Filtergram Analysis
Filtergram Analysis is the microscopic inspection of contaminants
and wear debris in a fluid sample or filter medium. This analysis will
positively clarify if chemical leaching is occurring or a mechanical
wear issue is present.
Elemental analysis of a fluid sample by Inductively Coupled Plasma
Spectrometer (ICP) is limited to very small particles, usually less
than 5µm (microns) in size; the Filtergram analysis is suitable for
identifying particles from 3µm to over 1,000µm.
The Filtergram report will include a breakdown of the percentage
of particulate matter under the classifications of size, metallurgy
and wear factor.
Part number SOS4
Filtergram Analysis
Preparation
Samples submitted for analysis must be supplied in a Filtergram kit (part number SOS4).
• Collect oil sample as per recommended method into the sample bottle with yellow lid supplied in the SOS4 kit.
• Ensure work bench is free from contamination. Using a 175-7546 filter cutter, remove filter cartridge from canister.
• Collect approximately 10cm2 of filter pleat and place into the supplied re-sealable plastic bag.
• Ensure sample registration card is supplied with both the oil sample and filter medium.
• Place into SOS4 box and send to laboratory in the pre-paid mailing satchel.
Analysis
The sample is washed in a solvent and filtered through a fine filter membrane to
capture any particulate matter for examination under a high powered microscope.
Particle size, wear factor and identification are reported in graphs and include two
scaled photographs highlighting critical points in a sample.
Case Studies
Case Study 1
Abnormal Engine Wear
The graph shows copper elevated to 471ppm in an
engine sample; further investigation by microscopic
analysis confirms the copper is a result of abnormal
wear occurring in the compartment.
Elevated Copper by Elemental Analysis.
Critical abnormal copper wear as seen through the microscope.
Filtergram Analysis
Case Study 2
Engine Wear
Elemental analysis for this engine shows copper
elevated to 622ppm; further investigation by
microscopic analysis confirmed the high copper reading
was a result of chemical leaching.
Elevated copper by elemental analysis.
Filtergram analysis confirms the high copper is the result of chemical leaching.
Case Study 3
Particle count channels for 6 and 14 microns increasing.
Wheel Loader Differential
The particle counts for the front differential in this
wheel loader were increasing yet the elemental analysis
results appeared acceptable. Further investigation
by microscopic analysis confirms abnormal wear is
occurring in the thrust washers.
Abnormal copper alloy wear occurring.
Filtergram Analysis
Filtergram analysis of processed fluid samples
Filtergram analysis (part number SOS4) may be performed on a fluid sample that has already been processed by our laboratory
for an alternative SOS service. Requests for filtergram analysis must be submitted within two weeks of analysis on the original
sample.
• Order number (charge to Hastings Deering trading account); or
• Credit card details (MasterCard or Visa)
FILTERGRAM REPORT
LCN
EVALUATION
06370335
Particle Size Distribution
X
0 to 10
>10 to 20
>20 to 40
>40 to 80
>80 to 160
>160
0
20
40
60
80
100
80
100
Wear Mechanism
Rubbing/Run
Sliding
Fatigue
Abrasive
Spheres
Corrosive
Cutting
Others
0
Steel
Oxides
Cu Alloy
Al Alloy
White Metal
Dust
Organic Mat
Polymers
Other Part.
Ferrous and copper rubbing and fatigue wear.
PREVIOUS # 1
LCN:
Date Sampled:
Evaluation:
06279312
30/09/2012
C
0
PREVIOUS # 2
LCN:
Date Sampled:
Evaluation:
PREVIOUS # 3
LCN:
Date Sampled:
Evaluation:
Large ferrous fatigue wear
Particle Size Distribution
0 to 10
>10 to 20
>20 to 40
>40 to 80
>80 to 160
>160
20
40
60
80
100
Particle Size Distribution
06185719
03/09/2012
B
06161502
26/08/2012
C
0
20
0
40
60
80
100
Particle Size Distribution
20
40
60
0
20
80
100
0
Rubbing/Ru
n
Sliding
Fatigue
Abrasive
Spheres
Corrosive
Cutting
Others
40
60
20
40
60
80
20
40
60
0
100
20
80
100
0
20
100
20
40
60
80
100
40
60
80
100
40
60
80
100
80
100
Particle Identification
Steel
Oxides
Cu Alloy
Al Alloy
White Metal
Dust
Organic Mat
Polymers
Other Part.
80
60
Particle Identification
Steel
Oxides
Cu Alloy
Al Alloy
White Metal
Dust
Organic Mat
Polymers
Other Part.
Wear Machanism
0
0
40
Particle Identification
Particle Identification
Steel
Oxides
Cu Alloy
Al Alloy
White Metal
Dust
Organic Mat
Polymers
Other Part.
Wear Machanism
Rubbing/Ru
n
Sliding
Fatigue
Abrasive
Spheres
Corrosive
Cutting
0 to 10
>10 to 20
>20 to 40
>40 to 80
>80 to 160
>160
0 to 10
>10 to 20
>20 to 40
>40 to 80
>80 to 160
>160
Wear Machanism
Rubbing/Ru
n
Sliding
Fatigue
Abrasive
Spheres
Corrosive
Cutting
20
0
20
40
60
DISCLAIMER:
This analysis should not be relied upon to predict mechanical wear, mechanical breakdown or maintenance planning, but should be used as an adjunct to your normal maintenance routine for the care of your machinery.
All care will be taken in the processing of the oil sample/samples supplied by the user but no responsibility will be accepted for failure of any machinery or part or parts of machinery where oil samples have
been taken for analysis by Scheduled Oil Sampling. The user remains responsible for proper maintenance and care of the subject machinery
Please contact the Condition Monitoring Centre on 131 228 for further information about this service.
call 131 228
www.hastingsdeering.com.au
PO Box 46, Archerfield, Qld. 4108
Facsimile: (07) 3365 9201
© 2013 Caterpillar. All rights reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, their respective logos, ‘Caterpillar Yellow’, the POWER EDGE trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.