Hydraulic Oil Analysis

Material and Hydraulic Oil Analysis: Productivity and Machine Health

Mineral and hydraulic oils are important industrial fluids that directly affect the operation and durability of machinery. Regular monitoring of the properties of these oils is essential to prevent breakdowns, increase productivity and reduce operational costs. In this blog post, we will provide information about the purpose of mineral and hydraulic oil analysis, the test methods used and the benefits of these analyzes.

Importance of Mineral and Hydraulic Oil Analysis

Lubricants for machinery and equipment perform critical tasks such as reducing friction and wear, providing cooling and protecting against corrosion. However, contamination or deterioration of the oil over time can lead to decreases in machine performance and even serious breakdowns. In hydraulic systems, the quality of the oil ensures that the system can safely transmit pressurized motion. Therefore, analyzing oils helps prevent high maintenance costs by detecting potential problems at an early stage.

Benefits of Oil Analysis

Mineral and hydraulic oil analysis offers several advantages to improve the reliability and efficiency of machines:

• Early Warning System: Wear particles in the oil indicate wear of machine components. This type of analysis allows potential failures to be detected at an early stage.
• Cost Savings: Early detection of oil problems extends machine uptime and reduces unscheduled maintenance costs.
• Long Equipment Life: Oil analysis helps protect machine parts and ensures longer life of components in the system.
• Environmental Responsibility: Oil analysis prevents unnecessary replacement of degraded oils, which contributes to the environment by reducing oil consumption.

How Often Should Lube and Hydraulic Oil Analyzes Be Performed?

The frequency of oil analysis varies depending on the type of machine, operating conditions and frequency of use. In general, it is recommended to analyze every 250 hours for industrial machinery. This period can be adjusted according to the operating conditions of the machines and the type of oil used. More frequent analysis may be required, especially for machines operating under severe conditions.

Tests Applied in Mineral and Hydraulic Oil Analysis

Oil analysis covers different tests to obtain information about the condition and lifetime of the oil. The most commonly used analysis methods are the following:

1. Viscosity Analysis: Viscosity, which indicates the fluidity of the oil, changes as the oil ages and becomes contaminated. Monitoring viscosity is important to determine whether the oil is providing optimum performance.
2. Elemental Analysis: This analysis for the detection of metals in the oil reveals wear and contamination conditions. The detection of wear metals such as iron and copper in engine oil or hydraulic system oil determines the wear rate of the components and the service life of the oil.
3. Water Content Analysis: Moisture or water buildup, especially in hydraulic oils, reduces the effectiveness of the oil and can cause corrosion. This test allows the water level to be checked and moisture is controlled in the system.
4. Acid Number (TAN) and Base Number (TBN) Tests: These tests measure the acid or base level in lubricants and are used to determine the degree of oxidation and aging of the oil. If the oil becomes acidic, it can lead to corrosion in systems, while a high base level indicates the alkalinity level of the oil.
5. Foaming Test: Foam that forms in the oil can reduce the surface tension of the oil, reducing lubrication performance. This test evaluates the oil's tendency to foam and determines whether anti-foaming additives are required.
6. Particle Count: This analysis, which determines the number and size of particles in the oil, reveals the need for oil filtration, especially in hydraulic systems. Particle analysis helps determine the need for filtration by assessing the cleanliness of the oil.
7. Oxidation and Nitrogen Determination: Oxidation tests to determine the degree of degradation of oils are critical, especially for systems operating under high temperature and pressure. Nitrogen content analyzes thermal degradation of the oil and loss of additives.

Lube and hydraulic oil analysis is a critical process to improve the performance of machines, reduce maintenance costs and maximize operational efficiency. Accurate oil analysis and regular control contribute to the efficiency of industrial processes by keeping machines running smoothly. As in every sector, oil analysis is also very important in terms of sustainability and environmental awareness. By not neglecting oil analysis in your business, you can both protect machine health and save money in the long run.

Why NANOLAB?

Nanolab offers the most reliable and fastest solution in mineral and hydraulic oil analysis with its experience in the sector and strong infrastructure. It meticulously analyzes the chemical and physical properties of oils to improve machine health and operational efficiency. Thanks to ISO 17025 accreditation, the analysis results are internationally recognized and the performance and safety requirements of the oils are accurately evaluated. With its wide range of equipment and expert technical team, it completes analysis processes efficiently and provides fast results. Thanks to its regulatory expertise, relevant standards and legal requirements are fully met. Nanolab stands out as the address where quality, reliability and speed combine in mineral and hydraulic oil analysis.