FAQs – EPT Clean Oil

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #6 – Oil Color Testing 101

Warren Bailey — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 15:00:00 +0000

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

In power plants and other critical operations, oil condition is one of the most significant contributors to turbine reliability, yet it’s often overlooked until alarms start ringing. By the time warning signs appear, the real problem has often been developing quietly for months or even years.

The truth is simple: lubricants rarely fail suddenly. They typically fail after prolonged neglect.

Early in a lubricant’s life, few visible problems appear, making it easy to ignore the gradual chemical changes happening inside the system. Over time, however, unmanaged degradation begins to surface:

Rising MPC varnish potential
Additive depletion
Accumulation of oxidation byproducts that deposit on equipment surfaces

At EPT Clean Oil^™ our goal is simple: to teach the world a better way through Lubricant Chemistry Management. Because success in lubrication reliability doesn’t come from a single test or a single insight. It comes from understanding the lubricant’s chemistry and managing it strategically over time. That’s why we developed The 8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory.

These eight tests form the foundation of a winning lubricant management strategy. Think of them as the core plays in your reliability playbook and the insights that allow your team to:

Understand where your lubricant is strongest
Identify weaknesses before they become failures
Make informed adjustments before equipment performance is impacted

Key #6: Oil Color Testing

What is Oil Color Testing?

Oil Color testing is a laboratory method used to evaluate the appearance of a lubricant and assign it a standardized color rating. Using the ASTM D1500 scale, oil color is measured on a range from 0.5 (very light) to 8.0 (very dark), providing a consistent and repeatable way to assess changes in oil condition.

Did you know? Oil Color testing measures a lubricant’s appearance using the ASTM D1500 scale — ranging from 0.5 (very light) to 8.0 (very dark) — to provide a standardized indicator of oil condition.

Why is Oil Color testing important?

Lubricants naturally change color as they age. New oils typically appear light and bright, but as they operate in service, oxidation, thermal stress, and contamination cause them to darken.

While darkening alone does not always mean the oil has failed, significant color changes can indicate degradation, contamination, or additive depletion. Monitoring oil color helps identify shifts in lubricant condition early, supporting proactive maintenance decisions and protecting critical equipment.

Because visual observation is subjective, standardized testing ensures results are objective, comparable, and trendable over time.

How does Oil Color testing work?

Just as a referee assigns a score in a game, ASTM D1500 assigns a numerical value to oil color. In the laboratory, a sample is compared against standardized color references under controlled lighting conditions. The oil is then assigned a rating between 0.5 and 8.0.

Lower numbers indicate lighter oil, while higher numbers indicate darker oil. In this game, like golf, a lower score is generally better.

By trending ASTM D1500 results over time and comparing them to baseline values, maintenance teams can detect abnormal changes that may signal oxidation, overheating, or contamination. This insight helps ensure equipment remains reliable, efficient, and ready to perform.
Keep it light. Keep it bright.

Learn more about Oil Color testing.

Stop Guessing, Start Trending

Our Fluid Technical Center team takes the routine out of oil analysis, providing a complete picture of your fluid condition to ASTM standards. Testing packages are designed for each application and performed by professional chemists, delivering accurate, actionable results.

Data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and PhD chemists to provide a comprehensive overview of your samples and deeper insight into root cause. As part of our ACE™ assessment, advanced testing including Oil Color testing is performed to provide deeper insight into varnish potential and overall fluid health, empowering you to make data-informed decisions about your critical assets.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Ready to get your oil tested?

Submit an Oil Sample | Request an ACE™ Assessment | Contact Us

Oil Color Testing 101 Resources

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

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MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

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See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

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In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #5 – Viscosity Testing 101

Warren Bailey — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:25:09 +0000

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

The truth is simple: lubricants rarely fail suddenly. They typically fail after prolonged neglect.

Rising MPC varnish potential
Additive depletion
Accumulation of oxidation byproducts that deposit on equipment surfaces

These eight tests form the foundation of a winning lubricant management strategy. Think of them as the core plays in your reliability playbook and the insights that allow your team to:

Understand where your lubricant is strongest
Identify weaknesses before they become failures
Make informed adjustments before equipment performance is impacted

Key #5: Viscosity Testing

What is Viscosity Testing?

Viscosity testing is a laboratory method used to measure an oil’s resistance to flow at a specific temperature. It indicates how thick or thin the oil is and whether it can maintain a proper lubricating film between moving components.

Did you know? Viscosity testing measures how easily an oil flows at a set temperature and whether it can properly lubricate moving parts.

Why is Viscosity testing important?

Viscosity is one of the most critical properties of a lubricant. If oil becomes too thick, it can restrict flow, increase energy consumption, and reduce cooling efficiency. If it becomes too thin, it may not provide adequate film strength, leading to increased metal-to-metal contact and accelerated wear.

Viscosity testing matters because changes in viscosity often signal oil degradation, contamination, or incorrect oil selection, allowing issues to be identified before equipment performance is compromised.

How does Viscosity testing work?

Similar to how honey flows more slowly than water, oil viscosity determines how easily it moves through a system.

Viscosity testing measures the time it takes for a specific volume of oil to flow through a calibrated instrument at a controlled temperature. Results are typically reported in centistokes (cSt) at standard temperatures such as 40°C or 100°C, providing a consistent and repeatable measure of oil thickness.

By trending viscosity results over time, changes in oil condition can be monitored and compared against baseline values or OEM specifications. Significant increases or decreases in viscosity can indicate oxidation, thermal stress, contamination, or additive depletion, helping determine when corrective action or oil replacement is required.

Learn more about Viscosity Testing.

Stop Guessing, Start Trending

Data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and PhD chemists to provide a comprehensive overview of your samples and deeper insight into root cause. As part of our ACE™ assessment, advanced testing including Viscosity testing is performed to provide deeper insight into varnish potential and overall fluid health, empowering you to make data-informed decisions about your critical assets.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Ready to get your oil tested?

Submit an Oil Sample | Request an ACE™ Assessment | Contact Us

Viscosity Testing 101 Resources

You can’t manage what you’re blind to

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

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MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Watch Webinar

See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

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In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #4 – Acid Number Testing 101

Warren Bailey — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:59:16 +0000

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

The truth is simple: lubricants rarely fail suddenly. They typically fail after prolonged neglect.

Rising MPC varnish potential
Additive depletion
Accumulation of oxidation byproducts that deposit on equipment surfaces

These eight tests form the foundation of a winning lubricant management strategy. Think of them as the core plays in your reliability playbook and the insights that allow your team to:

Understand where your lubricant is strongest
Identify weaknesses before they become failures
Make informed adjustments before equipment performance is impacted

Key #4: Acid Number Testing

What is Acid Number Testing?

Acid Number (AN) testing is used to measure the level of acidic compounds present in an oil sample. It indicates the degree of oil degradation by quantifying the amount of acid formed as the oil oxidizes over time.

Did you know? Acid Number testing measures oil degradation by identifying acidic compounds formed during oxidation.

Why is Acid Number testing important?

As oil ages, exposure to heat, air, and contaminants causes it to oxidize and form acids. Elevated acid levels can lead to corrosion of metal surfaces, accelerated wear, additive depletion, and sludge or varnish formation. Acid Number testing matters because it provides an early warning that oil is breaking down, allowing corrective action before equipment performance is affected or damage occurs.

How does Acid Number testing work?

As with food, oil spoils faster when exposed to heat and air. Acid Number testing measures the amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) required to neutralize the acidic components in an oil sample. The result is reported as mg KOH per gram of oil, providing a clear and repeatable indicator of oil condition.

By trending Acid Number results over time, changes in oil chemistry can be monitored and compared against baseline values or OEM limits. A rising Acid Number signals increasing oxidation and degradation, helping determine when oil maintenance, filtration improvements, or oil replacement may be required.

Learn more about Acid Number Testing.

Stop Guessing, Start Trending

Data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and PhD chemists to provide a comprehensive overview of your samples and deeper insight into root cause. As part of our ACE™ assessment, advanced testing including Acid Number testing is performed to provide deeper insight into varnish potential and overall fluid health, empowering you to make data-informed decisions about your critical assets.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Ready to get your oil tested?

Submit an Oil Sample | Request an ACE™ Assessment | Contact Us

Acid Number Testing 101 Resources

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

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MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Watch Webinar

See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

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In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #3 – Karl Fischer Testing 101

Warren Bailey — Wed, 13 May 2026 20:14:35 +0000

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

The truth is simple: lubricants rarely fail suddenly. They typically fail after prolonged neglect.

Rising MPC varnish potential
Additive depletion
Accumulation of oxidation byproducts that deposit on equipment surfaces

These eight tests form the foundation of a winning lubricant management strategy. Think of them as the core plays in your reliability playbook and the insights that allow your team to:

Understand where your lubricant is strongest
Identify weaknesses before they become failures
Make informed adjustments before equipment performance is impacted

Key #3: Karl Fischer Testing

What is Karl Fischer Testing?

Karl Fischer testing is used to measure the exact amount of water present in an oil sample. It is the most accurate way to detect moisture contamination in lubricants and hydraulic fluids, even at very low levels.

Did you know? Karl Fischer testing (ASTM D6304) measures precise moisture levels in oil samples, even at parts-per-million levels.

Why is Karl Fischer testing important?

Water is one of the most damaging contaminants in oil. Even small amounts can reduce the effectiveness of lubrication, promote corrosion, accelerate oxidation, and degrade additives. Excess moisture can also lead to sludge formation, foaming, and loss of load-carrying capacity. Karl Fischer testing matters because it provides early detection of moisture before visible symptoms or equipment damage occur, helping prevent premature wear, component failure, and unplanned downtime.

How does Karl Fischer testing work?

Just like humidity in the air can quietly damage a home over time, water in oil often causes harm long before it’s visible. Karl Fischer testing determines the moisture content of oil through a precise chemical reaction between water and Karl Fischer reagents.

The amount of reagent consumed during the reaction directly corresponds to the amount of water in the oil sample.
Unlike crackle tests or visual inspections, Karl Fischer testing measures actual water content, not just the presence of free water. Results are typically reported in parts per million (ppm), enabling accurate trending and comparison with equipment or OEM limits.

This high level of precision makes Karl Fischer testing especially valuable for systems with tight tolerances, sensitive components, or applications where even trace moisture can significantly impact performance and reliability.

Stop Guessing, Start Trending

Data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and PhD chemists to provide a comprehensive overview of your samples and deeper insight into root cause. As part of our ACE™ assessment, advanced testing including Karl Fischer testing is performed to provide deeper insight into varnish potential and overall fluid health, empowering you to make data-informed decisions about your critical assets.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Ready to get your oil tested?

Submit an Oil Sample | Request an ACE™ Assessment | Contact Us

Karl Fischer Testing 101 Resources

You can’t manage what you’re blind to

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

Visit

MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Watch Webinar

See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

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In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

Watch Now

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #2 – ISO Particle Count Testing 101

Warren Bailey — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:18:18 +0000

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

The truth is simple: lubricants rarely fail suddenly. They typically fail after prolonged neglect.

Rising MPC varnish potential
Additive depletion
Accumulation of oxidation byproducts that deposit on equipment surfaces

These eight tests form the foundation of a winning lubricant management strategy. Think of them as the core plays in your reliability playbook and the insights that allow your team to:

Understand where your lubricant is strongest
Identify weaknesses before they become failures
Make informed adjustments before equipment performance is impacted

Key #2: ISO Particle Count Testing

What is ISO Particle Count?

ISO Particle Count is the process of measuring the number of particles of specific sizes within an oil sample. It is used to assess the cleanliness of an oil or hydraulic fluid by quantifying solid contaminants.

Did you know? The ISO 4406 standard is the key to understanding the three-number particle count reported by ISO Particle Count testing. This test doesn’t just tally up the number of insoluble contaminants in your fluid. It goes a step further and breaks down the relative number and size of these friction-promoting players. By understanding the makeup of your oil’s particles, you can gain important insights into the performance of your filtration systems.

Why is ISO Particle Count testing important?

The ISO Particle Count test matters because solid contaminants interfere with the oil’s lubricating film, accelerating wear on critical components such as pumps, valves, bearings, and gears. High particle counts often indicate poor filtration performance or underlying system issues, making particle counting a key tool for evaluating whether a filtration system is effectively protecting equipment. Contaminants such as dirt, grit, and wear debris reduce lubrication efficiency and can ultimately lead to accelerated wear, component damage, or failure.

How does ISO Particle Count testing work?

Like how a home gets dirtier faster with more kids, oil cleanliness is determined by multiplying the number of particles in the fluid using the ISO cleanliness code. An ISO particle count measures both the quantity and size of solid contaminants in an oil sample. Rather than reporting a single value, it provides a three-number cleanliness code based on the ISO 4406 standard, such as ISO 18/16/13. Each number represents the number of particles per milliliter of oil above a specific size threshold.

What do the three numbers represent in the ISO 4406 three-number cleanliness code?

The first number corresponds to the number of particles per millilitre larger than 4 microns. The second number indicates the number of particles per millilitre greater than 6 microns. And finally, the third number shows you how many particles larger than 14 microns are present. One important thing to keep in mind about these particle counts, the ISO 4406 scale is exponential. So each increase of one code represents a doubling of the number of particles present. If you want to seal your maintenance victories, make sure that you’re keeping your ISO particle counts below the relevant limits for your application.

Stop Guessing, Start Trending

Data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and PhD chemists to provide a comprehensive overview of your samples and deeper insight into root cause. As part of our ACE™ assessment, advanced testing including ISO Particle Count Testing is performed to provide deeper insight into varnish potential and overall fluid health, empowering you to make data-informed decisions about your critical assets.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Ready to get your ISO Particle Count tested?

Submit an Oil Sample | Request an ACE™ Assessment | Contact Us

ISO Particle Count Testing 101 Resources

You can’t manage what you’re blind to

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

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MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Watch Webinar

See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

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In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

Watch Now

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #1 – MPC Testing 101

Warren Bailey — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:58:46 +0000

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

The truth is simple: lubricants rarely fail suddenly. They typically fail after prolonged neglect.

Rising MPC varnish potential
Additive depletion
Accumulation of oxidation byproducts that deposit on equipment surfaces

These eight tests form the foundation of a winning lubricant management strategy. Think of them as the core plays in your reliability playbook and the insights that allow your team to:

Understand where your lubricant is strongest
Identify weaknesses before they become failures
Make informed adjustments before equipment performance is impacted

Key #1: MPC Testing

Did you know? The #1 cause of lubricant-related downtime: varnish. That is why MPC varnish potential testing should be number 1 for every team’s playbook for success! It reveals what other tests can’t, giving you early warning of problems before they happen, like having the other team’s playbook before the game even starts.

What is MPC testing?

MPC is a varnish-potential test that captures insoluble contaminants on a filter patch and measures its color to trend oxidation byproducts, helping prevent varnish-related failures in turbines, compressors, and hydraulic systems. Essential for gas turbines and critical rotating equipment, finding the contaminants that standard tests miss. MPC helps reveal “what’s coming” before deposits form, making it a predictive test rather than a reactive one.

Why does it matter?

Catch the “invisible” enemy. Varnish stays dissolved and invisible for a long time. Standard visual checks often look perfect even when a system is at risk. By the time you see deposits, the damage is already done. MPC is predictive, not reactive. It reveals what’s coming before it sticks to your bearings and valves.

How does MPC Testing work?

The science behind the stain:
Incubation: The oil is heated and “rested” to force varnish precursors out of solution.
Filtration: Oil is pulled through a 0.45-micron membrane patch.
Measurement: A colorimeter analyzes the patch to find the Delta (Δ) E value.

How to read MPC test results?

The patch is measured with a colorimeter, producing a ΔE value.
The lower ΔE = cleaner patch = lower varnish potential
The higher ΔE = darker/more stained patch = higher varnish potential and higher deposit risk

Stop Guessing, Start Trending

Data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and PhD chemists to provide a comprehensive overview of your samples and deeper insight into root cause. As part of our ACE™ assessment, advanced testing including MPC Testing is performed to provide deeper insight into varnish potential and overall fluid health, empowering you to make data-informed decisions about your critical assets.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Ready to get your MPC tested?

Submit an Oil Sample | Request an ACE™ Assessment | Contact Us

MPC Testing 101 Resources

You can’t manage what you’re blind to

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

Visit

MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Watch Webinar

See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

Watch Now

In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

Watch Now

Aeroderivative Turbine Oil Maintenance 101

Moira Nicholle — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 15:13:29 +0000

Jet lube applications exclusively utilize aeroderivative turbine oil, formulated using high-quality polyol ester base stocks. This oil is preferred due to its exceptional oxidative stability and unique viscosity requirements.

Upon deployment, aeroderivative turbine oil’s begin to degrade from the very first day, primarily due to oxidation and hydrolysis. These processes generate dissolved degradation products due to high temperatures, water content, and entrained oxygen. Once the lubricant becomes saturated with these dissolved breakdown products, it forms varnish and coking deposits.

Coking and varnishing pose challenges for aeroderivative turbines, leading to production losses and mechanical overhauls. Coke, initially a dissolved oil oxidation by-product, solidifies and deposits on metal surfaces. Conventional approaches fail to address the root cause.

To combat these issues, SVR® backed by patented ion-exchange ICB® JET, offers a continuous solution by removing acids, varnish, oil-coking precursors, and dissolved contaminants. By breaking the accumulation cycle and addressing the root cause of deposit formation and equipment failure, SVR and ICB JET prevent the harmful effects of oxidation products. SVR and ICB JET reduce acid number and varnish potential, ensuring jet lubes are not condemned due to normal breakdown.

By combining SVR and ICB with oxygen and water elimination utilizing our TMR® N2 water removal system, our Lubricant Chemistry Management solutions offer a significant advancement in jet lube maintenance. It enables aeroderivative turbine users to maintain polyol ester lubricants in optimal operating conditions, free from oil breakdown products.

What is an industrial aeroderivative turbine?

Industrial aeroderivative turbines are based on aircraft engines and are generally smaller and a lighter weight variation of heavy-duty industrial gas turbines.

What are the advantages of industrial aeroderivative turbines?

Industrial aeroderivative turbines are more efficient (ie: they produce more power per unit of fuel consumed), and they respond faster than their heavy-duty industrial analogs. This makes them well-suited to support renewables in a peaking capacity.

What are aeroderivative turbine oil‘s?

Aeroderivative turbine oil’s are a polyol ester-based fluid developed to operate at higher temperatures in aeroderivative gas turbine engines.

Why are aeroderivative turbine oil‘s condemned?

Aeroderivative turbine oil’s are condemned due to chemical breakdown as determined by evaluating their acid numbers and remaining antioxidant additive levels.

What are the condemning limits of aeroderivative turbine oil‘s?

The most common condemning limit for aeroderivative turbine oil’s is AN ≥ 2.0 mg KOH/g but some fluid suppliers recommend condemning the oils when they exceed the AN ≥ 0.33 – 0.43 mg KOH/g range.

What byproducts are produced when an aeroderivative turbine oil breaks down?

Like other ester-based lubricants, acids are the most common oil breakdown products produced when aeroderivative turbine oil’s are degraded. These acids are; however, varnish precursors, and they can produce insoluble varnish and coke deposits that deleteriously impact GT performance and reliability.

Is the current approach to aeroderivative turbine oil maintenance outdated?

Yes. Most current aeroderivative turbine oil maintenance programs focus on particle filtration, which is not the basis for condemning these fluids. Typical aeroderivative turbine oil analysis testing also misses key tests and doesn’t properly measure the most common cause of failures in this application. Finally, most jet lube maintenance programs do not consider sustainability and treat the oil like a consumable which is used for a short period and then disposed of.

What is the impact of high acid levels on aeroderivative turbine oil’s?

High acid numbers correlate with varnish potentials and an oil’s propensity to coke. Coking is a common failure mechanism that impacts aeroderivative turbines, leading to production losses and often requiring costly repairs. Existing oil analysis and maintenance programs do not address this contamination leading to poor equipment reliability and shortened oil lifetimes.

What are the right tests to run for your aeroderivative turbine oil’s?

Oil analysis is a key part of maintenance programs, and its value depends on the right tests being run and then understanding and acting on the obtained results. Many users outsource testing, and generic test packages often miss the mark regarding the specific testing required for aeroderivative turbine oil’s. Notably, most jet lube users do not monitor their fluid’s MPC varnish potential, which provides a valuable indication of oil breakdown and coking propensity.

How can I prevent failure and extend the life of my aeroderivative turbine oil?

Installing an EPT Clean Oil™ SVR JET conditioning skid protects your aeroderiviative turbine with a bulletproof vest. Engineered to remove acids, varnish, coking precursors, particulate and water, SVR JET uses patented ICB® ion-exchange technology so that jet lubes no longer must be condemned and replaced. SVR JET combines ICB ion-exchange with our TMR® N2 Water Removal System, eliminating atmospheric water ingression, dissolved oxygen is removed and surface contact with oxygen in the lube oil tank is prevented, mitigating the risk of oxidation.

Aeroderivative Turbine Oil Maintenance 101 Resources

You can’t manage what you’re blind to

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ACE™ Oil Analysis

Visit

MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Watch Webinar

See It! Say It! Solve It! Volume #3 – High Acid Number

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In The Middle Episode 72: What’s a blind spot in our industry in terms of lubricant breakdown?

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Eliminating Particulate Contamination from Industrial Lubricants 101

Moira Nicholle — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 18:23:52 +0000

The most common physical contaminant in lubricants is particulate contamination. Significantly impacting lubricant reliability, particulate contamination impairs the ability to lubricate, leading to wear, failure and plugging.

There are two basic categories of particulate contamination: > 4-micron particulate, measured by ISO 4406, and < 4-micron particulate, which is not measured. Within hydraulic lubricants, the limit is 16/14/11, and in lube oils, it is 17/15/12.

Within EHC systems, our investigations have shown that up to 90% of total particulate contamination is below 4 microns and, therefore, not reported in ISO 4406 particle code testing. This particulate contamination also cannot be removed by standard mechanical filters. Fine particulate contaminants pass through these filtration systems, impacting fluid life and component wear.

At EPT Clean Oil, we have designed Lubricant Chemistry Management solutions that target and eliminate particulate contamination, extending the lifecycle of lubricants and mitigating critical asset failures. Our targeted solutions include the following:

ECR® Particulate Removal

ECR is an electrostatic system that combines high-voltage electrostatic fields with a proprietary collector element to remove particles below the range of mechanical filters. Hyper-focused on sub-micron particulate contamination, ECR removes particulates below the range of mechanical filters. The result – improved fluid color and drastically reduced solid contamination levels.

ICB® ion-exchange filter

ICB is manufactured with one goal: to remove the dissolved molecules that accumulate and cause mechanical problems in hydraulic systems and lube oil applications. These filters are engineered workhorses based on patented ion exchange technology, combining best-in-class chemistry and materials with precision robotic welding to provide the most robust filter available.

ICB is chemically engineered to remove a wide range of contamination, including acid, varnish, and metals. In EHC systems, ICB filters remove the contamination responsible for servo valve sticking, restoring fluid resistivity. ICB filters offer a step-change in performance, protecting system reliability and production with many benefits beyond acid removal.

Can all particulate contamination be removed with a mechanical filter?

No. Standard mechanical filters cannot remove over 90% of total solid contamination in industrial lubricants. Fine particulate contaminants can easily pass through, impacting fluid life and component wear.

What are the two main categories of particulate contamination in phosphate ester fluids?

> 4-micron particulate measured and classified by ISO 11500/4406 and < 4-micron particulate, which is not measured.

When cleaning or restoring EHC fluid, why is it important to remove insoluble particulate contamination?

Removing insoluble particulate contamination in EHC fluid via ECR® technology helps not only to reduce patch weight but also increases the fluid’s resistivity value.

How can I reduce contaminant particles below the range of mechanical filters?

Standard mechanical filters cannot remove most of the total solid contamination. These ultra-fine particulate contaminants pass through these filtration systems, impacting the life of the fluid and increasing component wear. ECR® Particulate Removal is an electrostatic system that combines high-voltage electrostatic fields with a proprietary collector element to remove particles below the range of mechanical filters.

What is the standard guide for the management of in-service Phosphate Ester-based Fluids for Steam Turbine Electro-Hydraulic Control (EHC) Systems?

ASTM D8323 outlines the requirements for monitoring the performance of in-service fire-resistant fluids based on triaryl phosphate esters to accomplish safe and reliable turbine electro-hydraulic control systems operation. ECR® 10000 is the only integrated system to condition EHC fluids to the requirements outlined in this guide.

How does the ECR® 10000 remove ultra-fine solids AND dissolved contaminants from phosphate esters?

Solid contamination is removed with electrostatic collector elements, engineered to remove sub-micron particles that are too fine to be captured with normal filters. The ECR collector media removes hard and soft contaminants as small as 0.01 microns through electrophoretic and dielectrophoretic processes. Dissolved contamination is addressed with patented ICB® ion-exchange filters, engineered to remove acids and soluble varnish at the molecular level. Other acid scavengers cannot remove phosphate ester varnish and its precursors.

How does the ECR® 10000 stack up against competing systems?

The ECR 10000 not only significantly reduces varnish potential (MPC), but also solid contamination (patch weight), improves fluid colour, and is best-in-class in terms of performance for acid number and fluid resistivity improvement. Meet ECR® 10000, an integrated skid-mounted kidney loop filtration system designed for phosphate ester fluid, primarily electro-hydraulic control (EHC) applications, equipped with three proprietary filtration technologies to achieve fluid standards as defined in ASTM D8323-21. The ECR 10000 includes 4 integrated filtration technologies, including electrostatics, our patented ICB® ion exchange, high-efficiency particulate removal and TMR® N2 for water ingression management.

Eliminating Particulate Contamination from Industrial Lubricants 101 Resources

Proactively manage fluid chemistry and physical contamination to ASTM D8323 standards

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Phosphate Ester Fluid 101

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Lubricant Chemistry Management

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ECR® Product Bulletin

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EHC Fluid Recovery Case Study

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In The Middle Episode 59: What are the primary contamination pathways for phosphate ester fluids?

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Eliminating Water Contamination from Hydraulic and Lubricating Fluids 101

Moira Nicholle — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 17:22:39 +0000

Water is the most damaging contaminant found in hydraulic and lubricating systems. In ester-based lubricants, water reverses the chemical process originally used to manufacture the ester. In mineral oils, water shortens lubricant life by promoting oxidation, acid formation and, in some cases, the removal of additives.

The proactive management of water levels and eliminating water contamination is key to effectively maintaining hydraulic and lubricating systems and managing the drivers of oxidation. Water complications come in three forms: free, emulsified, and dissolved. Free water is the excess water above the fluid’s saturation point and is visible as a separate layer. Dissolved water is below the fluid’s saturation point and is not visible. Emulsified water is the point between free and dissolved, where water first becomes visible as a haze. Conventional maintenance technologies often will remove one form, but not all, frequently resulting in the wrong technology being applied.

It is not understood that in many applications, the primary mode of water ingression is the atmosphere itself. When the atmosphere’s moisture content is higher than the moisture content in the lubricant, the atmosphere provides an unlimited water source.

Our TMR® products are used to remove existing water and, more importantly, to prevent additional water and other atmospheric contamination from entering the system. Reducing water levels in hydraulic and lubricating fluids has been proven to extend equipment life, fluid life and trouble-free operating windows.

Why is water the most damaging and harmful contaminant in hydraulic and lubricating systems?

In ester-based lubricants, water reverses the chemical process originally used to manufacture the ester. In mineral oils, water shortens lubricant life by promoting oxidation, acid formation, and, in some cases, the removal of additives.

What are the industry standard tests for measuring water in lubricating fluids?

ASTM D6304-20: The standard test method for determination of water in petroleum products, lubricating oils and additives, which utilizes the Karl Fischer Titration method and ASTM D7546-15: The standard test method for determination of moisture in new and in-service lubricating oils and additives which utilizes the Relative Humidity Sensor method.

Can breather elements eliminate the ingression of water?

Humid air above the lubricant transfers water through condensation in atmospheric vented systems. While breather elements offer some mitigation, they cannot prevent atmospheric water ingression completely.

What are some key issues plaguing atmospheric breathing lubricant reservoirs?

The lubricant has unlimited access to water when atmospheric moisture levels are greater than lubricant levels, and breather elements cannot reduce existing water levels. They also have limited capacity to reduce condensation and cannot prevent water ingress from the atmosphere via mass transfer. Sea water and industrial environments will also contribute metal ions, increasing the overall lubricant breakdown rate.

How can I extend the life of my mechanical systems and increase reliability?

By adding an effective water removal program to your lubrication maintenance and keeping moisture levels in check, you can significantly reduce water levels and easily double the life of your equipment.

What do I need to consider when choosing a water removal system?

Understanding the source of water contamination is equally essential to understanding water ingression rates. Carefully matching the water removal system’s capabilities with your application is critical. The water removal system must be able to remove the form of water present in your application and remove it according to the amount of water ingress.

What are some of the options for water removal systems?

The major types of water removal systems include: Water Adsorbing Filter, Coalescing Systems, Vacuum Dehydrators, Air Stripping Technology, and Free Flowing Dry Gas Blankets.

How can I proactively maintain my hydraulic fluid and turbine lube oil to better help manage the drivers of oxidation?

EPT Clean Oil’s TMR™ N2 water removal system provides unlimited capacity to remove water and eliminate atmospheric water ingression via high purity nitrogen introduced into the reservoir headspace above the lubricant surface, forming a nitrogen blanket. As the clean, dry nitrogen gas sweeps across the reservoir, it provides insulation. This eliminates the ingression of atmospheric water and better manages the factors that accelerate oxidation.

What are some of the other benefits of the TMR N2 Water Removal System?

The TMR can help maintain water at very low levels (<50 ppm total or <350 ppm for EHC fluids), reducing the rate of lubricant breakdown. It can also eliminate the lubricants’ contact with oxygen, reducing oxidation and promoting the removal of H₂, CO, C₂H₄ and other harmful breakdown gases, thus, extending fluid life.

Why is it essential to eliminate fluid contact with oxygen, and how does the TMR N2 extend fluid life?

The TMR N2 systems offer the additional benefit of eliminating fluid contact with oxygen, which along with water and metals, comprise the three primary oxidation catalysts. This allows users to move beyond reactionary maintenance and actively manage the factors that accelerate oxidation by continually controlling water and oxygen levels. This eliminates metal ion ingress from the atmosphere, can lower the rate of lubricant breakdown, reduce maintenance requirements, and extend fluid life.

Eliminating Water Contamination from Hydraulic and Lubricating Fluids 101 Resources

Oil and Water Shouldn’t Mix: Restoration of Steam Turbine oil Demulsibility

Download Technical Paper

Sustainability – An Holistic Approach of Modern Lubrication Management

Watch Webinar

A Proactive 4-Step Solution to Phosphate Ester Fluid Maintenance Challenges

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Oil and Water Shouldn’t Mix: Restoration of Steam Turbine Oil Demulsibility

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Proactively manage fluid chemistry and physical contamination to ASTM D8323 standards

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In The Middle Episode 22: How do I deal with moisture in my system?

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Oil Analysis and Testing 101

Moira Nicholle — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:28:43 +0000

Understanding your in-service oil’s condition and remaining lifetime with oil analysis and testing is essential to establishing alignment with future maintenance windows and proactive strategies for optimization.

At EPT Clean Oil, we specialize in lubricant analysis for critical rotating equipment and EHC systems. We don’t want to be a jack of all trades; we focus on being the masters of what we do. Each sample sent to the Fluid Technical Center is, therefore, examined uniquely. Our chemists take the time to review and critically analyze your results before outlining our findings. We focus on doing things right and providing the answers that you need.

Treat your lubricant like the asset it is and invest in the right test, at the right time, to the right ASTM standard.

When it comes to critical turbine and compressor lubricants, what is the right test?

There is no one right test. Each test method for your oil gives you different information, so it is critical that you are performing the right tests.

What data points are critical?

You want to start by breaking down the oil analysis reports into tests, triaging them, identifying issues which could cause immediate problems in your system, prioritizing them, and then moving on down the list.

What steps are required when prioritizing your oil analysis report?

Step one would be to look at the fluid parameters. If the viscosity is off-spec, that oil needs to be changed. Step two would be looking for contamination like particles and water, while step three addresses oil breakdown products such as varnish and acid. Step four ensures that additive levels are sufficient to provide the intended protection during continued service.

What is the optimal timing or testing interval for these tests?

It’s essential to do the necessary testing regularly and, at the very least, quarterly. Anything less than quarterly and you are not seeing the oil’s actual condition as varnish potentially can increase very quickly. You should pick a test package which shows you all the properties you need to be regularly monitoring on at least a quarterly basis or even monthly for those critical systems.

What are the necessary tests for FRF and R&O lubricants?

ASTM has developed standard guides to help end-users understand what tests they should be performing and help them interpret the results of those tests. For R&O lubricants, ASTM D4378 is the standard guide for in-service monitoring of steam and gas turbines. For your FRFs, the phosphate ester-based control oils in a steam turbine, ASTM D8323, is a beneficial resource.

Is it obvious where limits and targets are listed on an oil analysis?

It can vary significantly with many different labs running different oil analysis packages. It’s important to know what you are getting out of your oil analysis report depending on what lab you are using. EPT Clean Oil’s Fluid Technical Center offers specialized oil analysis and comprehensive evaluations that other labs don’t, resulting in a complete picture of your lubricant’s condition.

What does the EPT Clean Oil Fluid Technical Center offer?

Built from the ground up to be a world-class R&D facility, EPT Clean Oil’s Fluid Technical Center is an in-house oil analysis lab offering specialized oil analysis and comprehensive evaluations on turbine lube oil and hydraulic control fluid. Our testing packages provide in-depth assessment and root cause analysis for your application. The resulting data is reviewed and interpreted by application specialists and Ph.D. chemists, with concluding recommendations delivered in our ACE™ report.

What is our ACE™ assessment all about?

Our ACE™ Oil Analysis assessment goes beyond standard lab analysis to ensure essential information isn’t missed in managing EHC fluids and turbine lubricants. The ACE report highlights potential oil-related issues and then demonstrates the impact EPT Clean Oil technologies would have if employed on-site. To do this, we have developed sophisticated lab-scale versions of our filtration skids, allowing us to clean your oil sample the same way we would clean your oil reservoir. Every in-service oil has different problems. Our approach lets you be confident that the solutions we recommend will work in your application.

Oil Analysis and Testing 101 Resources

MPC Varnish Testing: It’s not Just About the Number

Read Post

Sustainability – An Holistic Approach of Modern Lubrication Management

Watch Webinar

Improved EHC Fluid Maintenance through Non-routine Testing

Watch Webinar

MPC Varnish Potential Testing (ASTM D7843)

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In The Middle Episode 52: Commit to the right test, at the right time and to the right standard

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In The Middle Episode 04: Fluid Technical Center oil analysis vs conventional oil analysis

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In The Middle Episode 08: Is your lab analysis giving you the information you need?

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FAQs – EPT Clean Oil

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #6 – Oil Color Testing 101

8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory

Key #6: Oil Color Testing

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How does Oil Color testing work?

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #5 – Viscosity Testing 101

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Key #5: Viscosity Testing

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Why is Viscosity testing important?

How does Viscosity testing work?

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #4 – Acid Number Testing 101

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #3 – Karl Fischer Testing 101

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #2 – ISO Particle Count Testing 101

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Key #2: ISO Particle Count Testing

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8 Keys to Oil Analysis Victory: Key #1 – MPC Testing 101

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