 |
|
 |
|
|
Leading
Edge Wear Analysis
The trend
to develop more meaningful and accurate methods of analysis in critical
applications such as aircraft, marine equipment, and expensive stationary
equipment where repair costs, downtime, and safety are the prime concerns
has made wear particle analysis a valuable technique for evaluating
wear and contamination.
 |
| Ferrogram Photo |
Wear particle analysis is a powerful technique for non-intrusive examination
of the oil-wetted parts of a machine. The particles contained in the
lubricating oil carry detailed and important information about the
machine. This is determined from particle shape, composition, size
distribution, and concentration. The particle characteristics are
sufficiently specific to determine the operating wear mode within
a machine, allowing the prediction of imminent problems. Action may
be taken to correct the abnormal wear problem without overhaul. Alternatively,
timely overhaul can prevent costly secondary damage and unexpected
down-time.
Direct Reading (DR) Ferrograph
Experience shows that the entry point of the oil sample onto the ferrogram
(where the largest particles are deposited) and a position some 5mm
down from the entry (where 1-2 micron size particles are deposited)
are the most sensitive locations for detecting a changing wear situation.
The direct reading (DR) ferrogram was designed to quantify particles
in these two size ranges.
Analytical Ferrogram
Analytical ferrography uses a high gradient magnetic field to attract
and hold particles from a fluid sample which flows down a specially
prepared microscope substrate inclined at a small angle to the horizontal.
After preparation, the substrate is mounted on the microscope stage
for optical examination using a bichromatic microscope.
Types of Wear Identified
| • |
Rubbing Wear |
| • |
Severe Sliding Wear |
| • |
Cutting Wear |
| • |
Rolling Element Fatigue |
| • |
Fatigue spalls |
| • |
Spheres |
| • |
Laminar particles |
| • |
Red Oxides |
| • |
Dark (black) Oxides |
| • |
Non Ferrous Metals |
| • |
Corrosive Wear |
| • |
Inorganic Contamination |
| • |
Organic Contamination |
| • |
Friction Polymers |
| • |
Solid Lubricant Additives |
Alloys and Contaminates Identified
| • |
Carbon Steel/Low Alloy Steel |
| • |
Medium Alloy Steels |
| • |
High Nickel Alloy |
| • |
Stainless Steel |
| • |
White Nonferrous Metal |
| • |
Corrosive Wear Debris |
| • |
Copper Alloys |
| • |
Friction Polymers |
| • |
Lead/Tin Alloys |
| • |
Molybdenum Disulfide |
| • |
Ferrous Oxide (red) |
| • |
Silica |
| • |
Ferrous Oxide (black) |
| • |
Fibers |
| • |
Dark Metallo Oxides |
| • |
Carbon Flakes |
| • |
Birefringent Organics/Inorganics |
For more information call 1-888-HERGUTH (437-4884) |
|
|
