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Harsh operating conditions, extreme load variations and the high-dollar costs involved in equipment replacement make fluid analysis a necessary part of doing business in the construction industry. Routine testing identifies small problems before they become major failures allowing you to meet the demands of your customers on time. Maximize asset reliability and regain control of your production schedules with an effective fluid analysis program with POLARIS Laboratories…it costs so little to protect so much.
The heavy-duty equipment required by most construction applications is often exposed to extreme, uncontrollable environmental factors for long periods of time, yet is still expected to maintain maximum performance levels. Contamination and wear are eminent and when left unchecked, can halt production in a heartbeat. Monitoring the condition of both the fluid and the unit identifies wear-causing contaminants and their effect on component performance. Base sampling frequency on the unit's criticality to production, as well as the costs involved in replacement or repair.
Construction Test Packages
Diesel Engine
Routinely monitoring a diesel engine oil's viscosity, as well as its ability to neutralize acids and disperse and suspend soot particles produced during combustion, can indicate whether or not anti-wear additive and dispersant/detergent levels are providing sufficient engine protection.
Basic
Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.
Tests include:
Advanced
To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.
Tests include:
Fuel Analysis
Go / No Go
Testing can detect problems that can impact fuel filter life.
Tests include:
Coolant Analysis
Coolant Analysis takes the guess work out of properly maintaining a cooling system and can identify maintenance problems before catastrophic engine failure occurs. Regular coolant testing and routine maintenance can help you achieve maximum system efficiency and save you time and money in less downtime, fewer repairs and determining proper drain intervals.
A cooling system is subject to pitting, corrosion, cavitation, erosion and electrolysis. Although coolants are formulated to help prevent these problems from occurring, coolant analysis will identify them if present and determine if the coolant you're using is providing adequate protection. It will also identify:
- Rust, which can accelerate wear, reduce heat transfer efficiency and eventually clog the system
- Scale and deposit formations that can act as insulators, which form barriers for proper heat transfer
- Oxidation which can lead to rust
Organic acid coolant testing also monitors carboxylic acid to determine if enough is present for the proper chemical reactions to occur. If a carboxylic acid test fails, non-compatible coolant or fluid could be present.
Level I
The following tests monitor coolant maintenance levels to ensure proper engine metal protection, glycol levels for freeze and boil point control, nitrite for prime metal pitting protection and acidity for adequate corrosion protection.
Tests include:
- Visual (color, oil, fuel, magnetic precipitate, non-magnetic precipitate, & odor)
- pH
- Glycol
- Freeze Point
- Boil Point
- Nitrites
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
- Specific Conductance
- Foam
- Carboxylic Acid (ELC Only)
Level II
Level II testing monitors the corrosive attributes of the coolant itself - acidic or alkaline - in addition to metal movement - the corrosiveness of each metal affected. This level includes all Level I tests plus:
Tests include:
- SCA # (Supplemental Coolant Additives)
- Total Hardness
- Corrosion Metals & Inhibitors by ICP - (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Tin, Zinc, Silver, Titanium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphate, Borate, Molybdate, Silicate)
Level IV
Level IV testing identifies possible sources of problems detected in testing levels I and II, such as combustion gas leaks, air contamination, electrical ground problems, localized over-heating, chemical breakdown or other contamination sources inside or outside the system. Level IV testing also identifies the type and degree of degradation acid formation resulting from any cooling system problems. It includes all tests in Levels I and II plus:
Tests include:
- Inhibitor, Contaminants and Degradation Acids by IC - (Nitrites, Nitrates, Chlorides & Sulfates, Glycolate, Formate, Acetate, Oxalate)
Gear Systems
Although contamination by dirt and water should be closely monitored, the biggest concern for these systems is the type of wear occurring. Direct Read Ferrography detects the amount of ferrous wear occurring by providing a ratio of large to small ferrous particles, which is extremely helpful in trend analysis.
Basic
Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.
Tests include:
Advanced
To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.
Tests include:
Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic systems require the fluid's viscosity to be low enough to minimize friction loss, yet high enough to prevent fluid leakage and provide satisfactory protection against wear. It should have good oxidation stability to prevent sludge from forming, sufficient water separability and air release properties and resistance to foaming.
Basic
Basic testing monitors both the unit and the fluid for wear and contamination.
Tests include:
Advanced
To safely extend oil drain intervals, Total Base Number and Oxidation / Nitration will determine if the oil is suitable for continued use.
Tests include:
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News
New Fuel Test Packages Will Reduce Fleet Expenses and Downtime
POLARIS has developed an extensive range of fuel troubleshooting test packages that can confirm the quality of bulk deliveries and resolve what might be causing costly repairs and fleet downtime. Fleet managers spend more money on fuel than any other operating expense, so this is an area of great importance.
POLARIS Named Fluid Analysis Provider for Industry's Largest International Oil Distributor Group
The Association of Independent Oil Distributors (AIOD) announced this month its launch of the Purus Assurance System, a fluid analysis program administered by POLARIS Laboratories™ to support AIOD's newest brand, Purus.
Training
Salt Lake City
Cooling Systems Maintenance
September 20, 2010Salt Lake City
Practicing Oil Analysis
September 21-22, 2010Edmonton, AB
Cooling Systems Maintenance
October 26, 2010
Tradeshows & Conferences
Oil Sands Show
Ft. McMurry, Alberta
September 15-17, 2010Lloydminster Heavy Oil Show
Lloydminster, SK
September 15-16, 2010
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