Oil Analysis Test Frequency Guidelines

There is no universal formula for determining oil sampling frequency, but most experts consider monthly sampling to be optimum for critical machinery.  However, when making this decision, it is important to consider the objectives of the oil analysis program. If the only objective is to perform condition-based oil changes, the sampling frequency should be determined relative to the lubricant’s expected service life, which is defined by the OEM recommended oil change frequencies.

In most situations, this is not the only objective, or even the most important one. The real value of oil analysis is its ability to serve as a proactive condition-monitoring tool, allowing for the detection and quantification of particle contamination, moisture, foreign lubricants or fluids and assessing overall lubricant condition.

In addition to the criticality of the asset, one must consider how the machine would be effected by an unacceptable amount of contamination and the likelihood of a contamination or other abnormal condition. If oil analysis is used as a predictive condition-monitoring tool, the biggest consideration is the likely time period between detection and failure. This may change as the oil or the equipment reaches the end of its life expectancy. Obviously, the sampling frequency must be shorter than this period to be successful. 

For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities, fill out the form below; visit https://testoil.com/company/contact-us/; call 216-251-2510; or email sales@testoil.com.

About Eurofins TestOil

With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing.  For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com. 

About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.