How to prevent failures and downtime in railway rolling stock?
Oil diagnostics is one of the key elements of modern maintenance in the railway industry. Regular oil analysis enables early detection of component wear, assessment of lubricant condition, and identification of contaminants affecting system performance.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the risk of failures, extend equipment lifespan, and optimize operating costs. Oil diagnostics provides insight into the actual technical condition of systems operating in railway rolling stock – from engines and gearboxes to hydraulic systems and transformers.
It helps answer three key questions:
1. Mechanical wear
Is a failure developing within the system?
- ICP / RDE – wear metal analysis
- PQ Index – ferromagnetic particles
- PSC – wear characterization
2. Oil condition
Is the oil still providing proper protection?
- water content (Karl Fischer)
- kinematic viscosity
- acid number (TAN) / base number (BN)
- IR spectroscopy
3. System cleanliness
Is the system operating reliably and without disturbances?
- oil cleanliness class
- filterability
- foaming tendency and air presence

