LOW COST DEBRIS ANALYSIS FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY CONDITION EVALUATION

In any mechanical system consisting of gears, shafts and/or bearings, the majority of metallic particles deposited into and carried by the lubrication system originate from the deterioration of oil-wetted working surfaces, even in proper lubrication system, due to failure mechanism (s) such as wear, fatigue and fretting corrosion. Determination of the point at which transition from normal to abnormal or to actual damage occurs has become a focus of attention in research activities for years, because it has been recognized that reliable, economic operation can be achieved through appropriate preventative measures. Known collectively from 'all size wear debris analysis' as early failure detection, the methods of testing for damage differ considerably, range from a micron or a submicron size debris analysis to Magnetic Chip Detector (MCD) ferrous debris analysis. This paper will be focused on the utilization of the low-cost analysis techniques for evaluation of industrial machinery condition.