ture. This property is important in choosing a
lubricant for cold weather applications.
lubricant for cold weather applications.
Flash Point. The flash point is the lowest tem-
perature at which vapors are given off in
sufficient quantity to ignite when brought into
contact with a spark or flame. The flash point is
not necessarily the safe upper temperature limit,
but a relative indication of the fire and explosion
hazard of a particular oil. The flash point can
also be used as an indication of the evaporation
losses that can be expected under high temper-
ature applications.
perature at which vapors are given off in
sufficient quantity to ignite when brought into
contact with a spark or flame. The flash point is
not necessarily the safe upper temperature limit,
but a relative indication of the fire and explosion
hazard of a particular oil. The flash point can
also be used as an indication of the evaporation
losses that can be expected under high temper-
ature applications.
Fire Point. The fire point is the lowest tempera-
ture at which vapors are given off in sufficient
quantity to sustain combustion.
ture at which vapors are given off in sufficient
quantity to sustain combustion.
Neutralization Number. The neutralization
number is a measure of the acidity of an oil and
is the amount, in milligrams, of potassium hy-
droxide (KOH) required neutralize one gram of
oil. A relative increase in the neutralization num-
ber indicates oxidation of the oil.
number is a measure of the acidity of an oil and
is the amount, in milligrams, of potassium hy-
droxide (KOH) required neutralize one gram of
oil. A relative increase in the neutralization num-
ber indicates oxidation of the oil.
4.2 Oil Compatibility
When it becomes necessary to replenish an oil
lubrication system, oil that is identical to the oil
already in the system should be added. Many
times oils made by different manufacturers for
the same service may be incompatible due to
additives in the oils. The additives may react
with one another causing a depletion of these
additives and leaving the oil unable to perform
as it was intended. If the oil originally used is
unavailable, the lubricant's manufacturer should
be consulted to determine what type oil can be
added successfully. Any time oil is added to a
system, the system should be checked
frequently (i.e. bearing temperatures, signs of
foaming, rust or corrosion) to insure that there is
no adverse reaction between the new and
existing oil.
lubrication system, oil that is identical to the oil
already in the system should be added. Many
times oils made by different manufacturers for
the same service may be incompatible due to
additives in the oils. The additives may react
with one another causing a depletion of these
additives and leaving the oil unable to perform
as it was intended. If the oil originally used is
unavailable, the lubricant's manufacturer should
be consulted to determine what type oil can be
added successfully. Any time oil is added to a
system, the system should be checked
frequently (i.e. bearing temperatures, signs of
foaming, rust or corrosion) to insure that there is
no adverse reaction between the new and
existing oil.
4.3 Oil Testing and Analysis
The periodic analysis of lubricating oil can be an
important part of a preventive maintenance pro-
gram. Tests can measure the effects of
oxidation, and detect the types and amount of
various contaminants in the oil. This can be
helpful in detecting problems within a lubricating
system, determining whether the oil is still
serviceable, and for setting up a filtering or
purification schedule. By keeping track of the
condition of the oil, damage to equipment due to
oil deterioration can be prevented. There are a
variety of tests that can be performed on an oil
depending on its type and service. Some tests
can be performed in the field to obtain a quick
indication of an oil's condition, but since field
testing is not as complete or as accurate as
laboratory analysis, laboratory tests should be
performed as well.
important part of a preventive maintenance pro-
gram. Tests can measure the effects of
oxidation, and detect the types and amount of
various contaminants in the oil. This can be
helpful in detecting problems within a lubricating
system, determining whether the oil is still
serviceable, and for setting up a filtering or
purification schedule. By keeping track of the
condition of the oil, damage to equipment due to
oil deterioration can be prevented. There are a
variety of tests that can be performed on an oil
depending on its type and service. Some tests
can be performed in the field to obtain a quick
indication of an oil's condition, but since field
testing is not as complete or as accurate as
laboratory analysis, laboratory tests should be
performed as well.
Sample Collection. In order for an oil analysis
program to be successful, the oil sample drawn
must be representative of oil in the system. To
insure this, the sample should be drawn Into
clean, oil compatible containers while the
equipment is in operation or immediately after
shutdown. If the oil is drawn from a tap on the oil
sump, let sufficient oil flow to clear stagnant oil
from the tap before taking the sample. The
sample should be labeled immediately, with the
date the sample was taken, the source of the
sample, and the type and brand name of the
lubricant.
program to be successful, the oil sample drawn
must be representative of oil in the system. To
insure this, the sample should be drawn Into
clean, oil compatible containers while the
equipment is in operation or immediately after
shutdown. If the oil is drawn from a tap on the oil
sump, let sufficient oil flow to clear stagnant oil
from the tap before taking the sample. The
sample should be labeled immediately, with the
date the sample was taken, the source of the
sample, and the type and brand name of the
lubricant.
Field Tests. A visual inspection of an oil sample
is the simplest type of field test. The sample to
be inspected should be stored at room temper-
ature away from direct sunlight for at least 24
hours prior to the inspection. The sample should
then be checked for sediment, separated water,
unusual color or cloudiness and for any unusual
odors. For comparison, it is a good idea to keep
a sample of new unused oil of the same type
and manufacturer, stored in sealed container in
a cool dark place. The used sample can then be
compared to new sample with respect to color,
odor, and general appearance.
is the simplest type of field test. The sample to
be inspected should be stored at room temper-
ature away from direct sunlight for at least 24
hours prior to the inspection. The sample should
then be checked for sediment, separated water,
unusual color or cloudiness and for any unusual
odors. For comparison, it is a good idea to keep
a sample of new unused oil of the same type
and manufacturer, stored in sealed container in
a cool dark place. The used sample can then be
compared to new sample with respect to color,
odor, and general appearance.
(FIST 2-4 11/90)
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