Michael Barrett asked:


Insufficient lubrication is one problem that can lead to premature failure. Proper lubrication is defined as the proper amount of the proper lubricant at the proper place. If oil levels are low, or the lubricant delivery system is inadequate, a proper oil film cannot be maintained at the friction surface. This results in metal to metal contact and accelerated wear. Sufficient lubrication can only be achieved when oil levels are correct, and the appropriate lube is in place and functioning properly.

Another problem that can sometimes lead to lubricant related machine failures is lubricant degradation. Nature takes its toll on all of us, and lubricants are no exception. Oxidation breaks down the base oil of a lubricant, additives are depleted, and physical properties change over time. This process is accelerated by high temperatures, heavy loading, and contamination. When a lubricant reaches the end of its useful life, it is no longer capable of protecting equipment components. Steps must be taken to ensure a healthy lubricant is in use at all times.

A third problem that can lead to premature failure is contamination. Contaminated lubricants account for nearly half of all lubricant related failures. Lubricants can become contaminated with either solid or liquid contaminants. Solid contaminants can act as abrasives causing severe damage to components. Oil will hold contaminants in suspension as it flows through the machine. The contaminants are carried away from the friction surface to settle out in the reservoir or be filtered out. Solids can also clog filters and orifices restricting oil flow and resulting in lubricant starvation. Filters need to be checked and maintained on a scheduled routine basis.

Fluid contaminants such as water will alter the load handling ability of oil, and act as a catalyst for lubricant degradation. Many fluids also cause internal corrosion and rust. The proper oil additives will enhance the rust and oxidation inhibiting properties of the oil. When the oil starts to show a high level of degradation, it is time to change the oil removing all the contaminants from the system. The scheduled oil analysis tests will assess the oil condition and degradation. Proper filtration must be maintained, and sources of potential contamination should be identified and controlled to ensure the cleanest lubricant possible.

Lubricant related failures may also include incorrect lubricant selection. When selecting a lubricant for a given application, both equipment specifications and operating parameters should be taken into account. A higher oil viscosity will be required for equipment running at a higher load. There are many types of oil to choose from. Most importantly, the proper grade (viscosity) lubricant must be chosen.

Oil absorbs the heat generated by the friction surface. The oil carries the heat away to the reservoir where it can disperse, cooling before circulating through the equipment again. Oil can be passed through a cooler to disperse the heat more rapidly. The viscosity will determine the amount of heat the oil is meant to withstand. Low viscosity subjected to higher heat temperatures will cause the oil to break down prematurely. Testing the viscosity will assist in confirming that the proper oil is being used for the application at hand.

Secondly the lubricant should have the proper additive package. Lubricating oils are composed of 70% to 95% base oil and the balance is additives. Engine oil has the most additives due to the engines high running temperatures and rough environments. The second highest amount of additives is in gear oil, AW hydraulic oil, and transmission fluid. The least amount of additives is found in turbine oil. Additives enhance rust and oxidation inhibiting properties in turbine oil creating a longer lasting, more durable product. Some oils use alkaline additives to neutralize acid as it is formed.

Other considerations in selecting a lubricant include demulsibility properties and extreme temperature characteristics. Running a base line oil analysis test before the oil is used, confirms the cleanliness of the new oil. This gives a point of comparison for future oil testing as the oil breaks down with age and use. This can be an important part of an efficient Predictive Maintenance Program.

Lubricant related failures are sometimes caused by the use of grease when oil is required. The lubricant functions to reduce friction and wear by physically separating opposing friction surfaces with an oil film. This also reduces the amount of energy needed to complete the task.

Once the proper lube is selected, procedures should be put in place to ensure the selected lubricant is applied at the proper intervals. Always monitor the oil with scheduled oil analysis testing to spot lubricant problems before they turn into costly machine failures.



FRANKLIN

Lina Smith asked:


 

Focus on development especially industrialization has shifted the reliance of mankind from the manual work to machines, with this shift the demand of oil has increased tremendously. The scenario has led the globe to situation where nations are striving to provide the desired amount of oil to the world. This has made the oil jobs significant for every country. Also this demand of oil has made the oil jobs among the highest paid jobs in the world. It is not only just due to the increased demand of the oil but also the capital and labor required for the production of oil. With the increase in the demand of the oil globally, countries are encouraging the possible production of the oil in order to meet national needs and in case of surplus production, money against imports can be made.

The oil jobs cover the vast span of oil industry which starts from exploration, extraction, refining, transportation and marketing of the oil products. When oil is extracted , it is in its original form called “crude oil” but during the processing of crude oil certain other byproducts are obtained which further increases the scope of oil jobs.

The oils jobs are designed on the basis of five categories of the petroleum industry. Theses categories are.



Upstream

Downstream

Pipeline

Marine, and

Service and Supply



The main oil jobs are related to the upstream activates of the industry. In most of the cases companies outsource the production of the oil to service companies. These service companies search underground reservoirs of oil and set oil rigs to dig oil wells for the extraction the oil. After the success of the well it is the job of Service Company to carry out the operations of the rig as per limitations of the contract. The sever conditions and the complexity of the activities associated with the oil fields make the job difficult and highly paid in the world.

The down stream activities are actually related to the refining of the crude oil and take care of the all the products extracted from the crude oil. The downstream is involved with the activities of refining, oil distribution and retail outlets for the oils products. This makes the jobs of petroleum, mechanical, electrical and project managers’ important in the field of oil. The expertise of these professional are required in exploration and extraction of the oil.

To transport the oil pipelines are used to save the cost and quality of oil which is not ordinarily done like in the case of water rather special services of experts are employed to make sure the efficient transpiration of oil through pipelines.

The job of marketing companies is to sell the products to the end consumer through their brands and outlets. The cost involved in the whole oil production process leave small margins for the participants of the industry.

Oil jobs are gaining constant growth over the period of time. The reason is the amount of payment against oil jobs and also the work on oil rigs is adventurous and challenging. The oil industry employee engineers from different fields which makes the oil jobs significant for the engineers as well.

 

 



GUILLERMO

Michael Barrett asked:


The oil analysis report is a vital tool for a smooth running operation. Going deeper than the report summaries and knowing how to analyze the oil analysis report can help prevent equipment breakdown and unnecessary equipment teardowns.

Interpreting an Oil Analysis Report

When all else fails, read the instructions. This is the well established rule of last resort; whether we are putting together a child’s toy or trying to operate the latest electronic device. The oil analysis reports are the instructions for smooth running equipments.

Instruction manuals written today are reduced to five quick start steps with big pictures. Oil analysis reports begin with problem summaries and red-letter critical alerts. An oil analysis interpreter immediately glances at the top right hand box for lubricant and machine condition on oil analysis reports. Eyes then graze the summary of the oil sample and the problems found during oil analysis. Then oil analysis report readers grab what they can from the graphs of individual elemental tests.

The oil analysis report, however, has much more to say than a quick diagnosis can offer by scanning for red letters and glancing at colorful graphs. Reading an oil analysis report can be daunting and dull unless you know what you are reading. You must overly analyze the oil analysis report, know your equipment and correctly interpret the results

Here are some checkpoints to cover when you are reading an oil analysis report

Read the Name

When you open your reports, make sure they are just that, your reports. Mistakes can be made; be certain the oil analysis report has your name, the company name, the Unit ID, the manufacturer, the model, and the unit type or component. Look for the lubricant manufacture and type, viscosity grade of the oil in the unit, note the time the unit was serviced, and if the oil was changed or makeup oil added

Now you that you know that the analysis reports belong to you, it is time to know what is circulating around your unit. It is time to read the oil analysis report

Read the Oil Analysis

You should be able to see a quick summary of the condition of your oil with a cursory glance at your oil analysis report. You should be able to see quickly the problem area in your unit, how bad the problem is, and a suggested course of action from the summary information provided in your oil analysis report.

Take a closer look at your oil analysis report. Understand that the oil analyst is looking at hundreds of samples every day and might become confused or misinterpret some details of your unit and its particulars. Knowing how to read your oil analysis report and knowing your machine will eliminate confusing results. When all else fails, read the oil analysis report carefully

Analyzing the oil analysis report involves understanding the elements flowing in your oil and at what level. You will read the viscosity level of the oil sample; the water found in the oil; and the acid number (TAN) in your oil analysis report.

Read the Elements

Read the elements circulating in your oil. Some elements are supposed to be there. Other elements found in oil are picked up as the oil circulates and splashes on different components and surfaces of the machine. Some oil trash simply falls into the sump. No matter how the contaminates enter the oil, they are carried along within the oil and cause metal wear.

The key to oil analysis reports is the elemental analysis. There is a wealth of information on your oil analysis report about wear behavior, contaminates entering the system, and the service needed.

You should be asking questions as you read your oil analysis report: What does it all mean? Where is contaminant debris coming from in your unit? What am I looking for that will help me see what is happening inside my unit? Am I looking at suspended particles that are from the additives or from elements being picked up as the oil circulate, or from debris falling into the unit?

These elements are commonly the cause of component wear: iron, chromium, aluminum, copper, lead, tin, nickel, molybdenum, antimony, silver, titanium, and manganese. On your oil analysis report, some elements are single out such as copper or iron and given special attention.

Elements found in your oil sample are measured in parts per million (PPM) - a very small amount. A single PPM is equivalent to 0.0001%. To put that in perspective, it takes 10,000 PPM to equate to 1.0%. Concentrations seen in oil analysis reports will be from one PPM to several hundred PPMS.

Tests performed during an oil analysis to find the elements floating in your oil include an ICP Spectroscopy, Particle Count, FT-IR, and Analytical Ferrography.

The ICP Spectroscopy

This measures the concentration of wear metals, contaminant metals and additive metals. In a repeatable oil analysis test, a diluted oil sample is pulverized by inert gas (argon) to form an aerosol. This is magnetically induced to form plasma at 9000 degrees C. The high temperature causes metal ions to take on energy and release new energy in the form of photons. A spectrum with different wavelengths is created for each element. The instrument quantifies the amount of energy emitted and determines the concentration in parts per million (ppm) of 20 elements present in the sample.

The Particle Count

This measures the size and quantity of particles in the oil sample and measured in microns using the Fluid Flow Decay Principle. Fluid Flow Decay Principle means oil is passed through a screen of known mesh size (10 microns) and the time taken to plug the screen is measured.

Wear on the machine, measured in microns, points to the amount of ferrous wear metals present in a sample. Large Ferrous is a measure of particles greater than 5 microns and represents abnormal wear. Small ferrous is a measure of particles less than 5 micron and represents normal rubbing wear.

The FT-IR

This measures the chemical composition of the oil sample and gives an overall degradation of oil. Every element has a unique infrared signature. The key signature of oil is monitored by using a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer. These signatures are usually common contaminants and degradation by-products unique for a particular lubricant.

Analytical Ferrography

This allows an oil analyst examine wear particles present in a sample visually. Oil samples are passed over a glass slide where ferrous wear particles in the oil come to the surface because of the magnetic plate that attracts the ferrous particles. The particles line up forming a ferrogram. A trained oil analyst can visually determine the severity of wear on the unit using a microscope to classify the particles according to size, shape, and metallurgy.

Read the Viscosity

Viscosity is the most important physical property of oil. Viscosity testing measures oil’s resistance to flow at a particular temperature. A viscometer is the measuring tool. A “U” Shaped tube holds the oil. The tube is submerged in a steady temperature bath. As the oil warms, it flows down the tube and up the other side. The number of seconds the oil takes to flow through is measured. Viscosity in centistokes (cSt) is the seconds multiplied by the tube factor. An abnormal viscosity of (+-15%) is a sign there is a problem.

Increases in oil viscosity may be due to the effect of oxidation, contamination, or an addition of a higher viscosity product. Increases in viscosity are a concern, but decreases in viscosity are a greater concern. Decreases in viscosity may occur due to some type of diluting contamination, mechanical shearing of viscosity index or the addition of viscosity products. Decreases in viscosity are critical because they will rapidly produce wear. Lower viscosity levels may be due to water contamination.

Read the Water

Water contamination is a common problem in many systems. This is a rare problem in engines due to high temperatures. In non-engines however, water is a frequent problem.

The Karl Fischer Water Test is used in oil analysis because of its precision. Water contamination is often visible because of the cloud or milky composition caused by oil and water emulsion.

Water problems may come from cooling systems, condensation, environmental issues, or cleaning solutions. Measuring moisture content in some oils with metallic additives causing false reports when there is little or no water present. When in doubt use another test.

Read the Acid

The acid number is useful in monitoring acid build up in oils due to oxidation degradation. An oil analyst must know that the baseline acid value is of the new oil used to determine when the acid number (TAN) has increased to a point where it is time for an oil change. When your oil analysis is red flagged for high acid levels, the oil must be changed or “sweetened” with an addition of a new product. High acid will promote oxidation and eventually corrode metal.

Understanding your oil analysis reports will allow you to get the most out of your Oil Analysis Program. When all else fails, read oil analysis report, the name, the elements, the viscosity, the water, and the acid number to keep your equipment fully functioning. A smooth running operation.



BERNARDO

Kelly Martinez asked:


Questions: 1. ‘Olive oil is good for you’ (True/False)



‘Light’ olive oils are more palatable than ‘extra virgin’ olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil has a strong smell and taste’ (True/False)



‘Real extra virgin olive oil should have sediment at the bottom of the bottle.’ (True/False)



‘Italy is the world’s largest producer of olive oil’ (True/False)



‘The best olive oil comes from Italy’ (True/False)



‘Large brands sell olive oil for less because they buy in large bulk quantities’ (True/False)



‘If is says ‘extra virgin olive oil’ on the label - it must be true’ (True/False)



‘Pure’ olive oil is good quality’ (True/False)



‘Olive oil’ after a time needs to be refrigerated’ (True/False)



‘Olive oil good for frying’ (True/False)



Answers: 1. True. Studies have revealed that real extra virgin olive oil has the following health benefits: anti-inflammatory, protect against bowel, ****** and colon cancer, fight heart disease, prevent wrinkles, reduce blood pressure.



False. By definition the taste and aroma of real ‘extra’ virgin olive oil is ‘irreproachable’. Any olive oil product with a overpowering smell or taste is not ‘extra’. ‘Light’ olive oils are refined oils with a very small amount of virgin olive oil mixed in. The smaller the amount of virgin olive oil mixed in the ‘lighter’ the oil.



True (sometimes). Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product, the amount of sediment will depend on many different factors. Extra virgin olive oil can be passed through a clay-cellulose filter which will remove most of the sediment. Remaining sediment may be absorbed by the olive oil or collect at the bottom of the bottle.



False. Spain is by far the largest producer of olive oil.



False. Olive oil is classified by quality not geography. ‘Extra virgin’ is the highest quality of olive oil regardless of origin. Italy produces more than it consumes, most of what is sold as ‘Italian’ olive oil is imported and packed in Italy, then resold as Italian.



False. Olive oil pricing is commodity based. Bulk quantities are already factored in to the commodity pricing. The only way to reduce the price is to mix the oil with cheaper oils.



False. In the olive oil business the ‘F’ stands for ‘Fraud’. Fraud is a major problem. Any olive oil you purchase should look, smell and taste like olive oil. The price should be commensurate with commodity pricing. If it is too cheap - it’s not olive oil.



False. As far as olive oil is concerned ‘Pure’ is a misnomer that actually means ‘impure’. Olive oil sold as ‘pure’ is refined by a heat and chemical process. It is not natural and should not be confused with ‘virgin’.



False. Olive oil should not be refrigerated. Cold temperatures will cause the oil to go cloudy. Olive oil should be stored out of direct sunlight. Real extra virgin olive oil will maintain it’s properties for many months.



True. Olive oil is the most stable of oils, it resists temperatures of 320º - 392º (Fahrenheit) and is the slowest oil to decompose. Another advantage - olive oil impregnates fried foods less than other oils so it the calorie content is actually lower.



Score: 8 -10 = Excellent 5 - 7 = Good 3 - 5 = Needs Improvement 1 - 2 = Needs a lot of Improvement



FLORENTINO

Stig Kristoffersen asked:


Capital Oil is performing prospecting of oil in two licenses called Kubash-Lukva and Maydan, outside Ivano-Frankivsk in the western Ukraine.

On the 7th of December 2006 Capital Oil signed an exclusive Joint Activity Agreement (JAA) with the Ukrainian state and Oblast owned company Bohorodchanynaftogaz (BNG). This agreement outlines that Capital Oil will have the operative responsibility for BNG in the exploration of oil and gas in the two licence blocks that is owned by BNG. BNG.

The oil fields are shallow, and contains low sulfur oil of good quality, around 36° API. Together the proven resources are assumed to be around 19 MMBO in a pessimistic scenario and up to 57 MMBO in a most likely scenario. This estimate is outlined in a totally independent report given by the Moscow office on behalf of the scottish oil consultancy company TRACS International Ltd. The resource estimate has its basis in analysis of 15 wells drilled during the 1960s and 70s.

The licenses are prospective and has an acreage of 44,5 km2. The concession owner can produce up to 10 percent of the total resources proven. License owner is BNG, but all operations are handled by the organization established within the framework of the JAA with BNG, Svenska Capital Oil AB and LLC Capital Oil Ukraine. Swedish Capital Oil AB will keep86 percent from the net profit from the JAA., LLC Capital Oil Ukraine will have 1 percent, while BNG will maintain the remaining 13 percent.

The exploration licenses of Capital Oil are located in the north western part of Ukraine at the foothills of the Carpathians. The well hydricarbon prolific basin stretches from Poland to Ukrainian and then into Romania. This region was the first region to be set into production in Europe already at the second half of the 19th century.

The Ukrainian part of the basin was active up to 1960s when the focus shifted to the then newly discovered huge resources in Siberia.

The licenses of Capital Oil had a relatively low production from layers at a couple hundred meters up to the late 1950s. During 1960-70 a larger number of exploration wells were drilled in order to explore horizons at around 2000 meters depth or more.

The Carpathians were formed around 20-30 millions years ago during the Alpine development. The geology is characterized by trusted fold belts. Sediments of interest as reservoirs were developed during Cretaceous to Tertiary time. The sedimentary environment was deep marine sandstones and siltstones together with claystones.

The fold belt has introduced several opportunities for oil traps were oil and gas from deeper layers have been migrated up into and been trapped in porous layers capped by impermeable clays.

Capital Oil explores for oil below the old production levels were oil shows are seen in wells drilled during the 1960-70s.

The larger anticlines ( in range of several kilometers) of Kubash-Lukva and Maydan-licenses forms trap mechanisms which are drilled at the moment. The anticline of Kubash-Lukva is situated to the west and Maydan one in the east part of the area of exploration. The first exploration well of Capital Oil will test the layers in the Kubash-Lukva anticline as in Maydan these layers explored in Kubach-Lukva are eroded and deeper reservoir layers are explored here at a later stage.

In a press release of April 4th, Capital Oil reports that oil has been encountered in the second exploration well in the license.

As in the first exploration well there are indications of several oil layers and in the second well ranging from 215 to 366 meters depth.

In January 2008 Capital Oil started the second exploration well drilling in the license. Preliminary results from the well logs and cores proves several oil layers ranging from 215 meters to 366 meters depth.

Leif Larsson, general manager of Capital oil proclaims that these indications proves possibilities for production is good.

As in their first exploration well, the oil layers are relatively shallow. This is in line with Capital Oil assumptions and assumptions of low production cost as well.

The exploration well is planned to 1050 meters depth for test of the deeper layers as well.

The well test is assumed to finish during April month this year.

The drilling of the third well will start immediately after finishing the second well.

In a press release of April 21st, Capital Oil announces production of oil from its first well in the license.

A revitalization of Europe’s oldest oil province is ongoing now. The first test production of oil from the first exploration well in north western part of Ukraine has been performed.

The test production of the first exploration well in Kubash-Lukva prospect area has been initiated. The drilling was initiated in October 2007 and finished in January 2008 within indication of oil layers within it.

In the beginning of April Capital Oil proved oil in its second exploration well and in April the third exploration well was initiated. A total of four exploration wells are planned in the initial exploration campaign.

The General Manager Leif Larsson comments that so far they have gotten the results they expected, and that the findings are a result of thorough geological analysis of wells in area as well as seismic interpretation.

In the next phase Capital Oil will drill production wells, which are going to be shallow only down to oil layers and hence not so expensive and faster to drill.

The oil which is produced from the first exploration well comes from layers which are 150 to 350 meters depth and is of same high quality as certain North Sea oils. The company states it is too early to comment on the size of the field.



CLYDE