SWEPCO’s LabTec Fluid Analysis Program is designed to provide SWEPCO customers with the significant benefits of a fully proactive maintenance program. Customers submit used oil samples at predetermined intervals for analysis by SWEPCO LOA technicians. The comprehensive report documentation includes clarity, wear particles and contamination information and can provide early warning of equipment failures.
Utilizing state-of-the-art analysis equipment, SWEPCO’s LOA monitors the presence of 13 metallic elements, highlighting harmful impurities and contaminants in red.
SWEPCO’s LOA Program helps SWEPCO customers enjoy maximum lubricant life and productivity. SWEPCO customers using this program in conjunction with SWEPCO lubricants can responsibly extend maintenance intervals to as much as 2, 3, 4, 5 times or more.
How SWEPCO’s LabTec Fluid Analysis Program Assists the Maintenance Professional?
- Monitor Fluid Cleanliness
- Provides Early Warning of Impending Equipment Failure
- Early Notification of Changing Lubricant Properties
- Ensures Maximum Lubricant Life
- Enables Proactive Maintenance
- Takes the Guesswork Out of Lubricant Management
- Reduces Oil Consumption and Oil Disposal Costs
- Increases Equipment Productivity
- For optimum monitoring of engines, final drives, pumps, hydraulic systems, turbines, compressors, blowers, gearboxes, transmissions, differentials and lubricant reservoirs.
Lab Procedures and Trend History SWEPCO’s LabTec fluid analysis program performs a comprehensive series of tests, including both manual, physical analysis of samples and advanced testing using the most advanced Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrophotometry and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry equipment.
After testing is completed, an evaluation of the raw test results and information provided by the customer is performed by an experienced technician. The actual test results and evaluation are then provided to the customer via the SWEPCO LOA Report Form. If the analysis indicates that immediate action is required, the results are immediately provided to the customer by telephone, fax or email. SWEPCO LOA computers maintain a “trend history” for each specific unit.
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectrophotometry Early detection and analysis of metal wear assists customers in accurately monitoring wear on critical components, establishing predictable and proactive maintenance programs and maximizing productivity. The following submicroscopic wear particles in the oil are measured and reported by advanced ICP Spectrophotometry:
- Aluminum
- Iron
- Chromium
- Lead
- Copper
- Silicon
ICP Spectrophotometry
is also used to determine additive levels to ensure lubricant quality and performance.
Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FTIR) Spectrometry
The molecular analysis of used lubricants via FTIR Spectrometry provides a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional physical property testing used in conventional lubricant analysis programs. Some of the physical properties measured by FTIR Spectrometry include:
- Oxidation Level
- Fuel Dilution %
- Nitration Level
- Water %
- Antifreeze %
- Sediment/Insolubles %
LOA technicians perform additional manual tests that help objectively determine the optimum oil drain interval for the specific application. Some of these tests for other physical and chemical properties include:
- Viscosity
- Total Acid Count
- Other Contaminants
LabTec Fluid Analysis Program
- Protects valuable equipment
- Maximizes lubricant life
- Maximizes productivity
- Prevents catastrophic failures
To ensure our customers receive a high-quality, completely independent analysis, we work closely with POLARIS Laboratories®.
