Need Help Understanding An Oil Analysis Report

[sferrari]

USAF oil analysis

I've never done oil analysis on trucks, but I have done oil analysis on 16s and 130s for four years. The concentration of wear metals in the oil isn't what you should be concerned with. You need to keep an eye on the trend. If the ppm of any element is steadily increasing with each consecutive sample, that is normal. If the concentration of an element suddenly spikes, thats when you should be worried.

I don't understand why civilians would need oil analysis. Its really only necessary when reliability is an issue. Case in point, we sampled 16s after EVERY flight because engine reliability was crucial. An F16 has one engine. If a bearing shits out during flight, it becomes a multi million dollar lawn dart.

Jasonjc -- I'm certain that there is tech data somewhere that delineates the sample interval and trend indices's for your engine. We never tracked phosphorus or zinc, which means that they probably aren't important for these engines either. Iron looks high to me but that could be contamination. If you get bad results, the FIRST step (before panic) is a resample. For us, zinc was actually an indicator that the sample was taken improperly. We regularly dazzled the Crew Chiefs with our ability to identify whether or not they had done their job properly.

As garp stated earlier, getting an accurate sample is CRUCIAL. Sodium, zinc, and silicon are all contaminants, not wear metals.

 

[devilman96]

RE: USAF oil analysis

Zinc and silicon are addtives commonly found in most oils today, especally synthetics. This is why when given a report with high levels of ether it will usually state its possiably a oil by product.

 

[Boatcarpenter]

RE: USAF oil analysis

When I had an oil analysis done, the service that did it was Stavely Services Fluid Analysis. When you have an analysis done there you become sort of a member and you can sign up for their eline email newsletter and tech Bulletins. The most recent one had the following which I thought was interesting.


May 16, 2008

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How important is the sample information you provide?
Edward Eckert

Envision that the laboratory receives a diesel engine sample with an established sample history. The bottle label already has the customer information pre-printed, but the only information provided regarding the sample is the unit identification number and time on oil – 15,000 miles. The test results when viewed by the data evaluator, show elevated silicon, aluminum, iron, and slightly elevated potassium, when compared with the historical data. What are the two possible causes?

The first possibility is that the engines’ air intake system is leaking or there is a dirty air filter causing abrasive wear. (On a side note: One good indicator of abrasive wear is the ratio of silicon to aluminum. If the ratio is 4:1, silicon: aluminum, it is most likely dirt contamination).

The second possibility is that the engine has either had an in-frame, or has been replaced. The elevated elements would indicate break-in wear. Especially with slightly elevated potassium and no sodium present, that would point towards the intercooler as the source.

Even though the time on oil was given, the unit (engine) time wasn’t, so a decision has to be made, one way or another. For proper data interpretation to take place, all questionable variables must be removed. This is especially true for the use of computerized automated data analysis. For a sample not to be rejected during the automated analysis process all variables including oil time, unit time, unit make and model, oil brand, grade and type, must be defined.

Okay, we know the importance of including oil time and unit time, what about static data like system capacity? Well, the condemning limit for iron in a gearbox is much higher in a 5 gallon capacity gearbox, when compared to a 50 gallon capacity gearbox. The same is true for other equipment such as bearings, hydraulic systems, turbines, etc. 80 ppm iron may be fine for a gearbox with a capacity under 10 gallons, but what if it’s a gear box with a sump capacity of 110 gallons? The oil analysis report comes back as normal, but the gear fails. Had the lab known the oil capacity, the iron at 80 ppm would have been flagged and a corrective action comment would have been made on the report.

Any static data (capacity, make, model, etc.) does not have to be information continuously provided with the sample once the lab has this data associated with the unit in its data base. The bottom line is that the interpretation of the reports you receive form the lab are only as good as the information provided. Many key variables, not just time on oil, are looked at when reviewing sample data. Any missing information could possibly mean the difference between being able to make a proactive decision and take action before a failure occurs (the main reason for using oil analysis), or having to make a reactive one making a repair after failure.

For more information please visit our website at www.staveleyfa.com or e-mail us at info@staveleyna.com



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Who We Are
For over 45 years, customers have relied on Staveley Services Fluids Analysis for comprehensive oil, fuel, coolant, and metalworking analytical services. With locations throughout the US and Canada, Staveley offers standard analysis packages and over 100 specialized ASTM tests that cover any combination of conditions, fluids and applications. Staveley's highly trained and experienced professionals are committed to providing unmatched services with quality results that are cost effective and prompt. Strategically located, Staveley's facilities provide regional access to testing services throughout North America.

Telephone: (877) 835-8437
BC


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[FreightTrain]

Here is my oil sample from a little while ago.Talk about an ugly sample....but this was with the oil that came in it from GL......no telling when it was last changed.......