Standardizing Grease Sampling and Characterization By Automated Online Device

Scheduled grease sampling is one of the more reliable methods for detecting mechanical issues within machinery. Offline laboratory‐based analysis of the grease can indicate component failures, such as spalling via high concentrations of ferrous particulates. However, consistency, costs, and frequency of sampling are less than ideal. Manually collecting grease samples can put personnel in danger due to the location of the sampling location and potential for other machinery still in operation. In addition, grease sampling is a bit of an art form requiring experience with consistency in how samples are taken directly affecting the results and benefits. To help address, Poseidon Systems proposes to develop a repeatable inline grease sampling mechanism to automatically monitor the ferrous particle content of grease from an in‐operation machine. The device will automatically collect samples from the target bearings in a repeatable controlled manner. These samples will then be analyzed by the device for ferrous particle content in order to provide in situ indication of wear debris contamination. The ferrous content could then be trended over time and monitored remotely for condition monitoring of these crucial grease packed bearings.