How to accurately determine the oil change interval for equipment?
We all know that if the lubricating oil deteriorates, the machine will not receive proper lubrication protection, leading to wear and tear. Regularly changing the oil is a familiar concept to us, which involves replacing the oil according to the recommended oil change intervals.
Regular oil changes are relatively easy to perform, but to be precise, it is more scientific to "change oil based on quality." Especially for more critical equipment, expensive machinery, and large-scale devices, the oil change interval should be determined through oil analysis, as the operating conditions and usage environments of the equipment vary. So, how do we determine the right time for an oil change? Here are a few key points to focus on!
Total Acid Number (TAN)
The deterioration of lubricating oil is mainly due to oxidation, which generates acidic substances, leading to a decrease in acid value. After the lubricating oil is put into use, tracking and testing the acid value can achieve two purposes: understanding the performance of the lubricating oil and determining whether the lubricating oil needs to be replaced. After the lubricating oil is put into use, if the acid value significantly increases compared to when it was new, it indicates a problem with the lubricating oil. If there are no doubts about the performance of the lubricating oil, then the conditions under which the lubricating oil is used should be improved, commonly due to contamination of the lubricating oil or poor control of oil temperature.
moisture content
All lubricants are afraid of water. Lubricants themselves are hygroscopic and absorb moisture from the air, so it is important to pay attention to sealing. In environments prone to humidity, frequent water contact, or high air humidity, monitoring moisture content is crucial. Lubricants have a certain oil-water separation capability. Those with good oil-water separation can quickly divide into oil and water layers, allowing the separated water to be drained. However, lubricants themselves also absorb water, and their tolerance for water content is very limited. Even a small amount of water can significantly reduce the performance of lubricants, making moisture content monitoring essential. At the same time, waterproofing and water removal efforts must be diligently carried out, with prevention being the primary focus.
Particle count
The cleanliness inside the equipment lubrication system is also crucial. Particle count can reflect the system's cleanliness, as well as the effectiveness of filtration, and it is also an important indicator for oil change. If the particle count is too high, the lubricating oil needs to be replaced. During operation, the lubricating oil carries impurities from within the system. As these impurities accumulate, the performance of the lubricating oil can be compromised. An effective filtration system not only extends the service life of the oil but also reduces equipment wear.
Metal element detection
The content of metallic elements primarily serves two purposes: one is to detect internal wear in the equipment, and the other is to monitor the condition of additives. The metallic elements in lubricating oil mainly originate from those in the additives and the metal wear debris from machinery, with the depletion of additives being one of the reasons for the degradation of lubricating oil.
Viscosity
The viscosity change of lubricating oil is directly related to machine wear. The general rule is that the oil should be changed when the viscosity change exceeds 10%.