Gearbox oil change

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How long is too long before changing oil. I'm using an oil lab to tell me the lubrication condition and machine condition. I'm using a mineral oil and set up some best practices to keep contaminates out of my gearboxes. Most of this was done over 5 years ago. My lab results on a few of these gearboxes is nearing 5years since last oil change with both conditions within normal limits. Most of these units have an oil capacity of 7 gallons. I'm not worried about the price of the oil but less frequent oil changes is saving us alot of man hours. Visual inspection of this oil looks pretty good on all samples.
My oil analysis includes the following test:
Viscosity in cSt @ 100 degrees C (40)
Crackle for Water
(sight and sound procedure 320 degrees F)
RDE Spectro-analysis (21 metals)
(Rotating disc electrode)
Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis (FT-IR)
(base oil health, additive condition, and contaminants)
DR Ferrograph
( wear debris)
Analysts Rating and Recommendation

3/2/099:38 AM

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Original Post

micbialMember

Using the UOA as a guide is a good practice not only for equipment health but also extending your drain intervals. As long as your analysis keeps coming back OK I wouldn't worry. Are they reporting a TAN level in your UOA results?

You might be surprised how long a drain interval can safely be extended when using a good quality lubricant. I have customers that have gear box's that haven't had a oil change in over 10 years. UOA's come back OK and no break downs to date.

3/2/096:26 PM

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