Chiller & Gearbox
Lubricant Tests
As more than half of the bearing failures that occur within chiller systems are due to lubrication issues, oil analysis is a critical part of a good maintenance program.
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Testing HVAC chillers ensures that equipment condition is within safe operating ranges, refrigerants are contaminant-free and lubrication is taking place as specified so that cost effective maintenance can be scheduled and unplanned downtime avoided.
Chiller & Gearbox Tests
Spectrochemical analysis and physical property tests are used to assess lubricant and machine condition. Physical tests measure specific lubricant characteristics, such as viscosity, moisture content and acid number. Spectrochemical analysis measures wear concentrations and contaminant and additive elements.
Water & Total Acid Number
Water ingression can result in increased wear and corrosion, which can significantly affect lubricant performance and shorten bearing life. Excessive water will cause lubricant breakdown, decrease important lubricating properties and cause corrosion. Lubricant degradation allows for acid formation and also causes component corrosion.
Spectrochemical Analysis
Spectrochemical analysis detects elemental contaminants, such as silicon, in the form of silicon dioxide, or sand), which is often due to dirt ingression. The circulation of these hard particles causes abrasive component wear.
Elemental analysis can also identify abnormal bearing, shaft and impeller wear as well as corrosion products generated by contaminated lubricant.
Viscosity
Changes in viscosity – considered to be an oil’s most important physical property – can indicate improper practices, such as incorrect lubricant in use.
| Test | Method |
| Spectrochemical Analysis (21 elements) | ICP (Inductively-Coupled Plasma) |
| Acid Number, Base Number (Ammonia) | ASTM D974, D664 |
| Water by Karl Fischer | ASTM D6304 |
| Viscosity @ 40ºC, cST (EVAC) | ASTM D445 D-7279 |
| Oil Filter Analysis | 1 – Visual examination of filter media 2 – Microscopic examination of filter media debris |