The LaserNet Fines, available from Particle Test , is a bench-top analytical instrument that combines oil analysis techniques of particle shape classification (basic ferrography) and particle counting in one instrument. The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument analyses hydraulic and lubricating oil samples from various types of equipment and machinery that are a part of a machine condition monitoring programme.
The monitoring is based primarily on the morphological (ferrography) analysis and the particle size distribution of the abnormal wear particles that are created from the internal components of the machine. The operator is presented with an assessment of particles found in the fluid sample and a history of previous results for the same equipment. The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument can be used as a stand-alone analytical instrument, or in conjunction with a full service oil analysis programme.
As a particle shape classifier, the LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument provides the user with shape recognition of all particles greater than 20µm. An algorithm sorts particles into categories such as cutting, fatigue, severe sliding, nonmetallic and fibers. The shape recognition software also tests for bubbles, and water droplets greater than 20µm are eliminated from the particle counting results. The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument gives approximate results of free water based on this feature.
The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument was designed primarily as an automatic wear particle shape classifier and trending tool to assist in condition monitoring programmes. Due to its direct imaging capability, it is also an accurate particle counter. It is ISO 4406:1999 compliant.
As a particle counter, the LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument processes and stores thousands of images to obtain good counting statistics. Particles are sized directly and results can be displayed by ISO Code (>4 µm, >6 µm, and >14 µm), or other codes such as the NAS Code (5-15 µm, 15-25 µm, 25-50 µm, 50-100 µm and >100 µm). The direct imaging capability of the LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument eliminates the need for calibration with a test dust. Air bubbles greater than 20µm are ignored and the laser is powerful enough to process heavily sooted (black) oils.
Shape features were chosen to give optimal distinction between the assigned classes of fatigue, cutting, severe sliding, nonmetallic, fibers, water bubbles, and air bubbles. An extensive library of particles, which were identified by human experts was used.
The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument correctly counts the NIST SRM 2806 (or its derivative, the commercially available PartiStan) that is the calibration fluid for the ISO11171. The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument correctly measures the SRM 2806 as it is an automated microscope calibrated to a known linear dimension, a fundamental calibration and an alternative to arbitrary calibration fluid.
The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument directly images each particle, whereas automated light blockage particle counter measures only how much light is blocked. The LaserNet Fines bench-top analytical instrument achieves the same counts that the NIST did for the SRM 2806 from first principles.