Bennett Fitch, Noria Corporation | Laura Waldman, University of Tulsa
CONDITION MONITORING, LUBRICANT ANALYSIS AND TROUBLESHOOTING Factor: A7M
Scanning Electron Microscopy for Wear Debris Analysis
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ASCEND™ Factor
Factor:
A7M – Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis
Level:
Management and Training(M)
Stage:
Condition Monitoring, Lubricant Analysis and Troubleshooting
About:
Taking the right approach to troubleshooting and root cause analysis is critical for diagnosing problems quickly and finding sustainable solutions.
Learn More: noria.com/ascend/
Oil analysis deploys various types of inst r u ment s, technologies, standards and techniques, all of which help provide a perspective on the health of the lubricant and the machine. The oil analysis data either targets specific properties of the lubricant, quantifies the level of various contaminants or directly measures any evidence of mechanical wear through wear debris analysis. Many concerns arise anytime solid debris (particulates) of any kind accumulate in the lubricant within a machine. On the one hand, if the solid debris is contamination-related, such as dirt or product debris entering the oil, this is a proactive (pre-failure) indicator that machine wear could occur as the debris becomes abrasive and disrupts the film thickness. While some amount of contaminant is expected, keeping this controlled is critical. On the other hand, if it’s wear debris related, composed of metals such as iron or copper, this
22 | January-February 2022 |
www.machinerylubricationindia.com
Placing the Prepared Debris Specimen into the SEM
is a predictive (progressive failure) indicator that machine wear is already occurring, and action should be strongly considered if a functional failure is to be avoided.
Monitoring for debris can be done in many ways. For example, daily visual inspection of the machine sight glasses or IIoT sensors can be the first indicator of abnormal
