Used oil can be a first-rate source of information. Through used oil analysis you can:
–catch small problems before they turn into big ones
–detect potentially dangerous glycol leaks
–confirm whether or not your engine oil is doing its job
–discover any weaknesses in your lubrication program that might shorten the life of your equipment
–reduce unscheduled maintenance/equipment downtime
–identify oil contamination trends
–identify faulty maintenance practices

Imperial Oil offers a variety of used oil monitoring and testing programs to Canadian companies. As you can see, used oil analysis is an essential component of total lubrication management. It assists in assessing the condition of the lubricant and the equipment from which it originates.

It is both a diagnostic tool and a management tool. As a diagnostic tool, it offers systematic analyses of oil samples taken from your equipment. As a management tool, it offers an overview of equipment performance based on the used oil analysis data (i.e. wear metal trends, ingress of contamination, etc.). The used oil monitoring data, combined with periodic equipment condition reports, enables you to plan a cost-effective equipment maintenance program.

In most used oil monitoring programs, the laboratory inspections include measurements of viscosity, water and foreign contaminants (sediment/particulate), metal analysis to identify additive depletion, wear metals, or other metallic contaminants, glycol testing for engine oils, and oxidation levels.

The slate of tests performed on an oil will vary and is dependent on the lubricant type and application. The Esso used oil monitoring programs consist of a variety of testing slates to best suit the lubricant being tested and its application.

Historical reports are generated upon completion of sample analysis, allowing you to observe and note trends for the oil in a particular piece of equipment.

Used oil analysis puts advanced technology to work on your behalf to help keep your equipment and your business running smoothly. Whatever equipment you’re running, this scientific safeguard should become a part of your regular maintenance program.