Analytical Ferrography Laboratory for Oil and Lubricant Testing – The T2FM from Spectro Inc.

Topics Covered

Background
The T2FM Ferrogram
Key Features
Speed and Accuracy
Specifications
Spectro Inc.

Background

In today's modern power generation, manufacturing, refinery, transportation, mining, and military operations, the cost of equipment maintenance, service, and lubricants are ever increasing. Parts, labor, equipment downtime and lubricant prices and disposal costs are a primary concern in a well run maintenance management program. Machine condition monitoring based on oil analysis has become a prerequisite in comprehensive maintenance programs.

The T2FM Ferrogram

The T2FM plays a key role in such programs. It separates and concentrates wear and contaminant particles for microscopic examination. Particle size, surface characteristics and composition are then used to determine wear modes inside a machine so that maintenance recommendations can be made.

T2FM stands for Thistle Tube Ferrogram Maker. The heart of the new T2FM is the glass thistle tube. The name comes from its unique shape resembling the thistle plant. The glass thistle tube provides a constant and efficient flow of sample onto the substrate. The sample, after dilution, is poured directly into the top oft he thistle tube. In seconds, the sample begins flowing across the ferrogram. The diameter and length of the capillary section of the thistle tube control the flow rate onto the ferrogram.

Key Features

Key features of the T2FM are:

• Efficient separation of wear and contaminant particles from fluid samples
• Rapid preparation of ferrogram
• No deformation of particles
• Separates particles up to 800 µm in size
• Lower cost per sample
• Uses fewer consumables
• Achieves cleaner rinses
• Easy to operate

A rinse cycle is initiated as soon as the last of the sample has left the thistle tube. Solvent is dripped onto the lip of the thistle tube as it is slowly rotated, thoroughly rinsing the walls and cleaning it for the next sample.

Speed and Accuracy

The T2FM prepares a ferrogram more quickly than ever before. There is no delay time as sample is pumped through plastic tubing before reaching the ferrogram surface. Furthermore, the rinse may begin as soon as the sample leaves the thistle tube. The T2FM delivers the entire sample, and all the particles contained therein onto the ferrogram surface. There is also no distortion of particles since the thistle tube concept eliminates the need for a pump.

A crystal clear rinse is obtained without fail for every ferrogram. There are no last minute drips of oil sample onto the ferrogram leaving distracting halos around the particles when viewed under the microscope.

Specifications

• Power Requirements: 87VAC to 240 VAC, 50 or 60Hertz
• Overall Dimensions: 31 x46x34 cm, (12x 18 x 13 inches) [WxHxD]
• Weight: 9.5 Kg (21 lbs.)

Spectro Inc.

Spectro Inc. is the only company dedicated exclusively to provide instrumentation, software and applications support for machine condition monitoring through oil analysis. Contact us for your instrumentation needs and complete turnkey systems for oil analysis.

Source: Spectro Incorporated

For more information on this source please visit Spectro Incorporated.