What contaminant is this gulf region pump most likely to come in contact with?
Sand / dirt
In the gulf region sand is the most likely contaminant so is something that should be monitored carefully by silicon content.
What variable environmental factor is the reason the customer may ask for a viscosity index adding to their test suite as an upgrade?
Temperature
Temperature in these regions can hit as high as 60'C (140'F) and as low as freezing at night in these desert conditions. This means the viscosity needs to be consistent throughout, which is better achieved with a high VI oil.
Is the sample viscosity consistent with with the stated grade and previous trends?
Which of the 5 senses would aid in confirming the additives used?
Smell
Yes, the sense of Smell would confirm the presence of Extreme Pressure (EP) additive, which is the most likely additive in use in this gearbox.
Do the additives and viscosity support the sample information?
Name one parameter that shows the oil has not significantly deteriorated since the last sample.
Acid Number and Oxidation
Both show no significant increase since the last sample suggesting the oil is not oxidising and deteriorating significantly.
How has the cleanliness of the oil changed since the last sample?
ISO and Silicon both show oil is cleaner
The Silicon is approximately half its original value, and the ISO code is on average a code cleaner, which is twice as clean because it is a log scale. Contamination is unlikely to a concern on this sample. All the other contaminants look low too.
