Routine fluid monitoring can reveal key information about the condition of fluids and equipment and can identify potential problems before they arise, adding real value to maintenance activities
Castrol Industrial has introduced a new, structured fluid monitoring service called LabCheck that offers Standard and Advanced levels of fluid monitoring and analysis, and technical recommendations are provided whenever the results are outside agreed control limits.
In some cases, LabCheck will also include LabCheck Online - an extranet reporting system - where laboratory results will be made available as soon as the LabCheck analysis is completed.
Commenting on the new service, Castrol Industrial Lubricants and Services, UK director Cliff Thrussell says: "We recognise that customers need different levels of assurance from fluid condition monitoring - from a basic knowledge that their product is suitable for continued use, to a more complex monitoring programme to match their maintenance strategy - which is why LabCheck is carefully tailored to meet the manufacturing and service requirements of different industries and customers." LabCheck-Standard provides regular laboratory analysis supported by an easy-to-use traffic light warning system that indicates the condition of the fluid.
This level of service is intended for customers who require assurance that their fluid is maintained within agreed control limits.
LabCheck-Advanced offers a more comprehensive insight into the condition of fluids by monitoring a wider range of critical parameters.
This level of service is designed for customers wanting to enhance process or machine performance.
Both levels of service benefit from LabCheck's unique facility to intelligently interpret oil analysis data to provide high quality information on the condition of fluids and lubricants and, in some cases, the performance of machines and processes.
Information is presented graphically, which also makes it easier to interpret results and identify trends.
LabCheck for lubricants provides consistent monitoring to ensure that oil changes are made as required rather than to an arbitrary schedule.
Laboratory analysis can help identify trends that can provide early signs of problems, which in turn helps to optimise maintenance and increase machine availability and reliability.
For metalworking fluids, the LabCheck service is designed to increase process efficiency by monitoring and analysing the physical and chemical properties of the fluid to ensure that it is always operating to its optimum performance.
The checks also detect the presence of bacteria, which allows customers to control microbial growth and help maintain a healthy workplace.
Both levels can make a positive contribution towards improving productivity and performance.
Signing up for LabCheck couldn't be easier.
Castrol engineers conduct a survey to identify key equipment and systems that will benefit from routine fluid monitoring and register them under a unique customer number.
A detailed schedule is then recommended, including sampling frequency and control limits.
Customers are provided with a LabCheck kit containing sample bottles and packaging, as well as a comprehensive information pack that includes sampling procedures, advice on best practice, and a guide to interpreting laboratory reports.
