Oil Particle Count Testing Equipment

Oil particle count testing equipment has come a long way in recent years, being now able to detect and count particles of even the most minute sizes, which can make a huge difference in the performance of critical machinery. But what exactly is oil particle count testing equipment and why would you need it?

Particle Count Oil Analysis

First, let’s discuss particle count oil analysis. While many oil producers are proud of their product, an increasing number of machine operators and producers are raising their standards to ever higher levels. As the bar raises for what is possible, so too do the expectations. Some critical sectors of business and industry utilize machines that rely on oil and hydraulic fluid. The failure of those machines to perform, or worse, the breakdown of equipment while under operation can mean a loss of time, money, and even life.

Particle count oil analysis can help oil producers understand exactly what the quality of their output is, including how many particles reside inside the oil being produced, what the size of those particles are, and even what the material of those particles is.

Metal Particles in Oil

Metal particles are a particularly egregious issue in oil as they can bring a well-functioning piece of machinery to a grinding halt. They can create friction where there should be lubrication, and they can even lead to sparks and fire.

While some larger metal shavings may be apparent to the naked eye so the oil can be discarded before it is put into use, many metal particles in oil are undetectable. You may think that if you cannot see them, that they cannot cause harm, but nothing could be further from the truth. Tiny metal particles can build up and clog passageways in engines and other areas of machinery that can either entirely block those passageways or cause wear and tear that shortens the lifespan of the machinery.

How Do You Count Particles in Oil?

The best thing an oil producer can do is to ensure a solid oil particle count is done before sending the oil off for use on the market. As most heavy equipment producers and operators as well as automobile businesses are all also advised to check the oil they use, oil producers are best off catching the problem and keeping it in house before it becomes a business issue or a PR nightmare. The last thing any business wants is to be accused of offering an inferior product, especially in an industry as rich and industrious as machinery.

An oil particle counter is essentially a fluid particle counter, which will allow you to pass the oil or hydraulic fluid through the machine. The machine then uses either light or a laser to scan the fluid and create shadows of the particles identified, accurately counting their number and detaching their size. Several standards of cleanliness for oil exist, so it is up to the machinist or the machine operator to determine which standard is appropriate for each particular machine. From the oil producer’s perspective, obviously, the cleaner the better.

Oil Particle Count Testing Equipment

There are various options for oil particle count testing equipment. Large manufacturers often opt for a larger particle counter, the price of which can run up to $40,000. A much smaller onsite piece of equipment can be as inexpensive as $4,000. It all depends on the need and demand of the individual business.

The German company Oculyze has developed a generic particle counter that can cover multiple applications. This is especially true for applications where foreign objects which should not be counted are not expected, which includes, of course, the detection of metal particles in oil. If a specific detection is needed, the system can always be expanded and combined with a classification to differentiate what is being counted.

You can test the Oculyze particle counter here, keeping in mind that the recognition provided is solely for demonstration purposes and may not accurately represent the performance of our product. Our customers receive customized recognitions tailored to their specific needs, which ensures high levels of accuracy.

Also, there is no need to start from scratch if you have a solution that works already. Our customized image recognition software can be fully integrated into your existing software due to the open nature of our API.

Summing It All Up

Oil particle counting test equipment is essential to the production of top-quality oil and the function of high-quality machinery. You cannot go wrong, whether you are an oil producer or in the business of heavy equipment or automobiles employing an oil particle counter. It can save you time, money, and even lives.