Trending provides equipment health check
Oil analysis trending provides an insight into the health and well-being of equipment by establishing patterns within data. These patterns lead to early identification of problems, which if left undetected can lead to catastrophic failures and severely impact productivity and costs.
Just as the notes on a music sheet tell a musical story when played, the information gained from oil analysis trending tells a very accurate story about the condition of equipment.
Techenomics International collates the data from oil analysis and presents the findings or trends in graphs which serve as the music sheet for equipment used in the mining, energy, manufacturing and transport sectors, or any other sector where oil or fluids are used to ensure the smooth running of operations.
This specific trended data provides Techenomics expert staff with the ability to apply innovative mathematical techniques to determine future outcomes and make accurate predictions. Techenomics does this by using historical data and applying estimations based on this data as well as findings from the data. Staff also use the data from similar equipment or components to establish predictions.
Techenomics’ CEO Chris Adsett says the importance of trend analysis is often forgotten, including by many oil analysis laboratories. “They are so busy analysing data and reporting the results that they simply forget about the trending.
“At Techenomics we ensure clients receive the trending data by providing specific monthly reports which outline the patterns and behaviour of equipment as well as the internal componentry.” He says.
The graph below provides an example of the importance of trending. It indicates the results of fine iron and PQ analysis from oil samples.
Three samples back the oil sample was flagged by Techenomics as a warning with the PQ level rising above the monitor limit. This prompted the customer to service the equipment which included filtering the compartment to remove wear debris held in suspension. This process allowed the oil to be brought back to a satisfactory and re-usable condition. Techenomics also advised that the compartment needed to be monitored closely as filtration allows for lowered results that interrupt trending history.
Chris Adsett also says that limits need to be evaluated repeatedly, especially when there are changes in location. “Different atmospheric pressures, temperatures, elevation and surroundings will impact the performance of equipment. These factors will also impact the conditions and nature of the analysis and the effects on the oil.
“If you are using limits established in Western Australia where conditions are hot, dry, humid and dusty with seasonal rain, these would not work so well in a country like Germany. Coal mining is also different to mineral mining.
“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?”
Techenomics 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 experiencing issues with certain machines or compartments,” Chris Adsett says.
For further information on trending or establishing new limits, contact Chris Adsett, email c.adsett@techenomics.com or Sam, email sreejith.b@techenomics.com
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