Authored by: Allan Zieser, STLE, CLS
The lubricant world is like any other world in which we are involved, we sometimes overlook the basics. One of the key aspects many people overlook in their lubricants is the baseline. Like in life, we must know where we started before we can plan for where we are headed.
When performing oil analysis on your lubricants, it is important to know where the numbers you are looking at on the report came from – where they started. This important piece of information is called the baseline.
Baseline analysis is a vital step in making sure our oils are doing what they are supposed to be doing. Obtaining a baseline is easy, yet many people forgo the step entirely. I get many calls asking me to look at a machine’s analysis report and advise the users on the condition of the oil. While I can tell right away if there are issues based on numbers like viscosity and wear metals, the additive levels can be a bit trickier. Pulling a baseline sample is the only sure way of knowing where the additive levels started out. It is also an important sample to pull if you are wanting to tell the effectiveness of your filter equipment or the acidity a lubricant.
Okay, so now that we understand the importance of having a baseline sample, let’s answer the pressing question. Where do we get a sample from? Well, the answer is as plain as the drum sitting in front of you! That’s right, we pull a sample from our oil container that our supplier delivered to our storage facility.
How? Pull a 4-ounce sample using the same steps you normally use with your equipment and be sure to fill out the form. I would also ensure that you have the current date and fill code/batch number off the container. You can put this information in the spots for “make” and “model number” on the oil analysis slip. Then, send it in with your other samples and wait for the results.
What do I do with the results? Review them and make note of the additive amounts for each type of oil. I would do this step for any oils that are used in critical machines or for any that we have many samples to review. You can laminate it or just put it in a folder or binder for easy access. Now, in the future when we get back a sample, just pull out your baseline sample for the oil that is being tested and compare the numbers on it. These baseline samples are also the only way to know where our base number started from in each oil type and in each additive that is used in the oil.
How often should we pull baseline samples? I would recommend once per year or whenever you perform a large reservoir changeout. Just remember, by pulling these baseline samples you are saving yourself from a lot of work and misdiagnosis with your oils. If you have any questions on baselines, you can reach me at allanz@ottsen.com or call us for more information on starting your own sample program – including baseline sampling.
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