Oil analysis trending keeps equipment producing
Just as the notes written on a music sheet create a tune, information gained from oil analysis trending provides the clues needed to ensure the ongoing well-being of equipment. Oil analysis and fluid condition monitoring provider Techenomics utilises trend analysis to help ensure equipment owners and operators are singing the right tune in terms of optimal operational efficiency.
Trend analysis is the most common method used to establish patterns within data. These patterns can be significant as they can identify problems early. If left undetected, the problems can lead to catastrophic equipment failure.
Trended data also allows for the application of mathematical techniques to determine future outcomes or predictions. Techenomics is able to do this by using historical data and applying estimations based on previous data and findings. It can even use similar equipment or components to establish predictions.
Techenomics International’s CEO Chris Adsett says the importance of trend analysis is often overlooked, including by oil analysis laboratories. “They tend to be so busy analysing data and reporting results that they forget about the music sheets which provide the entire tune.
“Techenomics ensures that clients receive their music sheets by providing specific monthly reports that outline patterns and behaviour of equipment and the internal componentry of this equipment.”
Trend analysis has shown the importance of consistently evaluating limits, especially when it comes to changes in location. Different atmospheric pressure, temperature variations, changes in elevation and surroundings all impact the performance of equipment and also impact the conditions and nature of the analysis and the effects on the oil.
The limits established in Western Australia where conditions are hot, dry, humid, dusty and there is seasonal rain would not work in a country like Germany where conditions are so different and there is regular rain or even snow. Coal mining is also different to mineral mining and this should be taken into account when establishing limits.
Techenomics says it is important to ask:
- When did you last take a good look at your limits or the limits you have been supplied?
- Can you be sure that they are correct (there are a number of ways to establish limits)?
- Have you trended your data to see if you can find patterns or similarities in the data?
- Have you got spikes in your results?
- Are you filtering your oil at the service intervals?
Chris Adsett says trending data is crucial in predicting failures and without these trends data becomes almost useless.“You can compare the result against the set limits but this only identifies results as an individual number and not as patterns of data. Trending is highly recommended especially if you are already experiencing issues with certain machines or compartments.”
For more information, please contact Chris Adsett at c.adsett@techenomics.com or Eka Karmila at eka@techenomics.com
Click here to download this release as a pdf file