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An arsenal of techniques allows end-users to safely extend drain intervals-without jeopardizing equipment.
AMONG OTHER FINDINGS, a 2008 study conducted by the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) concluded that end-users should follow manufacturers' recommendations for oil change intervals and institute routine oil analysis programs to extend oil change intervals.
In fact, the fleet manager survey, a part of the study, confirmed that the average oil change interval is considerably shorter than the maximum suggested by oil condition-based analysis results. The conclusion reads in part as Follows:
"The oil analyses showed that oil drain intervals can be extended for all vehicle types studied. Oil sampling results indicate that in many cases, oil drain intervals can be extended beyond the maximum level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
"For fleets that have already extended their oil drain intervals xo the maximum recommended by the manufacturer, many can further extend oil change intervals by using better oil and by establishing oil analysis programs to determine the optimum drain interval. Routine oil analysis is an important tool that ensures good oil condition and provides safety for the engine."
"In some cases, oil sampling alone can be used to extend drain intervals. A basic oil analysis program including physical and chemical parameters, like viscosity, TBN, oxidation, nitration and common oil contaminants, like water, dirt and wear metals, would be sufficient to ensure oil condition and satisfy fleet managers.1"
This comes as no surprise to the companies that have been relying on oil analysis programs for many years and have seen the benefits - mainly substantial cost savings and increased equipment reliability. But others still need convincing.
Aside from the real possibility of being able to extend drain intervals, oil analysis can be a powerful predictive maintenance tool that can:
* Increase equipment reliability
* Reduce unscheduled downtime
* Reduce overall maintenance expense
* Pinpoint abnormal conditions and wear trends
* Streamline maintenance procedures
* Optimize repair parts inventory
* Document warranty claims
* Improve repair scheduling
* Identify human error and neglect
* Extend equipment life.
Predictive maintenance determines the condition of in-service equipment in order to forecast maintenance. This leads to cost savings over other methods because maintenance intervals are usually extended. Corrective maintenance can be scheduled...