FERROGRAPHY: MACHINERY HEALTH MONITORING BY WEAR DEBRIS ANALYSIS

Though it uses lubricant samples, Ferrography is not strictly an oil analysis technique. The wear particles and debris which are generated by the wear mechanisms (bearings, gears etc,) are examined. These particles exist as a separate phase in the lubricant. They are removed through use of a strong magnetic field. Other solids such as contaminants and corrosion products are also removed and examined using the technique. Three Ferrograph instruments have been developed to separate out these particles. One instrument is a general-use off-line screening instrument which is simple and flexible. It simply gives two numbers as output which reveal the general health of the machine. A second instrument does this on-line. A third instrument takes over where the first two leave off. This Analytical Ferrograph permits in-depth analysis of the particles leading to a prognosis of the machine condition. In fairly well known and defined systems, it is often possible to point out the failing part. Thus, unlike other monitoring techniques which merely reveal that a problem exists, a ferrogram often identifies the problem. The article then describes the three above-mentioned instruments and their uses. Finally a brief resume of the Naval Ship Engineering Center's shipboard machinery monitoring program is provided.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02637944
• Corporate Authors:

  Intec Press Limited

  3 Station Parade
  Whyteleafe, Surrey,   England 
• Publication Date: 1980-1

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 43
• Serial:
  • Shipcare & Maritime Management
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 1
  • ISSN: 0263-7944

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chemical analysis; Engines; Equipment maintenance; Gears; Instrumentation; Lubricating oils; Machinery; Mechanical failure; Monitoring; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Condition monitoring
• Old TRIS Terms: Instrumentation (Machinery); Lube oil analysis; Machinery failure
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00310203
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 22 1980 12:00AM