LUBRICATING OIL ANALYSIS AS AN INDICATOR OF MACHINERY HEALTH

Lubricating oil, the lifeblood of an engine, has always been considered a reliable indicator of an engine's internal condition. Despite the many studies that have been performed to confirm this theory, a new investigation was undertaken to establish more convincing proof, and to verify the reliability of previous oil analysis studies. There have been occasions when previous oil analysis results have suggested that a breakdown had occurred, or was imminent, when the contrary had been true; conversely, breakdowns have taken place with no prior warning indicators from the analysis. As in previous studies, present oil analyses use such techniques as plasma emission, spectrometry, ferrography and filter separation. Case studies are presented using these techniques on three suitably selected diesel engine ships. Although there is still a great deal of skepticism in relating marine lube oil analysis to machinery condition, this investigation again proves the strong link between the two. Conclusions are presented, and include recommendations for frequency of engine oil inspections.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Conference paper
• Authors:
  • Swindells, N S
• Conference:
  • International Marine Propulsion Conference, 12th
  • Location: London, England
  • Date: 1990-3-8 to 1990-3-9
• Publication Date: 1990

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 14p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Lubricating oils; Machinery; Monitoring
• Uncontrolled Terms: Used engine oil
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00661294
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Technical Information Facility
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 1994 12:00AM