HYDRAULIC AND LUBE OIL SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS - A COMMON SENSE APPROACH

摘要

Routine fluid analysis plays an important role in predicting hydraulic system reliability. Basic fluid analysis reports however may not always tell enough of the story. Further, the report and subsequent decisions made about the system may be based on fluid that was sampled improperly. Whether bottle or on-line sampling there are many pitfalls that need to be avoided to ensure fluid analysis information is valid. Patch tests can also play an important role when looking at overall system health. In addition the system's filter element(s) hold information that can be used to monitor system health. Questions of premature filter plugging or why the system's target cleanliness is not being met can often be answered with these available tools. This discussion is based on the author's experience in analyzing hydraulic and lube system fluid. Techniques used to troubleshoot fluid and filtration related issues and a review of proper fluid sampling methods is included.