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Lack of Information Affects Flagging Points

Complete and accurate customer, equipment and sample information greatly increases the value of oil analysis. The more information an analyst has with which to evaluate results, the better his or her comments and recommendations for maintenance action will be.

This information is also important to the person receiving the results. Knowing your equipment and the lubricants you are using and sharing that information with your laboratory will give you more for your oil analysis dollar allowing for more in-depth analysis and eliminating the confusion and difficulties that can occur when trying to interpret your results and recommendations.

The descriptions below explain in detail the importance of including this information with each sample you submit for testing.

Iron ppm flagging point example

But by having additional unit type, manufacturer, model and filter information and by analyzing a database of historical samples meeting the same criteria, the laboratory is able to set more unit-specific flagging points.

  • Automatic transmissions are typically flagged at lower Iron values. Under more pressure than manual transmissions, automatic transmissions use hydraulic fluids, as opposed to gear oils, they are filtered and wear patterns are less
  • Certain wear patterns can be specific to the manufacturer - each uses different metals - what may be typical for one may not be for another
  • Each model has its own design, engineering and application
  • Filter type and rating sets a level of acceptable cleanliness and significantly lowers flagging points for metals, especially if the sample has been taken after the filter

Omitting or providing inaccurate unit, lube and filtration information for this particular sample could create a difference of as much as 165 ppm where preventable failure could occur.

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