Reolube Fluids

Particle Count

Background:

New fluid is fine filtered and supplied in special drums so that the particle counts are very low. Consequently, high particle counts in an operating unit can be a sign of existing or pending problems.

Reason for Prompt Action:

There are two reasons. The first being to prevent the particles from causing damage to the bearings, to other system components and/or to cause accelerated fluid degradation. The second reason being to correct the source of the particles to prevent it from getting even worse. In addition, the filters supplied with most systems should be adequate to keep the particle count low so if these are not doing the job corrective measures are required. The sooner the better in all cases.

Cause:

Sources of ingested particles can be dirt getting by breathers, improperly stored drums, maintenance activities, purification media and/or contaminated fluid make-up equipment. Generated particles can be wear debris from the bearing, rust, and/or fluid degradation byproducts. A third source of high counts is the sampling procedure itself if the sample line is not flushed adequately, if the sample valve is touched at the wrong time or if contaminated sample bottles are used.

Action:

Examine the particles to try to identify the source, resample to get a second count, check the filter element pressure drops and examine the breathers, new fluid drums and transfer equipment for problems.