Tag: Oil Analysis

  • Electra Mining Africa

    Electra mining Header

    Visit our stand at Electra Mining 2024: Showcasing Yellotec’s Machine Health and Reliability Solutions.

    Yellotec strives to offer the most effective and efficient technology in all machine health and reliability monitoring equipment. We are excited to announce our participation in the Electra Mining 2024 event, taking place from 2 – 6 September 2024 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. This premier mining, industrial, construction, and electrical trade show provides a unique platform for industry leaders to showcase cutting-edge technologies, solutions, and services.

    At Electra Mining, Yellotec will present its latest innovations and demonstrate how our solutions can help clients improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in their operations. We invite all attendees to visit our booth and learn more about how our solutions can meet the evolving needs of the mining and industrial sectors. For more information or to schedule a meeting with our team at the event, please contact info@yellotec.com.

    Date: 2 – 6 September 2024
    Time: 09:00-17:00
    Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre
    Yellotec stand: Hall 5, D1


    Register to Electra Mining 2024

    Some of our innovative highlights at the exhibition this year will include:

    Ranked as one of the world’s largest mining shows and the biggest mining, manufacturing, automation, electrical, and power trade show in Southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa has a proven track record of driving sales, generating leads, and building brand awareness. They say the trick to seeing the future is knowing where to look. With nearly five decades of accumulated experience since its inaugural show, Electra Mining Africa has built a reputation for being a trade show that adapts to changing times and consistently delivers a strong return on investment for exhibitors, even during challenging economic conditions.

    Yellotec History at Electra Mining

    Electra mining 2010
    Electra Mining 2010

    Electra mining 2012
    Electra Mining 2012

    Electra Mining 2014
    Electra Mining 2014

    electra mining africa 2016
    Electra Mining 2016

    Electra Mining 2018

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    Electra Mining 2022

  • Take Control of Oil Contamination

    Webinar Header

    Yellotec, in collaboration with Atten2, is proud to present an exclusive webinar on Oil Contamination Control!

    Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking technology that is revolutionising maintenance practices in the industrial sector. In this session, we will explore the innovative oil sensor technology that enables online monitoring of oil cleanliness, empowering you to maintain peak performance and efficiency in your plant and mobile equipment. 

    Date and Time: 

    9 May 2024, 13:00 

    Recording and Presentation will only be available for Registered Participants 

    Agenda: 
    1. Welcoming & Introduction 
    2. What is Oil Contamination and Common Causes 
    3. Consequences of Oil Contamination 
    4. How to Prevent & Control Oil Contamination 
    5. Latest Online Technology to Monitor Oil Contamination 
    6. Q&A

    Featuring Local & International Expert Panel Of Speakers:
    Guillermo Miró
    Guillermo Miró // Atten[2]

    Guillermo Miró is an Industrial Engineer graduated from the UPV (València). He holds a Master in Internal Combustion Engines and a PhD in Propulsion Systems for Transportation Systems,

    in the field of tribology and lubrication in alternative internal combustion engines. In recent years he has participated in various research projects related to the lubrication sector both national and international. He has published 10 articles in different scientific journals and in several international congresses. Currently he works as an Applications Engineer at Atten2.

    Reynhard Heymans
    Reynhard Heymans // Yellotec

    Reynhard Heymans, as a young electrical engineer, was introduced to Thermal Imaging Cameras in 1997 by the legendary Tjaart Broodryk.

    Over the subsequent 18 years, his ardor for Condition Based Maintenance became evident through its diverse applications, encompassing electrical, mechanical, refractory, enterprise risk management, and more. In 2016, he earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration, strategically positioning himself for a transition into New Business Development. Throughout his career evolution, he has maintained valuable partnerships with prominent Global OEM companies like Atten2, Teledyne FLIR, FLUKE Reliability, and other. Even after more than 25 years, Reynhard Heymans continues to be driven by a passion for pioneering tools and methodologies aimed at enhancing overall equipment effectiveness and reducing operational costs for his clients.

    Theo Wilcocks
    Theo Wilcocks // Yellotec

    Theo Wilcocks studied as a Mechanical Engineer at the University of Pretoria and went on the do a Masters Degree in Advanced Vehicle Engineering

    During his time working at Research Enterprises at the University of Pretoria he co-authored an article on ‘Diesel Engine Failures Due to Fuel With Insufficient Lubricity’

    Theo has worked in the Earthmoving and Mining sectors heading up the Technical Services department of Fraser Alexander Bulk Mech and guest lecturing annually at the University of Stellenbosch’s Construction Equipment Management post graduate courses. Since 2018, he has been working as a Reliability and Product Integration Engineer at Yellow Technical Services.

    Why Participate? 

    By attending this webinar, you will gain valuable insights into the transformative potential of online oil contamination control for your equipment. Whether you’re a Maintenance Manager, Reliability Engineer, or Equipment Owner, this session is your opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and optimize the performance of your assets. 

    Join us for this enlightening session and take the first step towards unlocking the full potential of your plant and mobile equipment! 

  • Presenting the Automated Microscopic Particle Counter from Yellotec

    Yellotec is proud to present their in-house designed and constructed Automated Microscopic Particle Counter (AMPC) which measures solid particulate contamination of liquids to control the cleanliness of used and new oils.

    Ultimately increasing equipment life and availability of all lubricated assets. Will measure accurately the results of the Oil Sample Analyzes by removing Human Error and Outside influence from the measuring

    Utilizing RDI’s Motion Amplification Technology, Yellotec has the capability to detect structural and vibrational malfunctions in machinery. By eradicating such problems, the expenses incurred due to subsequent breakdowns and idle time can be minimized, and plant productivity enhanced!

    Allow us to offer you similar benefits!

    Why the AMPC is the ideal instrument for Oil Analysis

    The Automated Microscopic Particle Counter is the ideal Oil Analysis Instrument that every plant needs due to its Versatility in Analyzing Different Oil Samples. As well as the ability to operate the instrument with full automated and Minimal User Interactions. Meaning that Human Error is not a factor when completing the analysis of the oil sample.

    The AMPC technology has been designed so that it limits the interference of Moisture and Air during the Analysis, therefore, leading to zero influence over the count

    The Typical Oil Samples that can be tested with the Automated Microscopic Particle Counter are as follows:

    • Hydraulic oils
    • Turbine oils
    • Automotive and Industrial Gear oils
    • Engine oils
    • Water-based hydraulic fluids
    • Phosphate ester-based hydraulic fluids
    • Fuels
    • Coolants

    The Custom Yellotec Developed Particle Analysis Software ensures accurate and repeatable results even when the particulate contamination of the oil is high

    The Benefits of the Automated Microscopic Particle Counter

    Are you looking for a guaranteed Particle Counter or Consider adding the AMPC to your Plant Monitoring or Machine Condition Monitoring Equipment? We have put together a list of Benefits of choosing the AMPC

    • The AMPC has the capability to analyse up to 25 sample filter grams at fully automated.
    • The AMPC instrument and software were developed in-house to analyse used oils with contamination levels as high as ISO 4406 count of 24/23/22.
    • Results are automatically saved in a database file format which allows them to be imported into any LIMS system.
    • It is as simple as – Load samples, entering the batch number, pressing count and walking away.
    • System auto focuses before every image is taken to maximise particle recondition for accurate sizing and counting of particles.
    • The system can be set up to accommodate 25mm and 47mm filter gram patches.
    • No intensive training is required to operate the instrument. Save time by being fully automated.
    • Multi-levels of access can be set up to protect the configurable settings during routine operation
    • Licensing fee with updates on software included in the purchase price.
    • Robust design and well-built.
    AMPC characteristics
    • High-resolution digital camera.
    • Automatic Particle recognition and sizing using Yellotec-developed propriety software.
    • The system allows four fully calibrated particle sizes and measuring
    • Fully automated X, Y, and Z sample stage (25 sample capacity).
    • Optically magnification Microscopic stage
    • LED light source for sample illumination.
    • Yellotec developed particle analysis software capable of recognizing and measuring wear and contamination particles for separate reporting purposes.
    • External joystick to manipulate the microscope when in manual mode
    • High-spec workstation PC with 24″ Monitor.
    Contact Yellotec

    For more information on this article or AMPC, feel free to contact us.

    Yellotec is one of the leading suppliers of the most effective and efficient technology in machine health and reliability monitoring equipment in Africa. As well as providing services that help plant and equipment managers predict all failures as well as prevent major failures in the future.

    For expert advice and the latest in machine reliability technology Please feel free to contact us either by Contact Number, Email, Contact form or Visit us.

  • Our Favourite Products for August

    In this article, we will be taking a deeper look at our three favourite products for August. The products that we will discuss are the FLIR A400/A700 Smart Sensor, the Midas Ferrous Quantifier and the Ultraprobe® 15,000 Touch.

    FLIR A400/A700 Smart Sensor

    Is your company looking for a head start with a camera that offers unmatched power and flexibility? Then here is your answer!

    The ROTALIGN Touch was designed by some of the world’s leading alignment experts to solve problems in the easiest way possible. This Pruftechnik tool is known to be the most adaptable laser shaft alignment tool. The ROTALIGN Touch combines high precision on-site measuring tasks and cloud connectivity for worldwide data access and transfer. With the sensALIGN® 7, the ROTALIGN Touch uses laser and sensor heads that offer a full range of everyday alignment routines, up to expert degree alignment jobs, such as Cardan shaft alignment or aligning up to six sequential couplings in a row.

    The FLIR A400/A700 Smart Sensor is a thermal camera that more than meets the eye, with the cutting-edge technology it allows for complex monitoring applications, including critical infrastructure, product quality, and early fire detection. This camera is a perfect fit for customers who prefer to have built-in analytic capabilities which allows them to transfer complete and actionable results to their very own systems. 

    Not only is the FLIR A400/A700 Smart Sensor easy to configure; it is easy to add and operate while enabling you to tailor the system to your company’s quality, productivity, maintenance, and safety needs. 

    This infrared thermography camera can be used in various environments and for various purposes. Types of monitoring include: 

    • Used at checkpoints to screen for elevated skin temperatures.
    • Spotting temperature anomalies in production lines.
    • To watch for signs of failure in utility lines.
    • Sound an alarm when heat build-up could spark a fire.
    • Monitoring machinery over time for signs of wear. 

    If you need a camera that can help your company to protect its assets, improve safety, maximize uptime, and minimize maintenance costs, then the FLIR A400/A700 Smart Sensor is the advanced thermal camera you need!  

    We, at Yellotec, are passionate about our products and want to ensure that we supply the best brands with the best quality. The FLIR A400/A700 Smart Sensor is an innovative infrared thermography camera that is easy to configure and use, making it a dream for any customer.

    Midas Ferrous Quantifier

    The Midas Ferrous Quantifier is another great product that should not be overlooked. This lightweight, robust, and portable product is essential in many businesses and can be used in oil analysis labs, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace, oil refineries and many more.

    What makes this oil analysis device unique is its outstanding sensitivity to detect ferrous debris in any oil sample, making it the perfect device to complement any on-side or oil analysis laboratory. As machine preventative measures go, this is one of the best devices to use. Frequent metal analysis of machine lubricants will provide you with early warning signs of impending faults and will provide insights to determine whether your equipment is operating normally or if additional analyses are required.   

    The Midas Ferrous Quantifier is well-known for its accuracy and easy-to-use solution for offline and at-line measurements of ferrous wear debris concentrations. What we love the most about this product is that it provides exceptional sensitivity to emerging problems and can often detect problems well in advance of vibration analysis, thermography, or other indirect monitoring methods. 

    Whether you are in mining, manufacturing, automation or plant maintenance, this product will not disappoint. At Yellotec we believe that being proactive is better than being reactive and with this device, you will prevent machine failure and reduce unexpected expenses. Oil analysis is a crucial component in machine health and is a key predictor of catastrophic failure. Read more about the Midas Ferrous Quantifier

    Ultraprobe® 15,000 Touch

    Last but not least, the Ultraprobe 15 000 Touch is an ultrasonic condition monitoring laboratory that fits in the palm of your hand! This advanced and futuristic device is a super detection system that combines state-of-the-art technology to meet every plant inspection requirement needed.

    This condition monitoring device can be used to perform on-board spectral analysis, record the sounds of test equipment, measure, and record temperature, take photographs with flash as well as storing and managing data.  

    The Ultraprobe 15 000’s unique touch screen feature uses icons to easily control and manoeuvre around any of the Ultraprobe’s display screens. Touching the screen allows you to be able to view decibel level, temperature, control sensitivity, change frequency, view an FFT and record sounds and images. 

    With this device, you will be amazed at how quickly your inspection capabilities will improve. This ultrasonic condition monitoring laboratory will help to increase your asset availability throughout your plant while reducing energy waste. The reports that will be generated from the Ultraprobe 15 000 will also help management to understand the importance of improving your company’s profitability with your ultrasonic condition monitoring program.

    We love this sophisticated device as it is the most efficient ultrasound data collection, inspection & analysis instrument available today. You can now test the way you want to test with all the features you need for accurate results. With the Ultraprobe 15 000, you can now truly read the future and report it. 

    Final Thoughts:

    We hope you found this article helpful and informative. We, at Yellotec, are proud of our products and we are happy to have shared our three favourite products of August with you. You can trust Yellotec to supply you with the best products, whether it is automation, oil analysis, infrared thermography, ultrasound, or condition monitoring. 

    If you are interested in any of these products and want more information. You can visit us, call us, email us or let us contact you by sending us an enquiry. 

  • How a single seal failure could cost you Millions

    Oil Lab Series 5

    So far in the Oil Lab Series, we have covered the benefits of an on-site oil analysis laboratory, what your investment (and return thereof) could be, all the factors you need to keep in mind when building your lab, as well as Yellotec’s recommended 3 Phased Approach to set up your on-site lab.

    In our last article of this series we will be looking at a case study of how an on-site laboratory and regular routine used oil analysis enabled a company to avoid a major costly failure.

    During routine used oil analysis conducted at an on site laboratory situated on an opencast mine, the lab picked up an anomaly from a dump truck engine used on the mine. The lab observed an abnormal condition whereby the sodium increased and copper wear was observed within the oil samples over time.

    If this anomaly was never detected, and the dump truck engine failed because of it, the cost to rebuild the whole engine would easily have been estimated to be R 5.4 million. Luckily, early detection of the fault condition, and subsequent intervention of the maintenance department, brought the actual cost to repair the failed cylinder liner down to R63 000.

    Because of the company’s ability to take daily samples and perform immediate analysis in their on-site lab, they were able to observe the results of an oil change on the health of the machine, as well as effectively take remedial action when the liner was replaced. Clearly in this case, the on-site lab’s prompt response enabled this company to save millions.

    Sample data:
    Report examples showcasing progression and criticality of fault.

    Thank you for following the Oil Lab Series. We hope it helped to provide you with a better understanding of the benefits and possibilities of setting up your on-site oil analysis laboratory.

    Don’t hesitate to contact our Specialist Oil Lubrication team for more information.

  • 3 Phased Approach: A quick guide to Oil Analysis instruments and tests

    Oil Lab Series 4

    Previously in the Oil Lab Series we looked at tips to design your lab, specifically looking at your physical space as well as safety concerns. In this article we are expanding on your testing needs.

    The below diagram breaks down the most important instruments, as well as the test that they perform.

    At Yellotec, we recommend using a 3 phased approach to build and grow your laboratory. These 3 phases will allow you to set up your onsite lab whilst maximising your available budgets, as well as allowing you to expand your test slate without needing to replace instruments to upgrade. Here are the 3 phases:

    Phase 1

    • Oil Shaker
    • Blotterspot
    • Wear debris with Filtergram analysis
    • Crackle test
    • Ferrous Quantifier

    This phase will enable you to do basic “Go Nogo” tests onsite to identify immediate problems that can be fixed before severe damage occurs to the lubricated machine.

    Phase 2

    • Reporting Software
    • FTIR
    • Viscometer

    After this phase you will be able to analyse your samples in more depth, such as measuring the viscosity and chemical compounds found in the oil. The LIMS software allows you to collect test data in a organised database from which reports can be generated.

    Phase 3

    • Spectrometer
    • Karl Fischer
    • Refractrometer
    • PH meter
    • Flash Point Tester

    Talk to our expert Oil Lubrication team at Yellotec if you need any guidance with your Oil Analysis testing needs, as well as how you can use the 3 Phased Approach to expand your laboratory capabilities.

  • Tips On Designing Your Lab Space

    Oil Lab Series 3

    Previously on the Oil Lab Series we looked at the investment needed to set up and run your own oil analysis lab. In this article we look at some factors that you need to keep in mind when designing your lab space.

    The design of your lab is mostly dependant on your oil analysis requirements, but also other factors such as available physical space, work flow efficiency and, most importantly, safety.

    Oil Analysis Requirements:
    Your oil analysis needs will determine the type of tests you need to run on your samples, as well as the instruments required to run those tests. We will be covering tests and instruments in greater detail in the next article of the Oil Lab Series.

    Physical Space:
    To set up a lab, you need to ensure that you have the physical space that:

    • has a layout assisting efficient work flow;
    • has a carefully controlled climate, including temperature and humidity;
    • take steps to minimise airborne contaminants;
    • has adequate ventilation, particularly if noxious chemicals will be used;
    • adequate workspace and hook-up for air, water and power, including room for expansion if planned; and
    • enough storage to be able to store samples for a minimum of three months for retest or lab analysis.

    Safety:
    Running a lab requires the use of chemicals and chemical reactions, and so it is always important to keep the health and safety of you and your fellow workers a number one priority. Make all essential safety equipment available, including eye protection, gloves and MSDS sheets. Ensure that all staff have been trained on safety procedures.

    If you do not have the space and capacity yet to build and run a full-scale lab, you can easily start with a smaller version and expand as and when you are able to. The below schematic illustrates how you can start with a smaller lab layout inside a container, and how it can grow and expand into a full-scale operation with your own building.

  • Is it worth the investment of an Oil Analysis Lab?

    Oil Lab Series 2

    In the previous article of the Oil Lab Series we looked at the benefits of having your own lab, including the low cost per sample. But what exactly would the investment be to build a lab, and when could you expect a return on this investment?

    There are normally three costs involved with owning your own lab:

    1. Laboratory Setup – the initial investment to set up your lab, including infrastructure, instrumentation and consumables
    2. Labour Cost – costs to train and employ qualified staff, including a diagnostician, instrument operator, oil sample collector
    3. Cost per Sample – how much it would cost to run your laboratory

    The below diagram illustrates the return on investment of a lab running more than 10,000 samples a year. However, keep in mind that your ROI will be dependent on several factors, including your oil analysis requirements, plant capacity and degree of infrastructure.

    oil analysis lab

    Contact our expert Laboratory team at Yellotec for a full cost analysis of your lab requirements.

    Now that you have a better understanding of the cost implications of owning and running your own lab, we will next be looking at what factors you need to keep in mind when designing your lab space.

    *Please note that this is only an estimation of costs, and based on 2019 rates.

  • Why you should think about having an On-Site Lab

    Oil Lab Series 1

    We all know the value of having a well-planned Oil Lubrication Program in place to ultimately reduce the number and severity of potential failures. However, in cases where your program is restricted by high sample volumes and you have critical machinery being monitored, running an on-site laboratory might be a better option for you.

    The biggest benefits of an on-site lab is the low cost per sample, as well as the short turnaround times for results. In addition to this, an on-site laboratory will ensure that you develop local expertise and will help promote a proactive maintenance culture, ultimately reducing the number of unplanned breakdowns.

    It is one thing to save on running your own lab, however how much would the initial investment be? In the next part of the series, we’ll be looking at the overall cost benefit and the possible Return of Investment of a laboratory.

    Interested in building your own lab? Speak to our Oil Lubrication Specialist Team at Yellotec to explore your options.