ASTM D7973-19

5.1 This standard is intended as a guideline for the justification of oil test selection for monitoring plain bearing conditions. One should employ a continuous benchmarking against similar applications to ensure lessons learned are continuously being implemented.

5.2 Selection of oil tests for the purpose of detecting plain bearing failure modes requires good understanding of equipment design, operating requirements, and surrounding conditions. Specifically, detailed knowledge is required of bearing design configuration, dimensional tolerances, load directions, design limitations, lubrication mechanisms, lubricant characteristics, and metallurgy of lubricated surfaces. Equipment criticality and accessibility as well as application of other monitoring techniques (for example, vibration, ultrasound, or thermal images) are also critical information in this analysis process. In addition, detailed knowledge of the lubricating oil is paramount.

5.3 To properly apply the FMEA methodology, users must understand the changes encountered in the system during all operating modes, their impact on design functions, and available monitoring techniques capable of detecting these changes. To demonstrate this approach, Section 6 will provide extensive descriptions of the plain bearing failure modes, their causes, and effects.

1.1 This guide covers an oil test selection process for plain bearing applications by applying the principles of Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) as described in Guide D7874.

1.2 This guide approaches oil analysis from a failure standpoint and includes both the bearing wear and fluid deterioration.

1.3 This guide pertains to improving equipment reliability, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing the condition-based maintenance program primarily for industrial machinery by applying analytical methodology to an oil analysis program for the purpose of determining the detection capability of specific failure modes.

1.4 This guide reinforces the requirements for appropriate assembly and operation within the original design envelope, as well as the need for condition-based and time-based maintenance.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.