Modern Machinery
Oil Analysis Lab
Our fluid analysis program is the best defense for maintaining and protecting your equipment.
Modern Machinery’s oil analysis lab has been in use since 1979 to help diagnose the internal condition of oil-wetted components and provide valuable information about lubricant serviceability. With 43 years of experience in sampling oil, you can count on Modern Machinery to give you the best service available for all your sample needs.
What is Oil Analysis?
Oil analysis is a diagnostic science that helps to determine the wear and performance conditions of internal, oil-wetted components such as engines, transmissions, and hydraulic systems. From the crude visual checks performed in the 1940s to today’s sophisticated analysis methods via spectrophotometer, oil analysis helps owners, field managers, and operators increase their equipment’s life span and control operational costs. Little doubt remains today that a comprehensive oil analysis program is one of the most effective preventative maintenance tools available.
Benefits
Discover the Benefits of Oil Analysis
Almost any piece of equipment with a lubrication system can be placed on an oil analysis program. Those components whose performance directly affects the continued operation of a particular unit or the overall profitability of a business are the most likely candidates for routine oil analysis.
Improved Operational Safety
Untimely failures can lead to unpredictable machine operation, creating a higher potential for unsafe working conditions.
Greater Component Life Span
Maximize the life of your machine’s components by monitoring routine wear of internal parts and noticing problems before they become catastrophic.
Fewer Failures & Repairs
Reliability and efficiency go hand-in-hand on any job site. Unplanned downtime and frequent repairs will quickly erode the reliability of your equipment.
Improved Cost Assessment
Reduced repair costs, planned downtime, extended component life, improved maintenance, maximum safety and productivity, and the most cost-effective operation of your equipment – you get it all with regular oil analysis!
Why use our Oil Analysis Program?
Experience
Modern Machinery’s oil analysis lab has been in use since 1979 to help diagnose the internal condition of oil-wetted components and provide valuable information about lubricant serviceability. With 25 years of experience in sampling oil, you can count on Modern Machinery to give you the best service available for all your sample needs.
Full-Service Analysis & Sampling Containers
Modern Machinery’s lab personnel use cutting-edge procedures and state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate, easy-to-understand reports. Oil sample containers are available from any Modern Machinery location. They include everything you need to extract your oil – a plastic bottle, tubing, sample processing form, and a prepaid mailing container. Sampling pumps are available for an extra charge.
Inexpensive, Accurate, Quick Turnaround
Our oil lab aims to ensure the highest degree of accuracy. Turnaround time is 24 hours or less after submission. A detailed report is provided in an email and on our website. These reports assess wear and performance conditions for internal, oil-wetted components such as engine, transmission and hydraulics. Customers are contacted immediately if a critical problem is detected.
Oil Lab FAQs
Learn About Modern Machinery Oil Analysis Services
What is analyzed in the oil?
The oil analysis lab conducts numerous tests on oil samples. The oil analysis lab conducts numerous tests on oil samples. Physical tests measure the physical characteristics of the oil – viscosity, water and glycol contamination. Infrared tests measure oxidation, nitration, fuel soot, sulfur content, anti-wear breakdown, glycol, water, and fuel dilution. The spectrochemical analysis identifies and measures 21 specific elements of wear and additives in the oil.
Why is Modern Machinery’s oil analysis better than others in the industry?
Modern Machinery oil analysis lab also performs (FTIR) infrared testing on diesel engines. This instrumental technique allows the lab to determine numerous oil conditions. Oil Degradation – As your oil ages, several things happen to it. The oil chemically reacts with the air. If it combines with oxygen, it is called oxidation. If it combines with nitrogen, it is called nitration. Both cause the oil to thicken and a buildup of a varnish-like material on component parts. Fluid Entry – In addition to the oil in your equipment, there are usually three other fluids flowing through the systems: water, antifreeze, and diesel fuel. All three are critical to the proper functioning of your equipment – none belong in your oil! FTIR will detect the presence of water, soot, fuel, ethylene glycol, sulfur, nitration, 0xidation, and additive depletion.
What are Inductively Coupled Plasma and Fourier Transform Infrared?
This new state-of-the-art high-tech instrument from Thermo Elemental is faster and more efficient than the previous instrument at our facility. With the increased throughput, our volume of 1,000 samples per month will get expedited more quickly. This new instrument gives our customers the added benefit of a 21-element test, resulting in more information about their equipment components.
What is Particle Count, and why does it matter?
Particle Count, which is used for hydraulic, transmission, and other drive train system oil samples, is one of the best ways to identify metal particles up to 10 microns in size. Unlike Wear Metal Analysis, Particle Count detects metallic and non-metallic particles from 2 to 100 microns. This is measured in an industry-standard code (ISO 4406), which gives a number in the 4-, 6-, and 14-micron measurement area.