TesÂt Provided
The S.O.S Program Synopsis
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The S.O.S Program was developed to help CAT users realize the highest possible value from their equipment by minimizing repair costs and maximizing machine availability and life. The S.O.S Program is a series of diagnostic test which analyze the lubricating oils used in the equipment. Analyzing the oils helps identify problems early before an extensive component failure occurs. This reduces both repair cost and downtime.
An S.O.S Program must be coupled with wide range of options do that when a problem is identified, an appropriately matched maintenance or repair plan is available. When S.O.S is used to compliment a repair option program, the dealer can offer the user a more complete service minimizing repair cost and downtime. S.O.S can also measure the effectiveness of the user's maintenance program.
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Wear Analysis
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Wear analysis is the original diagnostic test which began the S.O.S Program and is still the program's foundation. Wear analysis monitors the component's (i.e., engine, transmission, hydraulic system, final drives, ect.) wear rates by measuring the wear elements and contaminants found in the used oil. Monitoring the used oil helps determine a component wear trend and many failures can be identified when wear elements and/or contaminants significantly exceed pas trends.
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Oil Condition Analysis
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Infrared analysis determines the degree of deterioration in used oil by measuring the amount of soot, oxidation, nitration and sulphur products present, is also is used as a screen for oil contamination from fuel, water and antifreeze (ethylene glycol). If infrared analysis detects the presence of contamination, the appropriate physical test should be conducted for confirmation. By Monitoring the used oil condition, a more thorough indication of a failure and its cause can be identified.
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Physical Tests
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Physical tests are used to determine whether the used oil has been contaminated with water, fuel, or antifreeze and whether these contaminants exceed maximum limits. This test cannot determine the exact percentage of contaminant, but they can identify whether the contaminants exceed maximum limits.
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Particle Count
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Particle Count detection is currently used in non engine compartments; i.e., hydraulics, transmissions, final drives, differentials, etc. Particle count enable to quantify and categorize, according to size, the amount of particles in the oil to well over 200 micron size. Traditional Wear metal instruments only quantify particles up to 7 to 10 micron size. Although the instrument reports quantities of particles for a number of ranges, the range of interest is the 15 micron and larger particle size. Particle Count also enable to quantify both metallic and non-metallic particles.
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