How often is lubricating oil analysis typically performed?

Lubricating oil analysis is typically performed on a scheduled basis to ensure the oil maintains its desired properties and continues to provide effective lubrication for machinery. This approach allows for proactive maintenance, as regular analysis helps identify potential issues such as contamination, degradation, or changes in viscosity before they escalate into more significant problems. By scheduling these analyses, organizations can tailor the frequency based on the operating conditions and specific machinery requirements, optimizing oil performance and extending the longevity of equipment.

In contrast, performing oil analysis once a year may not be frequent enough to catch contaminants or issues that could arise between analyses, especially in high-stress or variable operating conditions. Conducting the analysis monthly would be excessive for many systems and could lead to unnecessary resource use. Additionally, checking at each maintenance cycle may not align with the actual operational demands since maintenance schedules can vary, and oil breakdown can occur independently of maintenance activities. Thus, a scheduled basis strikes an optimal balance in maintaining equipment health.