What do you get when you combine the detective skills of Sherlock Holmes with the excellent customer service of a family owned and operated laboratory? The Oil Analysis Lab in Spokane, Wash.
History
The Oil Analysis Lab, Inc. was started in 1984 and purchased by the Crandall
Family in 1990. OAL has grown to serve customers across the nation. The Crandall
family has been in construction, wood products, manufacturing and engineering
for over 50 years. (They still own, operate and maintain their own heavy equipment.)
The lab was purchased with the goal of combining their knowledge of engineering,
equipment and maintenance with laboratory science. OAL employs chemists, engineers
and maintenance professionals that understand and respect the specific needs
of a diverse customer base.
OAL’S Detective
Process
“We are detectives for our customers,” says Lane Crandall the President
of OAL. “We provide in-depth information that is immediately useful to
the customer. We employ many of the same technologies that forensic scientists
use.”
Among the tests OAL performs are Spectroanalysis, Particle Analysis and Quantification, Filter Residue Analysis, Viscosity, Water Content, Chemical Titrations, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Each of these tests reveals clues to solve or predict a specific problem. “Customers tell us the problem and we choose the right tools to give them the right information,” says Crandall.
Particle
Analysis vs. Particle Counting
According to Mr. Crandall, their philosophy is “the information is always
there, it is just a matter of finding it.” The customer gets two independent
counts on one sample of oil. For each sample scheduled for particle analysis,
OAL performs an automatic laser particle count, and counts the particles manually
using optical microscopy. The optical analysis provides information a particle
counter can’t. Over the years they’ve found that the laser/microscopic
dual count is the best way to provide repeatable particle counts on a wide variety
of oils and conditions.
OAL can tell the customer about the quantity and distribution of particles, as well as what those particles are. This dual method eliminates chasing data from automated counters.
Filter
Residue Analysis
Years ago the Crandall family was trained by Allied Signal to perform oil and
filter analysis on jet engines. They learned that oil analysis only revealed
part of the picture; further testing on the filter was equally important.
The
filter is one of the best data collectors available. Systematic evaluation of
the residue can detect failures six to eight months sooner than other methods.
They have found this is the only method to predict a failure on some equipment.
OAL can evaluate filters as small as servo strainers and as large hydraulic
filters. OAL’s dual method saved one customer $8 million in downtime from
a single filter analysis.
Data Management
“We take the raw data and convert it into information that is used by our
customers to make maintenance decisions,” says Mr. Crandall. To effectively
operate a proactive maintenance system, the customer must be able to manipulate
the data to their specific needs. OAL has designed a data management system
called OILDATA. Using this system, customers can receive oil sample information
via e-mail and arrange the data in their own company’s style. OAL data
can also be downloaded into Lube Explorer - FleetOil (Dingo), LubriScan (Design
Maintenance Systems), Excel or ASCII.
Putting
the Customer First
OAL knows the importance of working with the customers’ problems face-to-face.
They believe that personal relationships are the key to success. When someone
has a problem there is always a live person at OAL who can assist. They also
employ a team of professionals who will go onsite to meet with customers and
solve specific problems.
Pushing
The Limits
Creating a successful proactive maintenance organization takes desire. The customer
should be willing to push the envelope of best maintenance practices. They must
find ways to make equipment last longer and cost less to operate.
In successful programs a few key people have drawn the line and said “this is our goal, what do we need to do to accomplish it.” OAL has worked with companies like Smokey Canyon Mine, National Steel Pellet, Kaiser Aluminum, Mercer Trucking Company, BHP Minerals and Conoco, Inc. who have drawn that line.
No Silver
Bullet
People are always looking for a single test that tells all. This “miracle
test” simply does not exist. It’s like trying to rebuild an engine
with a screwdriver.
Each tool has a specific job, just as each lab test provides
specific maintenance information. Knowing the functions and limitations of each
tool will help ensure successful testing. OAL feels that a laboratory should
assist the customer in converting raw data into useful information.
Moving
Forward
OAL has and will continue to expand the resources available to allow customers
to push the limits. Over the years they have introduced new technologies into
their toolbox like: Filter Residue Analysis, SEM Bearing Cross Section Analysis,
Thermal Analysis, Root Cause Failure Analysis, Filter Design and Evaluation,
Particle Analysis and Quantification, and ISO Particle Specifications for Diesel
Fuel.
OAL’s mission is to give their customers the tools to solve maintenance problems.
Contact Information
The Oil Analysis Lab, Inc.
1514 East Sprague
Spokane, WA 99202
Phone: 800-366-8596
Fax: 509-535-1537
E-mail: oillab@websellers.com
www.oillab.com
