Executive Summary
Many readers report that they utilize an oil analysis program, and a smaller number work for companies that provide oil analysis as a service. The type of testing used depends on the application and technical specifications, and many test methods consider viscosity, contamination and wear, among other properties. The majority of readers find the oil analysis report to be very useful, listing features such as timeliness, accuracy, thoroughness and personalization as the most valuable characteristics a provider can offer.
Q.1. When setting up an oil analysis program, how do you decide what testing you do on each fluid?

Always looking for better quality and power for racing.

Depends on what the customer is doing with their oil drain intervals, which dictates which test slate is selected.

For our products, we have a specification, which includes viscosity, ISO particle count, water content and additives elements content. We test some of these parameters in house and send all samples for full analysis in a Canadian Association for Laboratory Accreditation (CALA) accredited lab. 
 
Viscosity, water content, corrosion ferrous and non-ferrous, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) test, ferrous graphics, tramp oil and others. Among these tests, choose one or two quick tests first.

The significance and usefulness of the oil analysis for preventative maintenance, prediction of lifetime of the oil and condition monitoring of the machinery.

The oil analysis will be based on the applications and corresponding properties.

Depends on the type of fluid and the goals of the end-user.

We have already established a matrix of standard tests. We can add or subtract from that matrix. One for automotive and one for industrial.

Mostly based on expected issues, such as contamination, wear or fluid degradation.

By examining the goals of the program. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and viscosity are almost always required to observe the basic health of the fluid and the system. Other parameters are based on a combination of need and budget.
 
Cleanliness/contaminant and performance-related properties.

It will depend on the type of oil, the application and the nature of equipment.

Wear trend, appropriate oil condition.

Fluid type, asset conditions, failure anticipation, asset criticality.

Depends upon the component to be tested, i.e., engine, hydraulic, transmission, turbine, etc. 

Asset criticality is the first deciding factor. The more critical the asset, the more intensive the testing.

We start with the customers’ highest priority if they understand their needs. If not, we work with them to discover the best starting place. Over time a refinement of needs and priority occurs as the sample data dictates.

Critical components. Hydraulics, turbines, gears, circulating fluids.

Based on component/application.

Each oil sample has a base set of analyses; determining any further testing is based upon where the sample came from and the state of the fluid.

Depending on the purpose the fluid is used for, and which possibilities we have, onsite or an analysis provider can provide.

Application and most common failure modes of the equipment.

Testing is based upon what the product is “supposed to do.” For example, if it is to have a high viscosity index (VI), one would test viscosity at both 40 °C and 100 °C. If a certain additive level is needed to assure performance, we will implement ICP or X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing. If a sample must be very low in water content, it will steer the type of Karl Fischer apparatus we use. All samples are evaluated for viscosity, cleanliness, water, etc.

Follow the oil analysis provider’s recommendations within reason.

It depends on the type of machinery and its critical elements (bearings, valves, etc.).
 
Criticality of equipment, system clearances and impact of particulate, type of system and whether patch testing or ferrography additions may be helpful or crucial, fluid type, equipment history.

Application based (test packages vary per application) and also we decide on specialty tests needed to investigate a failure or trying to understand fluid degradation root cause, for example.

Assessment of field conditions and most relevant performance characteristics.

Determine what factors have the biggest impact on my equipment and lube performance, along with what local environmental contamination could impact performance.

Have to take into account equipment requirements, criticality, lubricant formulation and OEM specs for both the equipment and lubricant. Check for any ASTM methods that are specific to testing regime/slate as well and ensure that the proper ASTM and DIN and other testing method requirements are being taken into account and followed.

I’m not an oil analysis specialist, but it would seem that one of the first steps is to identify the objective of the testing. Are you looking at overall fluid health? Are you looking for a specific contaminant? Additive depletion? Viscosity breakdown?

Consult with my lubricants supplier and my analysis supplier.

I base it on type of equipment, environment and workload.

First is to determine if this is a regular sample or a troubleshooting sample. A regular sample is a sample taken at specific times while the application is running or during normal maintenance. A troubleshooting sample is from an application that has failed and you’re looking for a root cause. There are a set of tests done on every sample, usually infrared analysis, viscosity, ash (inorganic residue) and water concentration. Regular samples usually have defined test procedures to develop a trend line. If it is a wet application, you’ll follow water concentration. For a hot application you’ll follow oxidation. A heavily loaded application you might look for is wear metals. For troubleshooting all testing might be used and compared to a fresh sample to determine a difference. Although sometimes when troubleshooting there is not enough lubricant left to get a good analytical result.

Start with site equipment criticality assessment ranking and then base testing slate(s) on equipment type and criticality.

Do you use a fluid analysis provider?
Yes 63%
No 37%
Based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers.

Performance and remaining life of the fluid.

Application, service severity, lubricant, service interval goal.

It depends on the test goal and the oil behavior at the test.

We determine the test items according to the specific application requirement.

Tests depend on the type of fluid.

Ask advice from our lubricant distributor about which analysis program would be best suited for our needs.

Select best suited existing package.

Together with my oil analysis lab, I set up programs specific to the application and the maintenance schedule.

Decision is influenced by 1.) the type of oil/fluid, 2.) its use (ideal and real case), 3. the equipment/machine component and 4.) environment.

I base it on what the end goal is: longer drains or trying to find the best time to change fluids versus when the equipment is available to change fluids.

Oiliness, oil tribology (lubricity, viscosity and VI).

From which type of equipment it is taken out and application with operation philosophy of the said equipment.

The decision about oil analysis program must be according to product application and specification to which it was designed to attend.

You set it to the fluid application and conditions.

We review the important parameters that are key to the operation and performance of the oil, along with what others in the industry test.

Cleanliness of oil is most important, because impurities (also water) can cause immediate problems.

From decades of experience and fluid/testing knowledge. We have to know what should and can be run on different types of fluids or it is wasted.

I follow the recommendations of the service provider.

I am a retired lubricants chemist. However, my reply is: Refer to the purchasing specification, manufacturing specification or equipment application requirements.

Oil and debris.

Based on application, equipment feature and age, fluid type as well as maintenance monitoring program.

By consulting oil manufacturer technical support.

I would follow the recommendation of the analysis lab so they can provide not only data but also a recommendation for saving CO2 and money.

Depends on the technical application.

Q.2. What is the No. 1 thing you wish your fluid analysis provider would do for you?

Provide the upper and lower limits on each test result.

Correct and prompt results with easy online access and search. 

Viscosity and FTIR.

Conclusive remarks on the status of the oil in addition to the data.

Reliable and accurate data.

Be more flexible on testing made available.

Better turnaround time.

Show trends and comparisons to aggregate data, not just raw numbers.

Nice to have confidence range of test results.

Make reports easily accessible.

Give a comprehensive and understandable comment.

More attention to detail in looking at specific component wear ppms.
 
Better or faster communication when I do have an anomaly in a test result. It would be nice if the report with a subpar result were singled out of the group for easier or faster identification.

The winning lotto numbers would be fantastic. Short of that, I think taking the sample data and providing a flexibility on flagging limits. Insite or cooperation on additive changes that the majors make to provide a base limit for sampling to be initiated from. Perhaps artificial intelligence (AI) can step in and consume the data and produce long and short-term solutions.

Those I am familiar with and have used provide critical notices, and also provide added analysis as needed.

Manage my sampling schedule so I sample less often, but still at correct interval based on condition.

Real-time feedback.
 
To help us interpret the data with respect to the questions we want to have answered, and not just to provide analysis results.

Provide training on their process and on oil analysis at least annually if not more frequently.

Make it easier to follow up with maintenance—i.e., be very clear in the report what actions they recommend.

A precise diagnosis.
 
Maintain baseline references from major manufacturers.

How useful to you is the fluid analysis report?
Very useful 80%
Somewhat useful 13%
Not useful 7%
Based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers.

The proof of repeatability and reproducibility of the results of the test methods used (at least for three various fluid analyses).

Reliable testing standards and on-time reports availability online via their website.

More thought of our specific needs versus generic testing.

Identify opportunities to reduce testing costs, i.e., does the data show I could potentially reduce the samples I send for testing, then proactively share that data with a recommendation that I have a chance to reduce my testing costs.

Make it easier to process samples, i.e., register the samples and offer more training on sampling protocol and procedures. Best practices.

Reliably test the sample and provide data in a format that is clear. Provide additional analysis if needed.

Alerts (also trends).

When wear metals rise, highlight potential cause including contaminants. The lab I use does that.

Help with the post-testing analysis and help with interpreting the trend lines. Suggesting alternate or additional testing based on past experience. Have a good library of fresh lubricant sample analyses.

Speed up sample analysis reporting.

Provide on time and accurate analysis.

Personal account manager who is easily contacted.

Provide faster test results.

The relationship between viscosity and pressure and temperature.

Whether fluid is fit for use.

Our analysis provider has done everything that they were asked to do unless they were unable to provide the service that was needed. And in such cases they recommended a company that could take care of our request.

Elemental analysis.

We are a fluid analysis provider, and we try to listen to the needs of our customers.

Quick turnaround.

Be transparent with the desired parameters and also receive honest feedback.

Make life for oil sampling as easy as possible and technical and commercial support.
 
Provide crystal clear results and suggest possible solutions and development area (where necessary).

A complete synthetic analysis with recommendations and a second part with details (e.g., water content, particle sizes, particles nature, etc.).

I’m happy with our provider.

Adaptability of lubricity or its factors.

Easy QR code labels for each asset/sample.

Accurate results with easy-to-understand explanations of the results.

Cleanliness ISO 4405, with microscopic viewing.

Speed and reliability in results: Speed and reliability in the delivery of results are crucial to me, especially if I am using fluid analysis as part of a predictive maintenance program. It is very important that the provider can provide results in a reasonable time and that they are accurate and easily understandable.

It is important to me that the service provider evaluates the results and points out any unusual values.

Specify analysis techniques.

Viscosity.

Diagnosis report and corrective action.

The first thing is to check whether the fluid is in normal condition or not, if the fluid is not. 
 
Indicate to me what I have to do (drain immediately, make some maintenance or to sample again).

Provide a recommendation in the language of a mechanic on what I have to do next.

Include some photos and comments about the visual inspection of the sample. 

Deep know-how depends on the technical application.

Editor’s Note: Sounding Board is based on an informal poll sent to 15,000 TLT readers. Views expressed are those of the respondents and do not reflect the opinions of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. STLE does not vouch for the technical accuracy of opinions expressed in Sounding Board, nor does inclusion of a comment represent an endorsement of the technology by STLE.