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INDUSTRIAL FAQs

Q: Do you supply sample bottles?

We have a range of kits - Oil, Fuel, Hydraulic Fluid, Debris & Filter, Coolant, Silicon and Transformer Analysis – available to help you take your sample(s) and send to one of our Laboratories. Click here for further information.

Q: When should I take oil samples from my pieces of equipment?

Regular sampling helps avoid unscheduled shutdowns.  Sample timing 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.

Q: Where should I sample the oil from?

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) but if no dipstick is fitted then ideally no deeper than the oil pump pick up. A length of tube passed down through the dipstick hole or similar usually works well, with a plastic bottle or a pump connected to draw up the oil. We require 100ml of fluid. Suitable sampling equipment can be supplied on request.

Q: How should I send the samples?

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.

Q: Is it OK to send my samples by Royal Mail?

Yes it is.  However please be aware of the Royal Mail official notification regarding their standpoint on the postage of used lubricant samples.

Click here to read our recommendations on packaging and postage, including a copy of the letter from Royal Mail Group.

Q: Have you received my sample?

Every sample is logged into our system on arrival at the laboratory and given a unique identification number. This number follows the sample right through the analysis programme and appears on our report to you as the Laboratory Reference.

Q: How long does it take to get the results to me?

All samples, excluding fuels, are analysed and results usually reported within two working days. 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 require an urgent analysis, inform us prior to the arrival of the sample in our laboratory.

Q: How do I get my results?

For speed of reporting and quality of reading we email results as a PDF document.

You can also view your analysis results through our online resource, webECHO™ allowing you to manage your equipment and access your latest trends and results in a single integrated portal.  To find out more click here.

 

Q: How will I know if the unit has a problem, and what action should I take?

A detailed analysis results report is sent to you every time you send us a sample.  The report uses simple colour codes to show the status of the results eg. Normal (Green), Early Warning (Yellow) or Red (Advanced Warning).  Recommendations and previous oil data (if any) are also included in the report. If you require more information our engineers and analysts will be happy to help you.

Q: Can I ask for technical advice in interpreting the results received?

If there are any results you do not understand our technical advisers would be happy to explain these to you. Please contact us via our enquiry form or by telephone.

Q: Do you have quality assurance accreditation?

All of our laboratories hold ISO/IEC 17025:2017 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.  Click here to view our Certificates and Schedules of Accreditation.

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