How to Interpret Your Equipment’s Fluid Analysis Results

Fluid analysis is a valuable way to look beneath the surface of your equipment to see what’s happening inside. This service involves testing your oil, coolant and diesel for contaminants that could signal worn components or other issues.

Once you send fluids to the lab for testing, all testing is performed on-site in Bensalem, PA. The results are returned in 24-48 hours. Many places send out tests to other labs, but we have the expertise in-house. This allows us to provide you with quicker turnaround times by eliminating extra delivery time and costs, and ensure the quality and safety of the test requirements are upheld. With 10 trained lab technicians and analysts, you will receive a report with valuable information you can leverage to improve equipment health. Here’s an overview of what fluid analysis tests for and the details of the results to aid your interpretation.

What the Tests Cover

Your fluid analysis results depend on the type of fluid you send for testing, as each serves a different role. Oil analysis provides information about lubricated systems, like engines, transmissions, gearboxes and compressors. These tests focus on identifying the presence of metals that signal wear as well as contaminants like water, dirt, fuel or glycol. Interpreting oil analysis reports involves looking at the concentrations of these contaminants.

Coolant sampling focuses on determining whether your coolant has the proper chemical balance to cool the equipment while maintaining its efficiency.

Diesel analysis looks for acceptable quality, microbial growth, appropriate usage and contamination. It ensures your fuel isn’t causing abnormal wear of valves, piston rings and other components.

How to Interpret Oil Analysis Reports

After sending fluids to the lab for analysis, you’ll receive a report detailing the results. This report has several parts:

• Label information: This section includes data like company name, equipment model, equipment hours and fluid brand. This information allows the interpreters to make the best recommendations based on the results.
• Evaluation: This section details needed actions and gives them a color code based on urgency. Red is the most urgent, then yellow, then green.
• Interpretation: Look at this section for a summary of findings with any recommended actions. These may include further sampling or shorter intervals between samples for closer monitoring.
• Test results: Each test name and its results are listed individually. Results outside the normal range may indicate the need for maintenance or repairs.
• Abbreviations: The bottom of the report explains any abbreviations to aid you in interpreting fluid analysis results.

As you review the report, the evaluation and interpretation sections provide the most actionable information. Look at these sections first for an idea of your next steps. The test results section will include more detailed information, which you might use to clarify any recommendations made in earlier sections. Comparison with earlier tests can show trends in equipment health for oil samples.

Come to Foley, Inc. for Fluid Analysis Testing

Fluid analysis is a key component of proactive maintenance to keep your equipment in top condition. Foley, Inc. has a certified fluid lab with the latest technology to analyze thousands of oil, coolant and fuel samples yearly. We can provide most results the next day. Contact us online or call 215-245-2833 to learn more about the services we offer.

Testimonials From Our Fluid Analysis Customers:

I like the notes from the lab on the samples, it gives a sense of direction to go in when determining the next steps after getting the result. I also like that if I have any questions, there is someone to answer them in a timely manner.

Sara Graeber
The H&K Group

Foley Oil Lab always goes above and beyond to make their customers happy! They expedite our sample reports when needed for customers purchasing boats. Reports are clear and concise. Their communication is top notch! Highly recommend this lab!

Dana Somers
Shore Power Solutions

The oil lab in Bensalem is a key component on our Preventive Maintenance program. The staff monitors the wear trends of all Of our components. Combined with PM intervals; planned repairs can be scheduled as opposed to scrambling to address after the fact failures.

John Herbut
James J. Anderson Construction Co.