We work with a number of customers who have similar assets across several sites. This can be of help when considering the likely cause of a problem, but recently we had a reminder that all our samples are individuals and the analysis process should be followed independently and without preconceptions.
On the surface the problems appeared identical – an off-shore pump with a lubricating and a seal oil circuit.
The problem:
Reducing lube oil viscosity – suspected ingress of seal oil. Samples of new and in-service seal and lubricating oil were provided.
Routine oil analysis and FTIR spectroscopy were performed. The answers however were not the same.
Site A: Virgin lube oil was found to be of a lower viscosity grade than that expected. It matched the in-service lubricating oil, explaining the low viscosity. No seal oil ingress was found. Incorrect lube oil was being used.
Site B: Virgin lube oil was in spec. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed ingress of seal oil into the lubricating oil system. Additional analysis of a seal and lube oil mixture confirmed these findings.
Conclusion
While past experience may suggest a likely cause of the problem it does not guarantee that the actual issue will be the same this time. So take the necessary steps to investigate and determine the true cause in each and every case. Otherwise you may find yourself topping up with incorrect oil all along, wondering why it stays too thin!
Want to learn more about the power of FTIR?
See our Example FTIR Report and pages 14 and 15 of our Brochure