Texaco’s LubeWatch Oil Analysis Programme
The Texaco LubeWatch Oil Analysis Programme is on-hand to help users keep abreast of the performance of their business’ critical equipment, from vehicles to industrial machinery. In the first of a two-part Q&A, we break down what the programme is, how it compares to preventative maintenance, the steps users need to take, and more.
Q: What is Texaco’s LubeWatch oil analysis programme?
A: The Texaco LubeWatch oil analysis programme helps enable fleet, power plant, and manufacturing plant operators to track the performance of the equipment that is the lifeblood of their businesses. By analysing oil samples on a regular basis, operators can help optimise equipment life and oil replacement intervals, identify lubricant-related needs, and understand the changing environment within a piece of equipment.
This knowledge comes in handy when it comes to the precise scheduling of maintenance work that can reduce downtime and the risk of catastrophic failure.
Q: What are the benefits of the LubeWatch oil analysis programme?
A: It provides data on basic test packages and a wide variety of specialised testing procedures, while providing expert-led interpretation of test results and maintenance-focused recommendations based on the data, which is accessible online or via the Texaco LubeWatch app. What’s more, its advanced technical services include wear particle analysis and assessments that can help identify component failure.
Users of the programme can benefit of the added assurance of oil and system integrity when running on an extended oil drain interval programme. Its seamless import of sampling data into your existing computer management systems via DataConnect (API) provides a more integrated overview of your operational efficiency, and it even offers expert training and in-field advice and support.
Q: How does LubeWatch compare to preventative maintenance approaches?
A: Many businesses practice ‘preventative maintenance’, scheduling regular service intervals to help identify any problems before they become too costly or lead to prolonged equipment downtime. However, preventative maintenance schedules, based on generic timescales or usage figures by equipment type, can lead to oil drain intervals that are shorter than necessary and parts being changed or replaced before they need to be.
As a result, the industry is moving to become more ‘predictive’ on the condition of the equipment. Through regular testing, Texaco®’s LubeWatch oil analysis can help you track the performance of your vehicles or equipment and identify when a service is required.
Q: What is the LubeWatch process?
A: Submitting oil or other lubricants for LubeWatch oil analysis is straightforward. Analysis kits are available to make sampling user-friendly and simple, and include cap, tubing, sample bottles and paperwork with pre-addressed shipping labels.
Sample information can be submitted online or via the Texaco LubeWatch app. Pre-registering samples is the most efficient way to get samples logged and tested, reducing paperwork and minimising errors.
Since LubeWatch oil analysis requires relatively small quantities of oil (or other lubricant), it’s important that samples are of the best quality possible. Always make sure the sample bottle is clean and free of contaminants before starting. Close the sample bottle tightly after sampling and wipe off any excess oil or coolant from the outside to avoid any contamination from other items during delivery to the laboratory.
Q: What are the steps to utilise the programme?
A:
1) Set up an online account to send sample information directly to the LubeWatch laboratory.
2) Order sampling kits directly through Chevron Business Point (CBP).
3) Take the sample and submit sample information online, via the app or by completing a sample label form.
4) Send the sample back to the lab in the pre-addressed LubeWatch envelope supplied.Receive results via email or access online.
Q: How should oil samples be taken?
There are several different methods for gathering oil samples, but the accuracy of the test results will depend on the quality of the sample. Collecting from the wrong place or at the wrong time will alter the tests results and could mask any damage occurring or lead to incorrect guidance.
Be aware that different system pressures and accessibility may require different equipment and methods to collect samples. With this in mind, ensure that you establish the right sampling process for each piece of machinery.
The best samples are taken when the machinery is running and at optimal operating temperature. However, some sampling methods, such as using a vacuum pump, will require the equipment to be shut down, so always refer to the ‘How to take an oil sample’ guideline, which can be found on Chevron Business Point (CBP. Once you’ve established the right sampling process, always take future samples in the same way and from the same sampling point.
Before taking the sample, flush about one litre of oil from the sample point to allow for the removal of any entrapped water or debris, and be sure to never re-use disposable tubing. Fill the LubeWatch sample bottle at the sampling point.
Q: How can you find out more?
