Sample Collection Basics

In this article we will review the basic sample collection guidelines to ensure samples arrive intact and uncontaminated allowing for the most accurate results.

Benefits

The key to a successful oil analysis program is to first establish the ‘normal’ baseline for a given asset. Every asset may have its own unique conditions for maintenance and operations and determining its typical levels of contamination and wear help identify when those levels become abnormal.

Consistent sampling at regular intervals, utilizing a repeatable procedure, will reduce the noise within the data to make it easier to spot any deviations from normal results, providing the earliest, and proper, notification of necessary action.

NOTE: The accuracy of the laboratory analysis is dependent on fluid sample quality. Collection of clean fluid samples representative of the main body of fluid are necessary for ensuring meaningful lab results. Erroneous readings can result from improper collection, handling, packaging, and shipping practices prior to the sample being tested by the lab.

Best Practices

• Remove the sample bottle cap only when ready to take the sample. Keep the cap clean. Do not put it in your pocket or let it get contaminated in any way. Do not allow any airborne dirt, etc. to enter the sample bottle.
• Do not remove sticker from sample jar.
• Ensure that all sampling valves and drain plugs are clean and free of debris before taking a fluid sample.
• Refer to the applicable machine Service Manuals for sample valve and drain plug locations.
• Fill jar to bottom of threads, leaving 10mm of airspace. This will prevent leakage during transport and loss of sample.
• Do not allow oil onto threads of the jar. Oil will prevent the lid from being fully tightened and may result in loss of sample during shipping.
• Allow sample to cool and re-tighten the lid. Always ship samples in their white outer shipping bag to prevent accidental sample loss.
• All samples taken should be immediately forwarded to the lab for processing.

Sample Hardware

Contact Fluid Life to purchase additional or replacement sample valves or drain plugs. In cases where fluid samples must be pumped or otherwise drawn out of a component reservoir or housing, a hand-operated fluid suction pump is also available from Fluid Life.

Additional Resources

Oil Sampling Basics (Short Course)
Sampling oil using a drain plug
Sampling oil using a sample pump
Sampling oil using a KST-Series valve
Sampling oil using thread-on style valves
Oil Sampling Procedures (Video)