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Optical Particle Classification (OPC) combines the standard oil analysis techniques of:
- Particle counting
- Advanced shape classification
With the classification and knowledge of wear metals and their wear mechanisms as well as the identification of
contaminants present in a lubricating system, the correct evaluation and trending of the equipment is possible.
This test is good for particle count and classification of particles for:
- Wheel Motors
- Differentials
- Transmissions
- Gear Boxes
- Wheel Hubs
- Final Drives
Particle Counting
Thousands of images are processed to obtain good counting statistics. Particles are analyzed and quickly differentiated by size.
Using the direct imaging capability of the latest equipment, the exact particle size of the contaminant is quickly determined.
Advanced Shape Classification
The OPC method classifies particles greater than 20 µm by using a neural network. An algorithm is used to sort particles into many categories.
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| Particle Identification Categories |
| Cutting: |
Shearing between moving surfaces. |
| Fatigue: |
Metal stress that leads to wear particles. |
| Severe Sliding: |
Adhesive wear. |
| Non-metallic: |
Non wear metal contaminants. |
| Fibers: |
Fibrous materials. |
Accurate shape classification can identify the wear metal or contaminant and in the comparison below provides insight into how the wear metal was created. |
| Severe Sliding |
Metal Fatigue |
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Advantages of our Methodology
- Accuracy of Laser technology.
- High grade video analysis.
- Comparative contaminant database.
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Why is OPC one of the most current and effective analysis methods?
- Intrinsically accurate particle counting.
- Particle shape recognition.
- Good reproducibility.
- Ability to measure samples with very high particle concentration.
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For customers using Fluid Life Data Management
Products such as WinRoast and MyLab, OPC photographs
are easily viewable and give
service technicians another predictive tool in their
maintenance program.
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| Maintenance Solutions
Once a maintenance technician has the testing information to determine if there is
wear metals or contaminants within a component a course of action can be taken such as:
- Adjusting or optimizing oil change intervals.
- Modifying their maintenance schedule to reduce the chance of failure
based on the run time of the specific component.
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| Consult your Fluid Life Regional Account Manager concerning Optical Particle Classification as part of your maintenance program. |
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