Other Physical Contamination

These products, when found in excess of their norms, usually indicate a need for corrective action as well as a lube drain. The exception is when solids build up over an extended time interval, in which case they just show a need to drain the lube and/or change filters. Here again, age of the unit, makeup lube rate, application, lube type, and BMEP play a major role.

Water Contamination: PAL recommends that samples be taken when a unit is at operating temperature, or has only been shut down for a short while (no longer than 30 minutes). As well as providing the most representative sample, it minimizes chances of obtaining samples with condensate water (unless there is a problem with systems using water traps).

Water, therefore, should not normally be found in most systems at levels above 0.05% (500 ppm) provided samples are taken correctly. This is normally the lowest limit to which PAL inspects samples for water.

Oftentimes PAL detects metallic coolant additives rather than water because water is continually evaporated by a unit's heat. When water is detected, these same metals aid in qualifying the source (coolant, condensate, salt or fresh water in marine situations, etc.).

Exemplary Metals Combinations

Metals Detected:

• Sodium
• Boron
• Phosphorous
• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Chromium

Possible Evaluation:

• Washing Compound
• Saltwater
• Saltwater Coolant
• Chromate Coolant
• Glycol Coolant