Oil Analysis Sampling Frequencies
Oil Analysis sampling is generally performed in conjunction with other activities or reliability inspections, such as vibration data collection. Consider several factors when determining frequency,
- Safety Risk (i.e. loss of life or limb if catastrophic failure occurs)
- Criticality of equipment (or lack of redundancy)
- Environment (wet, dry etc)
- Operating conditions (load, speed)
Further guidance may be sought by consulting with the laboratory, the equipment manufacturer and oil supplier. The following guide is designed as a guide to establishing a proper interval.
| Equipment Type | *Normal Use Sampling Frequency | Occasional Use Sampling Frequency (Calendar) | |
| (Hours) | (Calendar) | ||
Industrial and Marine
|
|||
| Steam Turbines | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Hydro turbines | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Gas Turbines | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Diesel Engines-Stationary | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Natural Gas Engines | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Air/Gas Compressors | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Refrigeration Compressors | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Gearboxes-Heavy Duty | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Gearboxes-Medium Duty | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | |
| Gearboxes-Low Duty | Semi-Annually | Annually | |
| Motors-2500 hp and higher | 500 | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Motors-200 to 2500 hp | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | |
| Hydraulics | Quarterly | Semi-Annually | |
| Diesel Engines-On and Off Highway | 150 hours/10,000 miles | Monthly | Quarterly |
| Equipment Type | *Normal Use Sampling Frequency (Hours/miles) | ||
Off-Highway/Mobile Equipment |
|||
| Gasoline Engines | 5000 miles | ||
| Differentials | 300 hours/20,000 miles | ||
| Final drives | 300 hours/20,000 miles | ||
| Transmissions | 300 hours/20,000 miles | ||
| Equipment Type | *Normal Use Sampling Frequency in Hours | ||
Aviation |
|||
| Reciprocating Engines | 50 hours | ||
| Gas Turbines | 100 hours | ||
| Gearboxes | 100 hours | ||
| Hydraulics | 100 hours | ||
*Note: Normal Use would be equipment running continuously .

