading to greater
equipment reliability.
Introduction
4
Viscosity is one of the most
important properties of lubricating oil.
Viscosity is a measurement of
resistance to flow at a specific
temperature in relation to time. The
two most common temperatures for
lubricating oil viscosity are 40C and
100C. Viscosity is normally evaluated
with a kinematic method and reported
in centistokes (cSt). In used oil analysis,
the used oils viscosity is compared to
that of the new oil to determine
whether excessive thinning or
thickening has occurred.
Viscosity Index (VI) is the change in
flow rate of a lubricant with respect to
temperature. Oil with a high VI resists
thinning at high temperatures. Use of
high VI oil is recommended in engines
and other systems that operate at
elevated temperatures.
Cause
Effect
Solution
Low Viscosity
Engine overheating
Poor lubrication
Metal-to-metal
contact
Increased operating
costs
Evaluate equipment
use vs. design
Evaluate operating
conditions
Use trained
operators
Change oil and
filters
Check for loose
fuel crossover lines
Viscosity
Check air-to-fuel ratio
Check for incorrect
oil grade
Inspect internal seals
Check operating
temperature
Check with lube
supplier for advice
Check for leaking
injectors
High Viscosity
Increased operating
costs
Engine overheating
Restricted oil flow
Accelerated wear
Oil filter by-passed
Harmful
deposits/sludge
High Viscosity
Contamination soot/
solids
Incomplete
combustion-A/F ratio
Oxidation degradation
Leaking head gaskets
Extended oil drain
interval
High operating
temperature
Improper oil grade
Low Viscosity
Additive shear
Fuel dilution
Improper oil grade
5
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
15
32
22
46
68
100
150
220
320
460
680
1500
90
190
140
110
85
80
250
10 000
8000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1500
1000
800
600
500
400
300
200
150
100
80
60
50
40
35
32
70
300
200
100
90
80
70
60
55
50
45
2000
1000
800
600
500
400
300
200
80
100
60
50
40
30
20
10
6
8
5
4
3
2
KINEMATIC
VISCOSITIES
SAYBOLT
VISCOSITIES
cSt/
40C
cSt/
100C
SUS/
100F
SUS/
210F
8A
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
AGMA
GRADES
SAE GRADES
GEAR OILS
10
7
5
3
2
1000
40
SAE GRADES
CRANKCASE
OILS
ISO
VISCOSITY
GRADE
60
50
40
30
20
10W
Viscosities can be related horizontally only.
Viscosities based on 96 VI single grade oils.
ISO and AGMA Grades are specified at 40C.
Kinematic viscosities are shown at 40C and
100C in cSt and equivalent viscosities at 100F
and 210F in SUS.
0W/5W
Rule-of-Thumb: The comparable ISO grade of a given product whose viscosity is greater than
100 SUS at 100F if known can be determined by using the following conversion formula:
SUS @ 100F 5 = cSt @ 40C
Viscosity Grading Systems
http://lubricants.conocophillips.com
U.S. Technical Services Hotline: 1-800-766-0050
Copyright 2006 ConocoPhillips Company, Phillips 66, Conoco, 76 and Kendall logos are registered trademarks of ConocoPhillips Company in the U.S.
and other countries.
6
The presence of water in engines
indicates contamination from outside
sources, from condensation of
moisture in the atmosphere, or from
internal coolant leaks. Water is typically
evaporated by engines at normal
operating temperatures. However,
water may remain in the oil when
engine temperatures are too low for
evaporation to occur. Other types of
equipment, when operated at sufficient
temperatures, also tend to evaporate
contaminating water.
Oil analysis offers an effective
method of recognizing water/coolant
contamination before a major problem
occurs. Infrared analysis is used to
determine water content in used oil.
Results are reported in percent
volume. The Karl Fischer method is
used to measure water in systems that
are sensitive to low moisture content.
Karl Fischer results are reported in
ppm.
Water/Coolant
Contamination
Cause
Effect
Solution
Low operating temperature
Defective seals
New oil contamination
Coolant leak
Improper storage
Cracked head
Weather/moisture
Product of combustion
Oil cooler leak
Engine failure
High viscosity
Poor lubrication
Corrosion
Engine overheating
Acid formation
Weld spots
Reduced additive effectiveness
Tighten head bolts
Check head gaskets
Inspect for cracked head
Inspect heat exchanger and
oil coolers
Evaluate operating conditions
Evaluate equipment use vs. design
Avoid intermittent use
Check for external water/moisture
sources
Change oil filter
7
Fuel dilution of crankcase oil by
unburned fuel reduces lubricant
effectiveness. The thinning of the
lubricant can lead to decreased lube
film strength adding to the risk of
abnormal wear. Depending on certain
variables, when fuel dilution of
crankcase oil exceeds 2.5 to 5%,
corrective action should be taken.
Fuel dilution is measured by gas
chromatography. The results are
reported in percent volume.
Fuel Dilution
Cause
Effect
Solution
Incorrect air/fuel ratio
Extended idling
Stop-and-go driving
Defective injectors
Inoperative carburetor choke
Incomplete combustion
Incorrect timing
Metal-to-metal contact
Poor lubrication; oil thinning
Increased overall wear
Piston ring wear
Decreased additive effectiveness
Risk of fire or explosion
Reduced fuel economy
Decreased oil pressure
Reduced engine performance
High operating cost
Shortened engine life
Check fuel lines, worn piston
rings, leaking injectors/seals,
pumps
Analyze driving/operating
conditions
Check spark timing
Avoid prolonged idling
Change oil and filter more
frequently
Evaluate equipment and use
vs. design
Check fuel quality
Repair/replace worn parts
8
Solids represent a measurement of
all solid and solid-like constituents in
the lubricant. The makeup of solids
depends on the system. In diesel
engines, fuel soot is usually the major
constituent measured. In non-diesel
components, wear debris and oil
oxidation products are measured. All
solid material is measured and
reported as a percentage of sample
volume or weight.
Solids
Cause
Effect
Solution
Extended oil drain interval
Environmental debris
Wear debris
Oxidation by-products
Filter leaking or dirty
Fuel soot
Shorter engine life
Filter plugging
Poor lubrication
Engine deposits
Sludge formation
Accelerated wear
Decreased oil flow
Lacquer build-up
Drain oil, flush system
Eliminate source of environmental
debris
Evaluate equipment use vs. design
Evaluate operating conditions
Reduce oil drain intervals
Change filter
9
Fuel soot is composed of carbon
and is always found in diesel engine oil.
Laboratory testing is used to
determine the quantity of fuel soot in
used oil samples. Stringent exhaust
emission regulations have placed
greater emphasis on fuel soot levels.
One of the most significant impacts of
reduced emissions is control of
particulate emissions, which resulted in
greater soot levels in the crankcase.
The fuel soot level is a good indicator
of engine combustion efficiency and
should be monitored on a regular
basis for possible maintenance action.
Fuel Soot
Cause
Effect
Solution
Improper air/fuel ratio
Improper injector spray pattern
Poor quality fuel
Incomplete combustion
Clogged air induction
Defective injectors
Improper equipment operation
Low compression
Worn piston/rings
Poor engine performance
Harmful deposits or sludge
Increased wear
Shortened oil life
Lacquer formation
Clogged oil filters
Ensure fuel injectors are working
properly
Change oil
Evaluate oil drain intervals
Check compression
Avoid excessive idling
Check fuel quality
10
Lubricating oil in engines and other
components combines with available
oxygen under certain conditions to
form harmful by-products. Heat,
pressure, and catalyst materials
accelerate the oxidation process. By-
products of oxidation form lacquer
deposits, corrode metal parts, and
thicken oil beyond its ability to
lubricate. Most lubricants contain
additives that inhibit or retard the
oxidation process.
Differential infrared analysis offers the
only direct means of measuring the
level of oxidation in oil. Note: A new oil
reference is required for accurate
measurement of oxidation. Results are
reported on an absorbance scale.
Oxidation
Cause
Effect
Solution
HC + O
2
=
Overheating
Extended oil drain interval
Improper oil type/inhibitor additives
Combustion by-products/blow-by
Shortened equipment life
Lacquer deposits
Oil filter plugging
Increased oil viscosity
Corrosion of metal parts
Increased operating costs
Increased overall wear
Decreased engine performance
Use oil with oxidation inhibitor
additives
Shorten oil drain intervals
Check operating temperature
Evaluate equipment use vs. design
Evaluate operating conditions
11
Nitration products are formed
during the fuel combustion process
when combustion by-products enter
the engine oil during normal operation
or as a result of abnormal blow-by
past the compression rings. These
products, which are more common in
oils used to lubricate natural gas- and
propane- fueled engines, are highly
acidic, create deposits, and accelerate
oil oxidation. Infrared analysis
represents the only method of
accurately measuring nitration products
in oil. Results are reported on an
absorbance scale.
Nitration
Cause
Effect
Solution
NO
x
N
2
O
Improper crankcase scavenge
Low operating temperature
Defective seals
Improper air/fuel ratio
Abnormal blow-by
Increase operating temperature
Check crankcase venting hoses and
valves
Ensure proper air/fuel mixture
Perform compression check or
cylinder leak-down test
Accelerated oxidation
Nitrous oxides introduced into
environment
Acidic by-products formed
Increased cylinder and valve train
wear
Oil thickening
Combustion chamber deposits
Increased acid no.
12
The total acid number is the quantity
of acid or acid-like constituents in the
lubricant. An increase in TANfrom that
of the new lubricant should be
monitored. The TANof a new oil is not
necessarily zero since oil additives can
be acidic in nature. Increases in TAN
usually indicate lube oxidation or
contamination with water or an acidic
product. TANis an indicator of oil
serviceability.
Total Acid Number
(TAN)
Cause
Effect
Solution
High-sulfur fuel
Overheating
Excessive blow-by
Extended oil drain interval
Improper oil type
Corrosion of metallic components
Promotes oxidation
Oil degradation
Oil thickening
Additive depletion
Shorter oil drain intervals
Verify correct oil type in service
Check for overheating
Check fuel quality
13
The total base number is an
expression of the amount of alkaline
additives in the lubricant that are
capable of neutralizing the acid
products of combustion.
A new oil starts with the highest
TBNit will possess. During the time
the lubricant is in service, the TBN
decreases as the alkaline additives
neutralize acids. TBNis an essential
element in the establishment of oil
drain intervals since it indicates
whether the additives are still capable
of providing sufficient engine
protection.
Most diesel engine manufacturers
require the oil drained when its TBN
reaches one-half or one-third its
original value.
Cause
Effect
Solution
Total Base Number
(TBN)
High-sulfur fuel
Overheating
Extended oil drain interval
Improper oil type
Increased acid no.
Oil degradation
Increased wear
Corrosion of metal parts
Acid build-up in oil
Use low-sulfur fuel
Follow manufacturers
recommendations for oil drain
interval, and decrease if engine is
operated under severe conditions
Verify TBN of new product/use
correct oil type
Change oil/top off with fresh oil
Test fuel quality
14
Particle Count
Fluid cleanliness is critical in hydraulic
and other systems where high fluid
pressure and velocity are involved.
Excessive fluid particulate
contamination is a major cause of
failure of hydraulic pumps, motors,
valves, pressure regulators, and fluid
controls. Failure due to excessive
particulate contamination is normally
segregated into three areas:
Performance degradation
Intermittent failure
Catastrophic failure
Particle count measurements allow
the user to monitor hydraulic system
contamination levels on a scheduled
basis. Scheduled analysis of hydraulic
fluid to include particle count is
recommended by most equipment and
hydraulic component manufacturers.
Cause
Effect
Solution
Water contamination
Machining burrs
Filling techniques
Oil oxidation
Contaminated new oil
Worn wiper seals
System generated debris
Built in contamination
Defective breather
Performance degradation
Intermittent failure
Wear
Plugging
Leakage
Pressure overshoot
Momentary hesitation
System failure
Filter new oil
Change hydraulic fluid
Inspect/replace filters
Check particle sizes
System flushing at high pressure
Check air breather
Evaluate equipment vs. design
Evaluate operating conditions
Evaluate for proper service
techniques
15
30 5,000,000 10,000,000
29 2,500,000 5,000,000
28 1,300,000 2,500,000
27 640,000 1,300,000
26 320,000 640,000
25 160,000 320,000
24 80,000 160,000
23 40,000 80,000
22 20,000 40,000
21 10,000 20,000
20 5,000 10,000
19 2,500 5,000
18 1,300 2,500
17 840 1,300
16 320 840
15 160 320
14 80 160
13 40 80
12 20 40
11 10 20
10 5 10
9 2.5 5
8 1.3 2.5
7 0.64 1.3
6 0.32 0.64
NUMBER OF PARTICLES PER ML
UP TO AND INCLUDING
NUMBER OF PARTICLES PER ML
GREATER THAN
RANGE
NUMBER
The ISO 4406:1999 Cleanliness Code references the number of particles greater than 4, 6, and
14 microns in each milliliter of fluid. A corresponding cleanliness code, such as 18/15/13, is then
given to the fluid. For particle concentration that fall between two adjacent particle concentration,
the higher range is used.
ISO 4406:1999 Particle Concentration
and Range Number
16
Wear Metals/
Elemental Analysis
Elemental analysis is used to evaluate and quantify wear metal elements, additive
elements and contamination elements. Wear metals are analyzed to pinpoint
problem areas through trend analysis. By analyzing the additive elements, the oil
type can be verified, i.e., hydraulic oil, transmission fluid, or engine oil.
Contamination elements are reviewed to determine lubricant serviceability and to
pinpoint causes of problems indicated by other test results.
Following are the sources of the elements analyzed and their function in a
component:
Element Source Function
Iron (Fe)
Engine blocks, Gears, Rings,
Bearings, Cylinder Walls,
Cylinder Heads, Rust
Because of its strength, iron is the base metal of steel in
many parts of the engine. Since iron will rust, it is
alloyed with other metals (i.e., Cr, Al, Ni) making steel.
Chromium
(Cr)
Shafts, Rings, Chromate
From Cooling System
Because of its strength and hardness, Chromium is used to plate
rings and shafts that are usually mated with steel (softer).
Chromium is also alloyed with iron (steel) for strength.
Aluminum
(Al)
Bushings, Some Bearings,
Pistons, Turbocharger,
Compressor Wheels
Aluminum is a strong light-weight metal (smaller mass)
that dissipates heat well and aids in heat transfer.
Copper (Cu)
Bearings, Bushings, Oil
Coolers, Radiators
Copper is utilized to wear first in order to protect other
components. Copper conforms well so it is used to seat
bearings to the crankshaft.
Lead (Pb)
Bearing Overlay, Leaded
Gasoline Contamination
Lead is a conforming material used to plate bearings.
Lead will appear in new engines while the bearings are
melding and conforming. If lead appears later,
misalignment may be indicated.
Nickel (Ni)
Valve Stems, Valve Guides,
Ring Inserts on Pistons
Nickel is alloyed with iron in high strength steel used to
make valve stems and guides.
Silver (Ag)
Bearing Cages (anti-friction
bearings), Silver Solder,
Turbocharger bearings and
wrist pin bushings.
Silver is used to plate some components because it
conforms well, dissipates heat and reduces coefficient of
friction.
Tin (Sn)
Bearings, Pistons Tin is a conforming material used to plate and protect
surfaces to facilitate break-in.
Molybdenum
(Mo)
Piston rings, oil
additives
Molybdenum is used as an alloy in some piston rings in the
place of Chromium. Molybdenum is also used as a friction-
reducing additive in some oils. Soluble Mo can be used as
an antioxidant additive.
17
Element Function
Zinc (ZN)
AW, EP, Antioxidant
Phosphorus
(P)
AW, EP, Antioxidant
Phosphorus is added to extreme pressure oils to provide a protective film. EP oils
are characterized by high phosphorus and sulfur levels.
Barium (Ba)
Detergent
Barium is toxic and expensive but it is advantageous because it does not leave
excessive ash residue.
Alkaline (base) additives used to neutralize acids formed by products of combustion
in engine oils. They also have some detergent qualities and corrosion inhibition.
Inhibitor
Boron is also found as an additive in coolant as borate.
Copper (Cu)
Antioxidant
Copper is added to engine oils to prevent oxidation.
Contaminant Elements
Element Cause
Sodium (Na)
External Contamination, Coolant leak, salt in the air.
Silicon (Si)
External (dirt), Additive, Sealants
Silicon can be an antifoam additive and from gasket material in the form
of silicone.
Potassium (K)
Coolant leak
Potassium is a coolant additive, and its presence in oil is indicative of coolant
contamination.
Sodium (Na),
Calcium (Ca) and
Magnesium (Mg)
Boron (B)
Additive Elements
Terms
Detergent-Additive which keeps the engine clean at high operating temperature.
Dispersant-Additive which keeps debris in suspension in the oil, controls deposits
at moderate temperature.
Anti-wear (AW)-Additive which provides a protective film.
Extreme Pressure (EP)-Additive which provides a protective film in high-pressure
areas.
18
Infrared Analysis
Infrared Spectroscopy (IR or FTIR) is a technique that is very useful
for: identifying oil and foreign-body contamination, identifying additive concentrations
or depletions, and identifying oil degradation reactions. The technique is based on
the principle that infrared light is absorbed in very specific ways by different
structures in organic molecules. Therefore, the IR instrument is capable of detecting
and identifying specific molecule-structures even in a mixture as complicated as used
lubricating oil!
Although the actual science behind infrared Spectroscopy analysis is quite
complicated (see above for typical FTIR output graph!), our lubricant customers can
rely on their oil analysis reports to tell them all they need to know about the
condition of their oil. Therefore, using the IR method, along with appropriate
reference materials and target levels based on years of experience, the oil analyst
is able to provide easy-to-read summary comments on the oil condition in the
following areas: oil oxidation, oil nitration, water/antifreeze contamination, fuel
dilution, soot contamination, and oil cross-contamination.
19
Typical Paper Analysis Test Report
The success of your equipment oil analysis program is directly dependent on the
information provided on this report PLUS your use of the information. Reports can
be distributed to you by mail, personal computer or fax. Understanding and using
the information provided on the test report is the key to an effective oil analysis test
program.
Below is an example of the type of information provided in the typical analysis
test report.
0
O
O
O
O
O
20
Comments. The laboratory makes a
comment on every sample processed. Comments
are made in easily understood, concise, laymans
terms. Comments include:
a. A diagnosis of machine condition based
on oil analysis.
b. Corrective maintenance recommendations
when necessary.
c. Subsequent oil sample interval recom-
mendations. For example: Resample at
scheduled interval, resample at one-half
scheduled interval, resample as soon as
possible. Maintenance feedback of the results
of lab recommendations is also listed in the
Comments section.
O
Oil Analysis Data. This table contains
the results of up to 6 consecutive oil samples for
comparison
O
Physical Data. Changes in the physical
qualities of the lubricant are determined and
evaluated. These changes and the presence of
contaminants affecting the properties of lubricants
have a direct bearing on its serviceability. Problems
with the physical properties may affect the values
detected in the Elemental Concentrations.
O
Elemental Concentrations. These
are measurements in Parts Per Million (PPM) of the
major elements studied to determine equipment
serviceability. Those elements consist of three main
groups: Wear Metals, Contaminants and Additives.
Conditions above normal are coded B, C, D based
on severity.
O
DO NOT HOLD SAMPLES. MAIL SAMPLES
THE SAME DAY THEY ARE TAKEN.
Sample Information. This is
background information provided by the customer
on each sample submitted for analysis. Sample
Date indicates the date the oil sample was
extracted from the machine. HOURS ON OIL is
the number of service miles or hours accumulated
on the lubricating oil.
Unit Information. This section lists the
identification or serial number of the unit sampled.
The name of the company that owns/operates the
unit and the units geographic location are
provided. The equipment manufacturer, model, oil
capacity and oil type are also listed here. Unit
information is supplied by the customer.
0 O
Typical Paper Analysis Test Report (continued)
21
Quality Equipment
Oil Analysis Program
Machine Type
Diesel engines
Gasoline engines
Transmissions
Gears, Differentials,
Final drives
Hydraulics
Recommended Sampling
Frequency
150 hours, 10,000 miles
3,000 to 5,000 miles
300 hours, 20,000 miles
300 hours, 20,000 miles
300 hours, 20,000 miles
Aviation
Reciprocating engines
Turbines
Gearboxes
Hydraulics
25-50 hours
100 hours
100-200 hours
100-200 hours
Industrial &
Marine
Manufacturing, Processing,
Power generation, Natural gas
distribution, Oil & gas
exploration, Marine equipment
Diesel engines
Natural gas engines
Gas turbines
Steam turbines
Air, gas compressors
Refrigeration compressors
Gears, bearings
Hydraulics
Normal use
Monthly, 500 hours
Monthly, 500 hours
Monthly, 500 hours
Bi-monthly
Monthly, 500 hours
Beginning, Midpoint & end of season
Bi-monthly
Bi-monthly
Intermittent use
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Quarterly
Industry
Off Highway &
Ground
Transportation
Mining, Construction,
Agriculture, Buslines,
Railroads, Forestry,
Automobiles
Oil Analysis Via the Internet
AnalysisPlus

Support
Basic Testing: Lab One 866-652-2663
Premium Testing: POLARIS Laboratories 866-341-4396
Staveley Services 877-645-5221
Note: General recommendation consult OEM and lubricant manufacturer for specific recommendations.
22
To properly evaluate machine
conditions, the oil samples submitted
for analysis must be representative of
the system from which they are taken.
For best results, follow these
guidelines:
1. The machine being sampled should
be brought to normal operating
temperature. Oil should be
recirculated, if appropriate. This will
ensure that insoluable and
semisoluable contaminants are
uniformly dispersed throughout the
system. Samples taken from
machines that have been inactive for
long periods are not representative.
2. Oil samples should always be taken
in the same manner and from the
same sampling point.
3. Do not sample a machine
immediately after an oil change or
after a large amount of make-up oil
has been added.
4. Use a clean dry container to draw
the oil sample. Ship samples in the
plastic bottles provided in the
package. Hydraulic fluids or other
oils submitted for a particle count
analysis should be submitted in the
super clean bottles provided
when special testing is requested.
Sample Gun Method
The oil test package includes a
plastic sampling bottle used for
collecting and shipping samples. A
special inexpensive sampling gun is also
offered as an option, together with
convenient lengths of plastic sampling
Oil Sampling Procedures
tubing. The plastic sampling bottle fits
directly into the sampling gun, and the
oil sample can be drawn directly from
the machine into the sampling bottle.
The sampling gun allows the user to
draw representative samples quickly
and with a minimum of effort.
Procedures are as follows:
1. Measure a sufficient length of plastic
sampling tubing to reach from the
sampling gun through the sample
aperture and into the machine sump
or reservoir. If the machine has a
dipstick, the tubing should be
measured against the dipstick to
establish the proper sampling depth.
2. Loosen the nut on the sample gun
head, insert the free end of the
sampling tubing through the nut
(about
1
/
2
inch past nut) and tighten
the nut to compress the sealing ring
to obtain a vacuum-tight seal. Screw
a clean plastic sampling bottle into
the gun adaptor.
3. Holding the sampling gun upright,
draw oil into the bottle using the
piston lever until oil is within
1
/
2
inch
of the top. To stop the oil flow,
break the vacuum by partially
unscrewing the bottle. Remove the
bottle from the adaptor, screw the
cap on tightly and wipe the bottle
clean. Fill out the unit or machine
identification number on the bottle
label.
4. Replace the plastic tubing after each
sampling to avoid sample cross-
contamination.
23
Sample Valve/Petcock
Method
Care should be taken to install the
valve on the lube system in a location
that will ensure representative oil
samples can be drawn. The exterior of
the valve should be wiped clean prior
to sampling to ensure that no external
contamination finds its way into the oil.
Stagnant oil should be drained from
the valve by drawing a small oil sample
into a waste oil container just prior to
collecting the oil sample in the plastic
sampling bottle. Screw the bottle cap
on tightly and wipe the bottle clean. Fill
out the unit or machine identification
number on the bottle label.
Oil Drain Method
Clean the area around the drain
plug thoroughly to avoid sample
contamination. Allow some of the oil
to drain into a waste oil container
prior to collecting the oil sample. Place
a clean dry sample bottle into the oil
stream and fill it to within
1
/
2
inch of the
top. Screw the cap on tightly and wipe
the bottle clean. Fill out the unit or
machine identification number on the
label.
NOTE: When taking oil samples
from hydraulic systems for particle
count analysis, special care must be
taken to assure the samples are
representative and that they are
contamination free. Use the special
super clean bottles to sample oils for
particle count analysis.
24
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