In-service Turbine Oil analysis is an integral part of any Condition Based Maintenance Program and is a vital step in building an effective lubrication plan. Used properly, oil analysis on these large machinery and engines not only provides valuable information about the performance of lubricating oil as well as the condition of the equipment but is also a value driven predictive and proactive condition monitoring tool in ensuring that equipment reliability is enhanced, and lubrication-related failures are minimized. The goal of an effective turbine oil analysis program is to maximize the reliability and availability of machinery, while minimizing maintenance costs associated with oil change outs, labor, repairs, and downtime. However, to ensure continued success, it is important not only to design and develop the program correctly, but also to conduct regular review of the program to ensure that the program structure meets the company’s goals and reliability objectives. This tutorial paper shall present basic oil analysis concepts for rotating equipment maintenance engineers looking to improve their understanding of the power of turbine oil analysis tests and their significance. This paper shall focus on the following key elements and take away:

1. Turbine Oil Composition
2. Principles of Turbine Oil Monitoring
3. Performance Characteristics of Turbine Oils
4. In-service condition monitoring of Turbine Oils
5. Design Management and implementation of an effective Oil Analysis program
6. Ready Reference for Oil Sampling and Testing Schedule
7. Tips for developing a sound Turbine Oil Condition Monitoring Program
8. Interpretation of Oil Analysis Data and actions needed

Takeaways
1. Design Management and implementation of an effective Oil Analysis program
2. Ready Reference for Oil Sampling and Testing Schedule
3. Tips for developing a sound Turbine Oil Condition Monitoring Program
4. Interpretation of Oil Analysis Data and actions needed

Girish Kamal is working as Custodian (Rotating Equipment) and Technical Authority 1 with the Centre of Excellence Division of PETRONAS Upstream in Kuala Lumpur. He has more than 32 years’ experience in the Oil and Gas Industry in the fields of rotating equipment management for onshore and offshore applications including specifications, design approvals, testing, inspection, commissioning, installation, maintenance, and technical services. He holds a BE degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA qualification. He is also a Certified Reliability Professional.
Girish has authored and presented many technical papers on Rotating Machinery Condition Monitoring and Reliability improvements in number of International and Regional Conferences including ROTATE-ME, Turbomachinery & Pump Symposia (TPS)-Houston, Middle East Chapter-METS as well as the Asia Chapter-ATPS. He also serves as a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) member for the Asia Turbomachinery & Pump Symposium (ATPS) & as an Executive Committee Leader for ME RoTIC.