This post is directly related to the effective use the RULER even when you don’t have a new oil reference sample or if you have multiple formulations in your reservoir.
Monitoring the health of turbine oil antioxidants is one of the most important tests in determining the Remaining Useful Life of a turbine oil. RULER results are most often reported as a percentage compared to new oil. However, if you don’t have a good reference sample or if you have multiple formulations in your turbine oil reservoir, reporting the individual antioxidants as a Percentage of New is of less value. In this case, it is suggested that you report the results as the total amount of antioxidants, expressed as a unit of area in the RULER voltammogram. This reporting allows you to quantify the level of healthy antioxidants without having to worry about comparing the results to a standard. Determining the type of antioxidants may also suggest what formulations have been commingled in your reservoir. If you have multiple formulations or are unsure of your new oil reference, consult your laboratory about reporting your RULER results as a unit of area for the amines and phenol antioxidants in your turbine oil.
It is also important to obtain RULER values on new deliveries of oil. In addition to establishing a reference, testing new oil deliveries with the RULER can be a powerful quality control tool.
As with any condition-based monitoring technology, trending multiple data points is more important than a single-test snapshot. If you are unsure about the rate of your phenol and amine antioxidant depletion, we recommend sampling every two (2) months for a year. With these six (6) data points, you can determine the rate of antioxidant depletion, which is critical in assessing the Remaining Useful Life of the turbine oil. Your oil analysis laboratory or Fluitec are resources for you to help interpret these results.
Q: Are you sampling more every two (2) months for a year or more often than recommended? If so, why?