Compressor Oil Analysis

Oil-injected rotary screw compressors are vulnerable to their environment and operating conditions, but compressor oil analysis detects oil and compressor problems before they occur.

Why Expert Compressor Oil Analysis is Critical

The typical compressor manual instructs its users to perform routine oil analysis every 2,000 hours and replace the oil “every 8,000 hours, or once a year, or as determined by oil analysis WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.”  In other words, equipment manufactuers insist you perform oil analysis and act on the results, but only when it benefits them and results in a premature oil change.  But what if your compressor’s oil has 8,001 hours in service, or even 80,000 hours, and its physical and chemical properties are still good as new?  What if the oil analysis results benefit the user by confirming the oil still has plenty of useful life remaining, and that no oil change or new purchase is warranted?  If any oil supplier suggests that oil analysis should be ignored and the oil’s time in service is more instructive than its physical and chemical properties, you would be right to question their motivation.

Oil Fluid

So which tests or oil analysis package is best for rotary screw air compressors?  The answer is NOT the standard “industrial” oil analysis packages supplied by most equipment manufacturers and oil suppliers.  These generic one-size-fits-all packages are designed by the labs for quick and easy processing, and typically include only the most basic information.  Much of this information is useless when monitoring rotary screw compressor oils, and these standard packages fall well short in terms of both the tests performed and test methods used.  Knowing which tests to perform and the best methods to use is vital to any oil analysis program.

Fluid Metrics’ Compressor Oil Analysis

Fluid Metrics specializes in air compressor oils and their analysis, and our experienced team of Chemists and Engineers are experts in optimizing compressor oil performance and service life.  Decades of compressor industry experience has taught us which compressor oil analysis tests provide the most accurate and valuable information, while delivering the best value.  We also understand the unique vulnerabilities of rotary screw air compressors and the critical relationship and impact that acids and additives have on oil performance and service life.

Our compressor oil analysis package was developed specifically for rotary screw air compressors in conjunction with our Chemists and one of the world’s oldest and most trusted labs. Unlike the generic test slate others use, our analysis includes three separate acid metrics to provide a more accurate picture of what’s going on with your oil. We monitor both the weak acids naturally produced inside your compressor by oxidation, as well as the strong acids that are the result of “acid-gas” contaminants ingested from the environment.

acids, additives and oil service life graphic

Like a blood test for your compressor, oil analysis provides vital information essential for proactive, reliability-centered and condition-based maintenance. And when used properly, regular oil analysis is proven to increase the reliability of your air compressors, optimize your maintenance activities and reduce costs. Allow Fluid Metrics to become your compressor oil analysis partner, and let us show you just how much easier, better and less costly your compressor maintenance can be. Call us today.

  • Detect & Prevent Hidden Problems Before They Occur
  • Increase Oil Service Life & Optimize Change Intervals
  • Improve Component Life & Equipment Reliability
  • Reduce Equipment Downtime
  • Improve Plant & Worker Safety
  • Reduce Oil & Parts Consumption
  • Reduce Maintenance Costs

FREE E-Book Download:

How to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs in rotary screw air compressors

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