Skip to Primary Site Navigation, Secondary Site Navigation, Content, Company Address

Home > Industries > Mining

Mining

Harsh operating conditions, extreme load variations and the high-dollar costs involved in equipment replacement make fluid analysis a necessary part of doing business in the mining industry. Routine testing identifies small problems before they become major failures allowing you to meet the demands of your customers on time. Maximize asset reliability and regain control of your production schedules with an effective fluid analysis program with POLARIS Laboratories® POLARIS Laboratories…it costs so little to protect so much.

The heavy-duty equipment required by mining applications is often exposed to extreme, uncontrollable environmental factors for long periods of time, yet is still expected to maintain maximum performance levels. Contamination and wear are eminent and when left unchecked, can halt production in a heartbeat. Monitoring the condition of both the fluid and the unit through fluid analysis identifies wear-causing contaminants and their effect on component performance. Sampling frequency should be based on the unit's criticality to production, as well as the costs involved in replacement or repair.

Mining Test Packages

Diesel Engines

Routinely monitoring a diesel engine oil's viscosity, as well as its ability to neutralize acids and disperse and suspend soot particles produced during combustion, can indicate whether or not anti-wear additive and dispersant/detergent levels are providing sufficient engine protection.

Basic

Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.

Tests include:

Water Based Fluids

Basic

Testing monitors water levels to maintain fire-resistance capabilities and pH to avoid acid formation and maintain system cleanliness.

Tests include:

Fuel Analysis

Basic

Testing detects problems causing fuel filter plugging and determine fuel's impact on fuel filter life

Tests include:

Advanced

Testing determines if product in storage tanks complies with required supplier specifications. Also, includes each of the Basic Program tests

Tests include:

Coolant Analysis

Coolant Analysis takes the guess work out of properly maintaining a cooling system and can identify maintenance problems before catastrophic engine failure occurs. Regular coolant testing and routine maintenance can help you achieve maximum system efficiency and save you time and money in less downtime, fewer repairs and determining proper drain intervals.

A cooling system is subject to pitting, corrosion, cavitation, erosion and electrolysis. Although coolants are formulated to help prevent these problems from occurring, coolant analysis will identify them if present and determine if the coolant you're using is providing adequate protection. It will also identify:

  • Rust, which can accelerate wear, reduce heat transfer efficiency and eventually clog the system
  • Scale and deposit formations that can act as insulators, which form barriers for proper heat transfer
  • Oxidation which can lead to rust

Organic acid coolant testing also monitors carboxylic acid to determine if enough is present for the proper chemical reactions to occur. If a carboxylic acid test fails, non-compatible coolant or fluid could be present.

Level I

The following tests monitor coolant maintenance levels to ensure proper engine metal protection, glycol levels for freeze and boil point control, nitrite for prime metal pitting protection and acidity for adequate corrosion protection.

Tests include:

Level II

Level II testing monitors the corrosive attributes of the coolant itself - acidic or alkaline - in addition to metal movement - the corrosiveness of each metal affected. This level includes all Level I tests plus:

Tests include:

Level IV

Level IV testing identifies possible sources of problems detected in testing levels I and II, such as combustion gas leaks, air contamination, electrical ground problems, localized over-heating, chemical breakdown or other contamination sources inside or outside the system. Level IV testing also identifies the type and degree of degradation acid formation resulting from any cooling system problems. It includes all tests in Levels I and II plus:

Tests include:

  • Inhibitor, Contaminants and Degradation Acids by IC - (Nitrites, Nitrates, Chlorides & Sulfates, Glycolate, Formate, Acetate, Oxalate)

Gear Systems

Basic

Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.

Tests include:

Advanced

To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.

Tests include:

Hydraulic Systems

Basic

Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.

Tests include:

Advanced

To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.

Tests include:


Top

News

POLARIS Laboratories® Announces 2013 Public Training Classes

POLARIS Laboratories®, an innovative leader in the fluid analysis industry, has announced its public training class schedule for 2013. Whether attendees are just beginning to establish fluid analysis best practices or they've been in the industry for years, these classes will expand their knowledge of oils and coolants and help them understand the importance of doing fluid analysis and doing it well.

Read More


POLARIS Laboratories® Opens New Fluid Testing Lab in Moscow, Russia

The company has now expanded into Russia with the opening of POLARIS Laboratories® Russia, the official representative of POLARIS Laboratories®, located in Moscow.

Read More


Training

  • Denver
    Cooling Systems Maintenance
    May 28, 2013

  • Denver
    Oil Analysis
    May 29-30, 2013

  • Orlando
    Oil Analysis
    July 24-25, 2013

View complete schedule and registration information


Tradeshows & Conferences

  • Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show
    Weyburn, SK
    June 5-6, 2013

  • Oil Sands Trade Show
    Fort McMurray, AB
    September 10-11, 2013

View all tradeshows