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May 28th, 2018

Analytical Ferrography

Test Oil

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Analytical Ferrography

Test Oil

Analytical ferrography is an extremely valuable tool for examining wear particles and solid contamination present in a sample without particle size or metallurgy limitations. The results, in many cases, can indicate from where and how particles were generated. In addition, conclusions can be made regarding the wear rate and health of the component from which the sample was drawn. Oil samples are diluted with a solved and then flowed over a specially treated glass slide that is positioned at an angle over a strong magnet. The ferrous, or iron, particles are attracted to the magnet and are deposited in decreasing size in a chain as a result of the magnetic flux. Non-ferrous particles are deposited randomly throughout the slide. The slide with the deposited particles, or ferrogram, is then viewed under a microscope. A trained oil analyst can then visually determine the severity of wear and classify the concentration, shape, size, composition, and metallurgy of the particles present.

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About the Author

Test Oil

TestOil has been in the oil analysis business since 1988.

We started out providing Analytical Ferrography services to power customers and in the early 90’s expanded our services. We have focused exclusively on assisting large industrial facilities reduce their maintenance costs and avoid unexpected downtime through oil analysis program implementation. Our customers rely on us to be their technical experts when it comes to diagnosing oil related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors, and diesel generators. Our state-of-the-art-laboratory has the capacity to process and analyze 2000 samples per day. We employ lean process management to drive excellence and ensure that we maintain our guarantee of providing same day turnaround on all routine testing.