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Diagnosis of Mechnical Problems
Fluids analysis is a powerful tool for diagnosing mechanical problems by itself and in combination with other diagnostic tools and procedures.
How is Fluids Analysis Used for Diagnosis?
- With scheduled maintenance, reports detect and pinpoint source of problems
- When a mechanical problem is suspected
- When a mechanical problem has occurred
Why is Fluids Analysis Used for Diagnosis?
- To determine or confirm the source of mechanical problems; fluids analysis provides information that other diagnostic tools/processes do not
- To ensure that the nature of the problem is completely known and understood
- As a “forensic” tool for warranty claims and litigation
ROI/Benefits?
- Reduced downtime and repair costs by avoiding unnecessary or incorrect repairs
- Reduced downtime due to the time it takes to diagnose a problem correctly
- Ensured that secondary damage is known so that a problem is fixed completely
- Having a 3rd-party record of the nature of the problem to speed warranty claims and provide documentation
Profiles of Success
“Sheldon Stations Maintenance Department sent a group of oil samples to you the week of December 7th, 1998. Among these was a Forced Draft Fan Motor bearing which is a 2000 Horse Power Electric motor. Upon sampling it you discovered high copper and lead in the oil, and this prompted you to contact us right away.
After being contacted our maintenance people looked at the bearing as the motor was in service and checked the bearing temp. They seemed to be OK. By December 15, 1998 one of our operators noticed that the oil was turning gray however the temp and vibration was still OK. Our maintenance department scheduled the machine off right away and upon inspection discovered that the babbit material was coming off of the bearing. It looked like a poor repair job. We installed a spare bearing and put the machine back in service without a hitch.
I would like to take a moment to thank you for catching and notifying us about the oil sample problem. This again proves the value of routine oil sampling and maintenance, and probably saved us some extensive damage and longer down time.
Once again, thanks for the good work.”
Chris Cerveny
NPPD Sheldon Station
Hallam, NE
“The phone calls have also been a great help in diagnosing and pinpointing the problem areas. We have also been able to impress some of our dealers with warranty claims by showing them our oil sample reports. Thanks for all of the personal attention and concern you have shown for APAC and our equipment.”
Dale Whitlock, Equipment Manager
APAC - Virginia, Inc.
Richmond, VA |
