Introduction

A number of companies are in providing tribological support services to lubricants industry and condition monitoring and predictive maintenance services are increasingly being utilised.

While this was originally the preserve of the oil majors, a number of companies such as VORTA have moved into this sector and are providing back-up services such as in-service monitoring of lubricant quality.

These companies will analyze lubricants drawn from operating machinery to establish whether the lubricant still meets performance requirements.

The analyses also establish whether any untoward equipment wear may be taking place.

This allows potential equipment stoppages and breakdowns in key items of equipment to be avoided through advance warning.

Another service area encompasses the performance analysis of lubricant products.

Various engine and rig tests to evaluate product performance and quality against specifications are offered by organizations including Engineering Research, USLAB Research Center. US Technology development.