Oil analysis service provides cost-effective, accurate insight into health of machinery
Millers Oils helps manufacturers predict machinery maintenance requirements and reduce costs
24th April 2015, Brighouse, Yorkshire – Millers Oils has launched its oil analysis service into the industrial market, enabling manufacturers to monitor the health of their machinery and equipment. The results of the analysis can accurately predict component wear and lubrication life, helping manufacturers to reduce costs, carry our predictive maintenance and better anticipate repairs.
“A machinery’s fluids can offer great insight into how the mechanisms are operating and what problems may lie on the horizon,” say Millers Oils technical director, Martyn Mann. “By analyzing the particles and using the data gathered, we can precisely build up a picture to establish the quality of oil used and if any specific components are experiencing unusual wear.”
The analysis identifies and quantifies wear metals, additives and contaminants in the lubricant. From this data, a report is created, highlighting any unusual characteristics. This can be used to determine the health of the machinery and identify potential issues. For example, if high levels of iron are present, the analysis will investigate the smaller quantities of alloying elements that give steel different qualities. If this finds that there is 1-2% chromium for every 100p.p.m of iron, it could indicate a failing rolling element bearing, where as an issue with the gears is more likely if there is 2-3 p.p.m. for every 100 p.p.m. of Iron.
“Both environmental and process contaminations can be identified through oil analysis, typically silicon and aluminium,” continues Mann. “Any number of contaminants can be detected; including calcium from a gypsum or limestone quarry and sodium if the industry is near the coast. The environmental background should be carefully considered when setting up an oil analysis programme, to avoid any unnecessary surprises.”
The analysis also tests the viscosity of the machinery’s oil to ascertain if there have been any changes to the lubricant since it was first used. Changes to an oil’s viscosity can be caused by exposure to excessive heat, if it has been in the equipment too long or the machinery is overheating, or it can be due to contamination.
“Our oil analysis provides manufacturers with a detailed, yet easy to understand report that covers all of the results,” concludes Mann. “It is the only way to accurately check the health of machinery, without stripping away components or using expensive exploratory tools.”
MillerCare is available in two tiers; basic and advanced. MillerCare Basic (£29.95 inc VAT) includes the detailed report as discussed, MillerCare Advanced (£39.95 inc VAT) enables manufacturers to do multiple samples to produce a trend graph. By submitting two samples over six months, for example, the customer can monitor an issue highlighted in the first test and see how it has progressed. The oil analysis kits and further details are available from technical@millersoils.co.uk.
About Millers Oils
Millers Oils was founded in 1887 by John Watson Miller, and since then the company has displayed a talent for innovation and industry firsts. It was the first to offer diesel specific engine oil for cars and continues to push boundaries to earn its place as a world leader in the technology of low friction. In January 2012, Millers Oils launched nanotechnology engine oils. When tested against a competitor’s oil of the same viscosity, Nanodrive recorded 40% lower friction at operating temperatures of 110°C, with significantly improved film strength. Millers Oils uses the expertise gained in motorsport and performance car development to ensure it remains a leader in automotive and commercial vehicle oils and across a broad range of industrial lubricants.
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