Lube-Tips

Oil Sampling Strategies

When sampling new oil deliveries for testing, one strategy is to pull the sample from just above the drum or tanker compartment bottom — where contamination is most concentrated. Dispensing lines from bulk transports may also be a good choice (the first and last fluid out).

Avoid Additive Leaching

Particle contamination in a lubricating or hydraulic system is widely known as one of the most devastating contaminants. One effect of particle contamination that is rarely discussed is additive leaching. Many additives attach to particles and are removed along with the particle by filtration.

Oil Reclaiming vs. Oil Re-refining

Although definitions vary, the general difference between oil reclaiming and oil re-refining is that reclaiming removes solids, water, gas and other impurities extractable by vacuum dehydration and filtration, while re-refining removes both soluble and insoluble impurities and most additives, effectively bringing the used oil back to a pure base stock. It then would need to be readditized.