1. Set up a sampling program

• Integrate the sampling program with the scheduled maintenance
• Always sample from the same sampling point, upstream of the filters, at regular time intervals.
• Take samples at operating temperature, paying particular attention in case of temperatures above 50°C

OIL ANALYSIS IS MOST EFFECTIVE AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WHEN SAMPLES ARE TAKEN FROM MACHINES AT APPROPRIATE TIME INTERVALS.

To establish the sampling program, consider the five general factors listed below when selecting the type of plants to be monitored and consult the equipment use and maintenance manual provided by the manufacturer.

2. Follow good cleaning and safety practices

Laboratory analysis is looking for materials smaller than 8 microns in your oil sample, which are generally not visible to the eye.

• Wear appropriate protective and safety equipment during sampling (gloves, goggles, etc.)
• Use only new pickup bottles and keep them closed until the time of pickup.
• Clean the drain plug and the area around the sampling spot.
• Always wash the new bottle with the oil to be sampled before collecting the final sample for analysis. To determine the particulate matter, wash the bottle at least 3 times before collecting the sample to be analyzed.
• Avoid sampling from the drain plugs; this is a spot where it is difficult to get a representative sample. If unavoidable, sample when the oil is still hot and about halfway through the emptying process.
• Do not use degreasers to clean the sampling equipment. Traces of these substances could affect the results.

The typical contamination of hydraulic fluids is < 8 microns, 5 times smaller than what the human eye can perceive. Particle material and water visible to the "naked eye" in a sample are a sign of irregular operating conditions of the system, in these cases we recommend to take prompt and corrective measures.

How big is a micron?

3. Keep records of the sampling and plant information.

Map and trace the information about the plant and the sampling, they will help us to give the correct interpretation of the results. Make sure you provide us with all the details of the sample (plant name, type of oil, hours of operation, sampling spot, etc.).

Many factors are important to understand the results of the analysis, when forwarding a sample give us as much information as possible about the sample (date of collection, plant name, fluid name, hours of operation, refills, etc..) these data will allow us to better read the results and allow you to determine the trend of the data.