Chevron and Noria Corporation recently launched the ISOCLEAN Calculator, a first-of-its-kind tool to evaluate equipment life based on lubricant cleanliness levels. The calculator was developed by Chevron and is powered by Noria's life-extension tables to determine the levels of particle contamination that are typical for each user's specific situation.
"We have worked closely with Chevron to create a tool that will leverage the comprehensive cleanliness database of our life-extension tables but in an easy-to-use format that is very intuitive and simple," said Mike Ramsey, Noria's president. "We have found most users have no idea how contaminated their lubricants really are and how harmful this can be to their equipment. This resource is a great way to easily calculate cleanliness levels so customers can take action and help maximize their equipment life."
Considering that the No. 1 cause of lubricant-related equipment failures is contaminant particles, the ISOCLEAN Calculator can help users understand their specific challenges and how to overcome unique obstacles for maximum efficiency. Noria's life-extension tables summarize the effect of contaminant particles on the expected service life of hydraulics, gears, rolling-element bearings and journal bearings.
How the Calculator Works
A simple three-step process collects information about a user's industry, equipment type and components, as well as the conditions relevant to the lubricant used in the operations. Based on the data selected, the calculator delivers a report that is customized to each user, providing comparisons of the target ISO Cleanliness Code to the current one, visuals of the magnified patch samples of each, and the current lifespan of the equipment versus what it could achieve using Chevron's ISOCLEAN certified lubricants.
"By harnessing the powerful data from Noria, the new ISOCLEAN Calculator is just the latest addition to our ongoing effort to help customers understand the effects of particle contamination and help maximize the life cycle of their equipment," said Doug Hinzie, vice president of Americas Lubricants at Chevron. "Considering that controlling fluid contamination early in the process can significantly reduce the costs to remove it later, we are helping our customers achieve a direct savings that goes to their bottom line. This tool provides actionable data that can be used to maximize efficiency, reduce unscheduled downtime and improve profitability."
Chevron's ISOCLEAN program includes ISOCLEAN certified lubricants, which have been certified to meet the fluid cleanliness requirements of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as ISOCLEAN Services, which are in-plant services designed to clean up and manage contamination of in-service lubricants and operating systems.
For more information, visit www.chevronisoclean.com.
