Routine testing and analysis can predict and prevent premature failure allowing equipment managers to schedule downtime, extend pump life and reliability and maintain or improve production levels.
The amount of testing and analysis done on pumping systems in industrial applications is often dependent on how critical the pump is to production. The ability to identify small problems and early changes in lubricant condition can allow equipment managers to schedule downtime for repairs or maintenance events rather than let a run-to-failure philosophy create unexpected shutdowns that can be extremely costly to production and expensive when units must be replaced. Routine testing will identify bearing wear and changes in the lubricant’s physical properties caused by overheating as well as contamination resulting from deteriorating seals or ingression of the fluid being pumped. Oil analysis can also determine the remaining useful life of the lubricant to safely extend oil drains.