Numerous sample results came back this time with "Large amounts of ferrous particles are present.", seems odd multiple 300hp verticle pump motors would show up suddenly with this.

Any suggestions why this has happened?

Smink,
1 - you see the beginning of severe wear.
2 - you sampling oil from the sump bottom.
3 - oil filter is break down and sediment from him is ingress to oil.
4 - container used for displacement last portion of oil from storage to unit had contamination of ferrous particles and so on.
Regards,

quote:

Originally posted by Smink:
Numerous sample results came back this time with "Large amounts of ferrous particles are present.", seems odd multiple 300hp verticle pump motors would show up suddenly with this.

Any suggestions why this has happened?

What does the lab base that on? Microscopy? Spectroscopy? Ferrography?
Usually if the particles are "larger" it origins from one of two sources (from my experience):
1. Contamination during sampeling (or sampled from sump, drain valve, filter)
2. Newly generated wear (but in several motors doesnt sound likely)

Always when in doubt: Resample

Is all the lubricant from the same lot? We had an oil tested straight out of the barrel that would not pass our used oil test criteria. Could be vendor contamination. We filter all our new oil prior to releasing it for use.

Different tech sampling the oil? Our best techs use best practices, i.e Vampire pumps, sufficient purge prior to sampling, and care how and where they obtain the samples. The techs with indifferent attitudes will pull the drain plug and obtain a sample without any type of purge.

Good luck, keep us informed as to what you find.
Pete