FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. When should I take oil samples from my pieces of equipment?
Q2. Where should I draw my oil sample from?
Q3. How will I know if the unit has a problem, and what action should I take?
Q4. Do you have quality assurance accreditation?
Q5. How do I get my results?
Q6. How should I send the samples?
Q7. Do you supply sample bottles?
Q8. How long does it take to get the results to me?
Q9. Can I ask for technical advice in interpreting the results received?
Q10. Have you received my sample?
 

Q1. When should I take oil samples from my pieces of equipment?
A. Regular sampling will help avoid unscheduled shutdowns. The timing of samples may be indicated in your equipment handbook and should reflect the severity of service in terms of operating conditions such as temperature, pressures and cycle times. If still unclear about sample cycles, our engineers can provide advice.
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Q2. Where should I draw my oil sample from?
A. Most industrial equipment will have a dedicated sampling point. These often require “bleeding” an oil volume prior to sampling as “deadlegs” may give unrealistic samples. If there is no sampling point then the midpoint of the dipstick (between the high and low mark) is as good as any place but if no dipstick is fitted then ideally no deeper than the oil pump pick up. A length of tube passed down through the dip stick hole or similar usually works well, with a plastic bottle or a pump connected to draw up the oil. We need about 100ml of fluid. Suitable sampling equipment can be supplied on request.
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Q3. How will I know if the unit has a problem, and what action should I take?
A. A detailed analysis report is sent to you every time you send us a sample. Recommendations and previous oil data (if any) are included in our report. If you require more information our engineers and analysts will be happy to help you.
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Q4. Do you have quality assurance accreditation?
A. All of our laboratories hold ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. This is specifically for laboratories and cross references to all the clauses in ISO 9001:1994 and ISO 9002:1994 and in addition covers further technical competence requirements that these standards do not include. 
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Q5. How do I get my results?
A. For speed of reporting and quality of reading we prefer to email results rather than fax or post. You can specify how you want to receive your results when sending us the sample.
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Q6. How should I send the samples?
A. Please ensure that you have tightened the lid of the sample bottle properly and that the bottle is packaged suitably. Please also supply the following information: company name, site name, unit type, unit serial number, unit hours, oil hours, quantity of top up oil, oil brand name and grade, sampling point, sample date and any operational problems. Then send your sample(s) to us preferably via courier.
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Q7. Do you supply sample bottles?
A. We can supply you with Jet-Care^® oil, fuel and hydraulic fluid testing kits.
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Q8. How long does it take to get the results to me?
All samples, excluding fuels, are analysed and results reported within 48 hours. Due to incubation time, fuel samples are on a 5-day turnaround.
Our services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need an urgent analysis, inform us prior to the arrival of the sample in our laboratory.
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Q9. Can I ask for technical advice in interpreting the results received?
A. If there are any results you do not understand, our engineers would be happy to explain these to you. Please contact us via our inquiry form or by telephone.
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Q10. Have you received my sample?
A. Every sample is logged onto our system on arrival at the laboratory. It is given a unique identification number. This number follows the sample right through the analysis programme and appears on our report to you.
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