I am a "data boy". I did 10 years as a Statistical Process Quality Control engineer, specializing in manufacturing quality processes, DOEs, supervision of the personnel and equipment in our lab facilities, etc.
Most of you have no idea how to interpret a UOA; they are merely toys to most of you. To truly be able to understand ANY analysis, for the purpose of comparing/contrasting, you have to:
- establish baseline data
- understand standard deviation
- be able to recognize data trends
- be able to identify errant "flyer" data points, relative to known causes
- understand how macro data and micro data compliment each other, but cannot be substituted for each other
- realize that without correlation there can be no causation, but also know that correlation should never be confused with causation
UOAs are tools; they have benefits and limitations just as with any tool. They are incredibly useful in the right hands, and absolutely abused in the wrong hands. UOAs are not flawless; they are not perfect. They do not see all; they only see a portion. They see content, but not size, whereas PCs see size, but not content. UOAs are one of the most cost effective means of tracking both lube and equipment performance, but ONLY when used in a properly managed maintenance program by well-trained people who know what they are doing.
The average Joe on BITOG is clueless when it comes to UOAs. I stand by that firmly.
Though this is older now, it is by no means outdated.
Reviewing UOA Data Used oil analyses (UOAs) are tools. And like most tools, they can either be properly used or misused, depending upon the application, the user, the surrounding conditions, etc.= There are already many good articles and publications in existence that tell us how to interpret...
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