Frequently Asked Questions

It is the planned use of representative fluid and wear-debris data to evaluate lubricant and machine condition over time.

It is the planned use of representative fluid and wear-debris data to evaluate lubricant and machine condition over time.

Rarely.

Rarely. A result should be correlated with trends, companion tests, operating evidence and inspection.

Set frequency from asset criticality, failure-development time, operating severity and historical stability rather than a universal calendar interval.

Set frequency from asset criticality, failure-development time, operating severity and historical stability rather than a universal calendar interval.

Comparable trends reveal direction and rate of change that an isolated result cannot show.

Comparable trends reveal direction and rate of change that an isolated result cannot show.

A baseline is a well-documented reference sample representing the known fluid and equipment condition used for future comparison.

A baseline is a well-documented reference sample representing the known fluid and equipment condition used for future comparison.

Drain samples can be biased by settled debris and inconsistent timing.

Drain samples can be biased by settled debris and inconsistent timing. Use a repeatable live-zone point when the asset safely allows it.

It may reflect wear, rust, break-in, interval length or contamination.

It may reflect wear, rust, break-in, interval length or contamination. PQ, morphology, companion metals and history help separate causes.

ICP responds mainly to dissolved and fine particles, while PQ responds to bulk ferromagnetic debris including larger particles.

ICP responds mainly to dissolved and fine particles, while PQ responds to bulk ferromagnetic debris including larger particles.

Fuel dilution is unburned fuel entering engine oil, potentially reducing viscosity and lubricant-film strength.

Fuel dilution is unburned fuel entering engine oil, potentially reducing viscosity and lubricant-film strength.

Use correlated evidence such as glycol, water, sodium/potassium patterns, oil condition and equipment symptoms; no single marker is conclusive.

Use correlated evidence such as glycol, water, sodium/potassium patterns, oil condition and equipment symptoms; no single marker is conclusive.

The applicable grade, specification, market and purpose determine the panel.

The applicable grade, specification, market and purpose determine the panel. Common properties include flash point, density, distillation, sulfur, cetane quality, lubricity and cold flow.

Lighter hydrocarbon or gasoline contamination can reduce flash point, but method variation and sample-container contamination must also be considered.

Lighter hydrocarbon or gasoline contamination can reduce flash point, but method variation and sample-container contamination must also be considered.

Wax, oxidation products, microbial debris, rust, sediment and incompatible fuel mixtures are common possibilities.

Wax, oxidation products, microbial debris, rust, sediment and incompatible fuel mixtures are common possibilities.

They refer to the same general aqueous-urea fluid concept for SCR systems, but product quality and handling should be assessed against applicable current requirements.

They refer to the same general aqueous-urea fluid concept for SCR systems, but product quality and handling should be assessed against applicable current requirements.

Evaporation, temperature cycling, dosing leakage or incorrect concentration can contribute to crystalline deposits.

Evaporation, temperature cycling, dosing leakage or incorrect concentration can contribute to crystalline deposits.

Compatibility depends on formulation and OEM requirements.

Compatibility depends on formulation and OEM requirements. Mixing can destabilise inhibitors or create deposits even when colours appear similar.

Ionic contamination, poor make-up water, additive changes and degradation products can raise conductivity.

Ionic contamination, poor make-up water, additive changes and degradation products can raise conductivity.

Yes, if a representative used zone can be sampled without compromising safety or contaminating the sample.

Yes, if a representative used zone can be sampled without compromising safety or contaminating the sample.

DGA measures gases in insulating oil and evaluates patterns associated with thermal and electrical activity.

DGA measures gases in insulating oil and evaluates patterns associated with thermal and electrical activity.

No.

No. Limits depend on grade, specification, jurisdiction, contract and method. Verify the current governing document.