Drop of knowledge #10

Ecol laboratory – what was happening in October?

1. 1. First findings from the “Fleet Project” 🚗 →
2. 2. Consistency measurement in greases – static or dynamic penetration? →
3. 3. MLA II training for Ecol laboratory →
4. 4. Upcoming conferences we are attending: →
5. 5. Element of the Month →

1. First findings from the “Fleet Project” – Motor oil testing in Ecol vehicles 🚗

In “Drop of knowledge” #7 (July 2024), we wrote about the initiation of the “Fleet Project”, which aims to analyse the degradation process of engine oils in Ecol’s company fleet vehicles.

The project aims to:

• Determination of internal limits of wear parameters for engines
• Understanding oil ageing degradation mechanisms
• Optimisation of the scope and duration of tests – definition of oil change intervals based on actual operational data and oil quality measurements

 
More than 100 samples were taken from our company’s fleet vehicles, covering different types of operation. Now, four months into the project, it is time for the first findings.

We encourage you to check out the project’s assumptions and read the first part of the conclusions, which deal with wear elements and their safe content in car oil.

The article is available at the link:

2. Consistency measurement in greases – static or dynamic penetration?

The consistency class of grease is a critical parameter of grease. Classically, grease consistency is defined by the NLGI class (from 000 – fluid to 6 – very hard). The classic measurement of grease consistency is the penetration test, which involves gravitationally dropping a cone into the grease under standardized conditions. The result of the test is the depth of immersion of the cone in the grease, which is translated into the consistency class. This is a static measurement that has little to do with simulating the work of grease in the bearing.

In order to make the measurement of grease consistency more realistic to the actual operating conditions of the grease, a method for measuring consistency in dynamic conditions was developed. The test is performed on the GTA (Grease Thief Analyzer) device, and the test result is the GTS index.

The analysis consists in measuring the force with which grease must be extruded from the sampler (so-called grease thief) through a special die (die extrusion), and thus shows the ability of the grease to move during the operation of a given system, e.g. a bearing.

From a diagnostic point of view (for grease and operational safety), the GTS index analysis is more reliable than a static measurement of grease penetration.

Testing on the GTA device, in addition to dynamic consistency, allows for the diagnosis of the condition of the lubricated device by determining the concentration and classification of particles in the grease, which illustrates the life processes in which the particles were created.

The only GTA device in Europe according to the above specification is available at the Ecol Laboratory.

3. MLA II training for Ecol laboratory

From 4 to 7 November, staff from Ecol’s Oil Analysis Laboratory will attend an advanced Machinery Lubrication Analyst Level II (MLA II) training course, which will be led by Martin Williamson, a mechanical expert and member of the International Council for Machinery Lubrication, representing KEW Engineering Ltd.

MLA II is an advanced certification in the area of condition monitoring based on lubricant analysis, awarded by the International Council on Machinery Lubrication (ICML). To earn this title, candidates must meet specific experience, training and examination requirements:

• 1. Experience requirements

The candidate must have a minimum of 24 months of experience in lubricant analysis (384 hours total) and an MLA I certificate or an additional 576 hours in lubricant diagnostics (960 hours total).

• 2. Training

The candidate should complete 24 hours of training at MLA Level II and the previous 24 hours at MLA Level I, for a total of 48 hours of practical preparation.

• 3. Exam

The candidate must pass a 3-hour examination of 100 multiple-choice questions, achieving a minimum of 70% correct answers.

MLA II certification is prestigious proof of the high qualifications and advanced knowledge required to effectively monitor and analyse the condition of machines based on lubricant testing.

Keep your fingers crossed for the trainees! 🙂

5. Element of the Month

Lit (łac. lithium) – Lithium has a very low density, which makes it the lightest metal in the periodic table. At room temperature, it is solid and, due to its low density, it is able to float on water. Lithium is used in the production of glass, ceramics, in lithium-ion cells and as a component of lubricants, which is its third most common use. Lithium in lubricants occurs in the form of lithium soap, which is a thickener for the production of lubricants. Lithium greases are widely used as all-purpose high-temperature greases.

A decrease in the level of this element in grease diagnostics may indicate the use of a grease other than lithium grease or the separation of the thickener from the oil base, which leads to grease degradation. The presence or absence of lithium can also be used to identify the type of grease. In the case of oil testing, this element does not appear at all, and when it does appear, its presence is associated with contamination of the oil with grease.

Lithium in its free form reacts very quickly with water and oxygen from the air. Due to its high reactivity, it is most often stored in mineral oils.