Enpac Oil User's Guide

Enpac Oil
User’s Guide
Your manual for using the

digital Contam Alert®,
ferrous Contam Alert®,
digital Visc Alert®,
Enpac Oil,
and the Oil Sensor Interface
with
Enlube™ Proaction® Manager,
EMONITOR Odyssey®,
or Enshare™
Entek IRD International Corporation
P/N 45805
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2000 by Entek IRD International Corporation
All Rights Reserved
First Edition 2000
Printed in the U.S.A.
This Manual is supplied to the User under license, subject to recall by Entek IRD International Corporation at any
time, and the Manual at all times remains the property of Entek IRD International Corporation. The information
contained in this Manual is considered confidential. No part of this Manual is to be copied or reproduced or
transmitted in any form whatever (including orally or by electronic transmission), nor is any information in this
Manual to be disclosed in any form whatever (including orally or by electronic transmission) to anyone other than
an authorized representative of the User’s employer who also shall agree not to disclose same, without express
prior written consent of Entek IRD International Corporation.
Trademarks
EMONITOR Odyssey, Proaction, digital CONTAM ALERT, ferrous CONTAM ALERT, and digital VISC
ALERT, Entek, and IRD are registered trademarks of Entek IRD International Corporation.
Enshare, Enlube and Lube Link are trademarks of Entek IRD International Corporation.
Millipore is a registered trademark of Millipore Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other product names are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Entek IRD International Corporation

1700 Edison Dr.
Milford, OH 45150-2729
Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Overview of the Host Software and the Oil Analysis System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Using this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Using the Online Help System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Customer Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2. The Enpac Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Overview of the Enpac Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Product Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Safety Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Parts of the Enpac Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Data Collector Diagram and Key Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Data Collector Hardware Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Strap Attachment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Enpac Oil Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Battery Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Checking Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Inserting or Removing the Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Basic Enpac Oil Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Powering On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Adjusting the Screen Contrast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Making Selections in the Data Collector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Displaying the Operating System Version Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Resetting the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Bootloader Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Loading the Enpac Oil Operating System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Setting the Date and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Enpac Oil Menus and Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
dCA Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Communicate with PC Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
View Data Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Using Memory Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Types of Memory Card Used with Enpac Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
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3. The digital CONTAM-ALERT (dCA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Overview of the dCA (digital CONTAM-ALERT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Safety Warnings for the dCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
dCA Operating Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Understanding How the dCA Sensor Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Connecting the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Configuring the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting Screen Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Setting Screen Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Setting Fluid Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Setting Result Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Setting Particle Size Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Techniques for Collecting Data with the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Probing On with the dCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Priming the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Assembling the dCA Sensor with Sensor Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Maintaining the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Backflushing the dCA Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Cleaning dCA Sensor Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Changing Screen Sizes or Changing Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Calibrating the dCA Sensor Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Seal Compatibility with Specific Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Replacing the Sensor Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4. The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Overview of the ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Understanding How the fCA Sensor Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Connecting the fCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Maintaining the fCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Cleaning the fCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Verifying the fCA Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Replacing the fCA Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Flushing the fCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Collecting a Ferrogram for Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the fCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
5. The digital VISC-ALERT (dVA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Overview of the digital VISC-ALERT (dVA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Safety Warnings for the dVA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
dVA Operating Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Understanding How the dVA Sensor Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
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Connecting the dVA Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Probing On with the dVA Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Assembling the dVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Priming the dVA Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Configuring the dVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Entering the Probe Serial Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
Calibrating the Probe for Low Viscosity Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Calibrating the Probe for High Viscosity Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63
Setting the Default Units and Projected Temperature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Entering New Oil Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
Maintaining the dVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Backflushing the dVA Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Seal Compatibility with Specific Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Replacing the Sensor Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Comparing Test Results to New Oil Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
6. Equipment for Sampling and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Overview of Equipment for Sampling and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Proper Sampling Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Choosing Sample Bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
When to Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
Sampling Conclusions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Other Sampling References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80
Preparing Test Port Valves for Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Collecting Fluid Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Overview of Collecting Fluid Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83
Collecting a Bottled Sample from a 5–500 psi Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Collecting a Bottled Sample from a 500–3000 psi Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85
Agitating the Bottled Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Using the High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
Using the Portable Pressure Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Using the Bench-Top Apparatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
7. Setting Up Measurements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Overview of Setting Up Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Measurement Definition Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Measurement Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Measurement Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Measurement Input Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96
Setting Up the Lubricant Specifications and Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Adding Lubricants to the Lubricant Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Using the Viscosity Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99
Setting Up Categories for Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
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Setting Up Measurement Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Setting Up Measurement Definitions for the dCA for Particle Count . . . . . . . 102
Setting Up Measurement Definitions with the fCA for Ferrous Count . . . . . . 103
Setting Up Measurement Definitions with the dVA for Viscosity . . . . . . . . . 103
Setting Up Alarms, Lists, and Inspection Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Alarms and the Data Collector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Lists and the Data Collector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Inspection Codes and the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
8. Loading and Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Overview of Loading and Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Setting Up for Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Preparing the Host Software for Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Setting Up the Data Collector for Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Selecting the Correct Communication Settings in the Enpac Oil . . . . . . . . . . 111
Connecting the Data Collector and Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Loading Lists to the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Preparing the Data Collector for Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Deleting or Resetting Lists in the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Selecting the List(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Loading Lists to the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Displaying the Data Collector Driver Version Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Unloading a List from the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Preparing the Data Collector for Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Unloading a List in the Host Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Unloading Unscheduled Data from the Data Collector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Automatically Printing Reports after Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Transferring Individual Files from your Computer to the Enpac Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Downloading and Installing Microsoft ActiveSync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Connecting to the Enpac Oil using ActiveSync. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Transferring Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
9. Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Overview of Collecting Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Preparing for Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Collecting List Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Using the dCA to Collect List Data for Particle Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Using the fCA to Collect List Data for Ferrous Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Using the dVA to Collect List Data for Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Entering Inspection Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Moving through a List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Skipping Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
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Collecting Unscheduled Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

Using the dCA to Collect Unscheduled Particle Count Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . .137
Using the fCA to Collect Unscheduled Ferrous Count Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139
Using the dVA to Collect Unscheduled Viscosity Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141
Storing Unscheduled Data in the Host Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Reviewing Collected Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .144
10. Using Lube Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Overview of Lube Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Setting Up Lube Link Data Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .146
Choosing the Default File Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Choosing the Export Location. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147
Inserting New Machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .148
Setting Up a Lab Stand for Lube Link . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Configuring the dCA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
Setting Screen Size and Fluid Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .152
Setting Screen Calibration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Setting Particle Count Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153
Configuring the dVA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Entering the Probe Serial Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Calibrating the Probe for Low or High Viscosity Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Setting the Default Viscosity Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Entering New Oil Specifications in the Lubricant Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Connecting to the Oil Sensor Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Connector Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Setting the Computer Communications Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161
Collecting dCA Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162
Collecting dCA/fCA Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .164
Collecting dVA Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166
Comparing Test Results to New Oil Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168
Troubleshooting Error Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Viewing Particle Count and Ferrous Count Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170
Setting Default Display Units for Particle Count . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171
Setting Plot Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
Viewing Plots of Particle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
Printing Plots of Particle Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
Viewing Viscosity Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Setting Default Display Units for Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174
Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
Setting Up Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
Generating Reports on Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Printing Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Enpac Oil User’s Guide vii

Table of Contents
Exporting and Importing Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

Selecting Units for Export . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Exporting Data to the Host Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Importing Data into Host Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Setting Up Automatic Import. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Exporting Data to Excel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Data Collector INI File Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Setting Up Measurement Definitions in the Host Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Loading Lists to the Enpac Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Collecting Data with the Enpac Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Unloading Data from the Enpac Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Abbreviations, Prefixes, and Letter Symbols. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Cleanliness Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
viii Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Terms and Conditions
ENTEK IRD INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. CONTRACT. When Customer accepts a Quotation from Entek IRD International Corporation or an
affiliate (the entity issuing the quotation being "Entek IRD") by issuance of a purchase order or
otherwise and Entek IRD accepts the order, Customer is deemed to have agreed to all the Terms
and Conditions contained herein. Unless otherwise approved in writing, the acceptance of Entek
IRD is expressly conditioned upon Customer accepting these Terms and Conditions, and any
different or additional terms and conditions contained in Customer's order or related documents
are expressly objected to by Entek IRD and not binding upon it. Entek IRD reserves the right to
accept or reject all orders received by it and all orders may only be accepted at the contracting
office of Entek IRD located in Ohio. Entek IRD may accept in writing, by commencement of
performance or otherwise.
2. QUOTATIONS. All quotations expire automatically thirty days from date of quotation or earlier by
notice from Entek IRD. Unless otherwise noted in writing by Entek IRD, all prices are F.O.B. the
place of origin for domestic shipments and Ex Works (as defined in INCOTERMS 1990) for
international shipments; and risk of loss in transit is on Customer. Prices do not include any
applicable taxes, however designated, levied or based upon the goods or services being quoted.
Customer agrees to pay all such taxes or provide acceptable evidence of exemption therefrom.
3. TIMING. All delivery/shipping and service dates stated by Entek IRD are approximate dates only
and estimated in good faith to the best of Entek IRD's ability and are dependent upon Entek IRD's
prompt receipt of all necessary information from Customer. Time shall not be deemed to be of
the essence in Entek IRD's performance of this agreement, and no penalty clause of any
description in any specification or order will be effective unless specifically approved in writing
by an authorized officer of Entek IRD. In any event delivery/shipping and service dates are
always quoted subject to unavoidable delays due to causes beyond Entek IRD's control including
but not limited to strikes, casualty, war, acts of God, systems failure or government action.
4. TERMS. Payment terms for domestic orders are net 10 days from date of invoice, unless otherwise
provided in the quotation. For international orders, Entek IRD reserves the right to specify
prepayment, letter of credit, or payment net 10 days from the date of invoice. Each shipment
shall be considered a separate and independent transaction and payment must be made
accordingly. If the financial condition or credit of Customer at any time in the judgment of Entek
IRD, does not warrant shipment of goods ordered, Entek IRD may at its option require full
payment prior to shipment or refuse to ship and terminate any order outstanding without liability
to Entek IRD. If any sum is not paid by Customer when due, Entek IRD shall not be obligated to
continue performance. If any amount is not paid when due, to the extent permitted by law a late
fee of 1% per month (or any part thereof) shall be charged on past due amounts until paid.
5. CONFIDENTIALITY. If Customer data comes into Entek IRD's possession, Entek IRD shall use
the same level of care to maintain the confidentiality of that data which Entek IRD uses for its
own confidential information. Subject thereto, Entek IRD may use data in its possession to
compile and maintain commercial machinery information databases in which the origin of
specific data is not identifiable by users. Such databases shall be the sole property of Entek IRD.
6. CANCELLATION. Once accepted by Entek IRD, an order is not subject to cancellation in whole
or in part by Customer without Entek IRD's prior written consent. Any such cancellation shall be
subject to a cancellation charge as determined by Entek IRD to cover any loss that may be
incurred by Entek IRD as a result of such cancellation, including without limitation a 25%
restocking charge for standard products.
Enpac Oil User’s Guide ix

7. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES. Customer shall be solely responsible for the accuracy and
adequacy of the information provided to Entek IRD, and Entek IRD shall not be liable for any
damages resulting from the loss, disclosure or inaccuracy of such information. Customer shall,
for those contracts which include on-site installation, have the installation site prepared at its
expense prior to the scheduled installation date to enable Entek IRD to promptly deliver and
commence installation. The products are not for use in or with any nuclear facility, unless the
Quotation expressly permits such use; and Customer shall indemnify and hold Entek IRD
harmless from all liability (including such liability resulting from Entek IRD's negligence) arising
out of such improper use. Customer shall not send or use the products outside the United States
except in compliance with all applicable law, including U.S. export regulations and restrictions.
8. SOFTWARE AND SERVICES DOCUMENTS. If any computer software, whether incorporated
into a piece of equipment ("firmware"),or provided separately, and related user documentation in
any medium (collectively referred to as "Software") are included in the contract, the terms of the
Entek IRD Standard Software License Agreement shall govern the contract with respect to
Software. If any services other than oil analysis services are included in the contract, the Entek
IRD Standard Field Engineering Services Terms and Conditions shall govern such services.
Those documents are available to Customer upon request, and Customer is responsible to obtain
and read the Standard Software License Agreement and the Standard Field Engineering Services
Terms and Conditions.
9. LIMITED WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES. A. Entek IRD warrants to Customer (and not
anyone else) that (i) all products manufactured by Entek IRD shall be free of defects in materials
and workmanship under normal conditions for a period of one (1) year from the date of shipment
(except that items with limited life such as batteries and lamps are warranted for 90 days from
date of shipment) and that (ii) services will be free from defects in workmanship under normal
conditions, for 90 days from performance. With respect to performance related in any way to the
passage of time to the year 2000 and beyond, or the occurrence of a leap year, Entek IRD does not
make any representation or warranty; Entek IRD has issued a Year 2000 readiness disclosure
statement, which is available to Customer upon request.
B. With respect to any Entek IRD product or service that fails to satisfy the limited warranty
provisions in this Section, as Customer's exclusive remedy, and at Entek IRD's option, Entek IRD
will repair or replace the product or refund its purchase price or refund the purchase price of the
service, provided that any defect is brought to the attention of Entek IRD within the warranty
period. To qualify for this warranty concerning a product Customer must return the defective
product to Entek IRD's designated facility freight prepaid, and after repair or replacement Entek
IRD will return the product freight prepaid; or, if in Entek IRD's opinion the product is
impractical to ship, Customer shall be charged for labor, transportation and subsistence expenses
for the service representative(s) providing the warranty work at Customer's site. Entek IRD alone
will be authorized to furnish or arrange for repairs or replacements.
C. The above limited warranties do not apply, and no warranty, either express or implied, shall be
applicable, (a) to damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse or abuse, harmful conditions,
systems failure or Act of God; (b) if the product is not installed, operated and maintained
according to procedures recommended by Entek IRD; or (c) if the Entek IRD serial number is
obliterated. In no case shall the limited warranty extend to defects in materials, components, or
services furnished by third parties or to the repair or installation of the product performed by third
parties. The above warranties do not extend to any products sold "as-is" or "as-inspected;" no
warranties, either express or implied, are made with respect to such products.
D. Entek IRD makes no representations or warranties to Customer, or anyone else, with respect to
products manufactured by a third party. Any warranties of the third party manufacturers shall run
directly to Customer to the extent permitted by law and Entek IRD shall have no liability therefor.
x Enpac Oil User’s Guide

E. The limited warranties in this Section constitute Entek IRD's entire warranty as to the
products and services provided hereunder. ENTEK IRD HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING CONFORMITY TO ANY
REPRESENTATION OR DESCRIPTION AND INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSES
WHATSOEVER.
10. EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND LIABILITY LIMITATION. THE REMEDIES PROVIDED
HEREIN ARE CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES, AND ENTEK IRD'S
EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. CUSTOMER
AGREES THAT NO OTHER REMEDY (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, LOST SALES, LOST
PRODUCTION, OVERHEAD, LABOR, INJURY TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, OR ANY
OTHER INCIDENTAL LOSS) SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMER. THIS
ALLOCATION OF RISK IS REFLECTED IN THE PRICES OF THE PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES. ENTEK IRD'S MAXIMUM LIABILITY HEREUNDER ARISING FROM ANY
CAUSE WHATSOEVER SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN QUESTION. Any suit related to this Agreement, on any legal
theory, must be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues.
11. TITLE AND LIEN RIGHTS. Each product shall remain personal property regardless of how it is
affixed to Customer's real property and Entek IRD reserves a purchase money security interest in
the product until the purchase price has been fully paid. Customer agrees to execute, and hereby
appoints Entek IRD as its attorney-in-fact to execute on Customer's behalf, any documents
requested by Entek IRD which are necessary for attachment and perfection of its security interest.
If Customer defaults, Entek IRD shall have all the rights of a secured creditor under the Uniform
Commercial Code as enacted in Ohio.
12. OTHER TERMS. These terms and conditions and any issue, claim or dispute arising hereunder
shall be interpreted under and governed in all respects by the internal laws of the State of Ohio,
and not by the 1980 U.N. Convention on the International Sale of Goods. These terms and
conditions and the written quotation to which they relate constitute the entire contract between
the parties, and supersede all other oral or written statements of any kind whatsoever made by the
parties or their representatives. Waiver by Entek IRD of strict compliance with any one or more
of these Terms and Conditions is not to be considered a continuing waiver or a waiver of any
other term or condition. No statement purporting to modify any of these terms or conditions shall
be binding unless expressly agreed to in writing signed by an officer of Entek IRD and by
Customer.
Enpac Oil User’s Guide xi

ENTEK IRD INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

STANDARD SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT
1. LICENSE: This License Agreement ("Agreement") sets forth the terms and conditions on which
software owned by or licensed to Entek IRD International Corporation ("Entek IRD"), whether
incorporated into a piece of equipment (i.e. "firmware") or provided separately, together with
related user documentation in any medium and hardware security keys (together referred to as
"Software"), are licensed to a customer ("Customer"). Each entity that has licensed to Entek IRD
any Software that is being licensed to Customer hereunder, including Oracle Corporation, is a
third party beneficiary of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by law. Upon Customer's use of
or payment for the Software, Customer is deemed to have agreed to all the terms and conditions
contained in this Agreement. Any different or additional terms and conditions contained in
Customer's order or other documents are expressly objected to by Entek IRD and not binding
upon it.
A. Entek IRD grants Customer a non-exclusive and non-transferable license to use each Software
program furnished hereunder solely for Customer's internal use and subject to the following
limitations: If the Software provided is for a single-user system as identified in the quotation,
Customer may use the Software only on a single computer. If the Software provided is for a local
area network (LAN) multi-user system as identified in the quotation, Customer may install the
Software on a single database server and may access the Software only from other network
clients located at the same site. If the Software provided is for a wide area network (WAN) multi-
user system as identified in the quotation, Customer may install the Software on a single database
server and may access the Software only from network clients at the same site and at the number
of remote sites for which Customer purchases licenses. If the Software provided is for a multi-
user system as identified in the quotation, the Customer may use the Software with a single
database server, and the Software may be accessed only by the number of concurrent users for
which Customer purchases concurrent user licenses. TurboMonitor software may be installed
only on a single computer per license. If any Software requires a security key for access,
Customer may use only security keys purchased from Entek IRD.
B. Customer acknowledges that the Software and related documentation including all versions,
corrections, enhancements and improvements thereto, include confidential data and know-how
which are claimed as trade secrets or other proprietary information by Entek IRD and/or its
suppliers. Use of the Software is restricted to object code. Without prior written consent of Entek
IRD, Customer shall not do, or permit or assist others to do any of the following: (i) allow the
Software, related documentation or any portion thereof in any form to be used by any person or
entity other than Customer's employees or agents, and then only to the extent necessary in the
scope of their employment or agency; (ii) copy or otherwise reproduce, disassemble, decompile,
reverse engineer, modify, update, translate, transform into other form, or enhance the Software;
or (iii) disclose or permit access to the Software to any person or entity, except to the extent
necessary to facilitate the permissible use thereof as set forth in (i) above. Entek IRD is under no
obligation to furnish source code for any Software program.
xii Enpac Oil User’s Guide

C. Customer shall not assign or otherwise transfer the license to the Software granted herein
except to a successor in interest to the entire business in which the Software is used, and then only
if the assignee or transferee agrees in writing to be bound by the terms hereof. Timesharing and
rental of the Software is prohibited. Customer warrants that all persons having access to the
Software will observe and perform the obligations set forth in this document. Customer
understands and agrees that the Software is an unpublished work and agrees that the existence of
any copyright notice shall not be construed as an admission or presumption that publication has
occurred. Customer acknowledges, notwithstanding the license granted herein, that all
intellectual property rights in the Software are and shall continue to be exclusively owned by
Entek IRD and/or its suppliers. The Software is "commercial computer software" for purposes of
licenses to any divisions or agencies of the U.S. Federal Government. Customer shall not send or
use the Software outside the United States except in compliance with all applicable law,
including U.S. export regulations and restrictions. Entek IRD may enter Customer's premises
during normal business hours to verify Customer's compliance with the terms of this license.
Customer may not publish the results of any benchmark test run on the Software.
D. If Customer data comes into Entek IRD's possession, Entek IRD shall use the same level of
care to maintain the confidentiality of that data which Entek IRD uses for its own confidential
information. Subject thereto, Entek IRD may use data in its possession to compile and maintain
commercial machinery information databases in which the origin of specific data is not
identifiable by users. Such databases shall be the sole property of Entek IRD.
2. LIMITED WARRANTIES.
A. Entek IRD warrants to Customer (and not anyone else) that all Entek IRD Software supplied
by Entek IRD shall perform in substantial conformance with the specifications provided by Entek
IRD in the product manual of such Software for a period of one year from the date of shipment.
With respect to performance related in any way to the passage of time to the year 2000 and
beyond, or the occurrence of a leap year, Entek IRD does not make any representation or
warranty; Entek IRD has issued a Year 2000 readiness disclosure statement, which is available to
Customer upon request. Entek IRD does not warrant that the operation of the CPU or Software
will be uninterrupted or error free. Entek IRD makes no representation or warranty, either express
or implied, with regard to the Software's suitability, capacity, or performance in relation to
Customer's specifications or needs. Entek IRD warrants that the Software does not contain
computer viruses when shipped. It is Customer's responsibility to preserve the integrity of its
computer systems and to conduct virus checks of all Software before it is installed, and this
warranty concerning computer viruses expires when the Software is installed.
B. With respect to any Entek IRD Software which fails to satisfy the limited warranty provisions
in this Agreement, as Customer's exclusive remedy, and at Entek IRD's option, Entek IRD agrees
to repair or replace such defective item without charge, or Entek IRD's sales price therefor shall
be refunded upon return of the defective product to Entek IRD, provided that any defect in the
Software is brought to the attention of Entek IRD within the warranty period; Entek IRD alone
will be authorized to furnish or arrange for repairs or replacements, or to refund Entek IRD's sales
price, within the terms of this limited warranty.
C. The above limited warranties do not apply, and no warranty, either express or implied, shall
be applicable, (a) to damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse or abuse, harmful
conditions or Act of God; (b) if the product is not installed, operated and maintained according to
procedures recommended by Entek IRD; or (c) if any modifications whatsoever to the Software
are made by anyone except Entek IRD. In no case shall the limited warranty extend to defects in
materials, components, or services furnished by third parties or to the repair or installation of the
product performed by third parties.
Enpac Oil User’s Guide xiii

D. The limited warranties in this Section constitute Entek IRD's entire warranty as to the
Software provided hereunder. ENTEK IRD AND EACH LICENSOR OF ENTEK IRD
HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
CONFORMITY TO ANY REPRESENTATION OR DESCRIPTION AND INCLUDING
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY
PARTICULAR PURPOSES WHATSOEVER.
3. PATENT AND COPYRIGHT INDEMNITY. Entek IRD will at its expense, defend Customer
against any claim that any Entek IRD Software furnished under this Agreement infringes a
United States patent or copyright. Entek IRD will pay all costs, damages and attorney's fees that
a court finally awards as a result of such claim. To qualify for such defense and payment,
Customer must 1) give Entek IRD prompt written notice of any such claim, and 2) allow Entek
IRD to control, and fully cooperate with Entek IRD in, the defense and all related settlement
negotiations.
Customer agrees that if the operation of the Entek IRD Software becomes, or Entek IRD believes is
likely to become, the subject of such a claim, Customer will permit Entek IRD at its option and
expense, either to secure the right for Customer to continue using the Entek IRD Software or to
replace or modify it so that it becomes non-infringing. However, if neither of the foregoing
alternatives is available on terms which are reasonable in Entek IRD's judgment, Customer will
return the Entek IRD Software upon Entek IRD's written request. Entek IRD will grant Customer
a credit for any Entek IRD Software whose total charges are fully paid, as Customer's sole
remedy and Entek IRD shall have no other liabilities therefor.
Entek IRD shall have no obligation with respect to any such claim based upon Customer modification
of any Software or its combination, operation or use with apparatus, data or programs not
furnished by Entek IRD or in other than the specified operating environment. This Section states
Entek IRD's entire obligation to Customer regarding infringement or the like.
4. EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES AND LIABILITY LIMITATION. THE REMEDIES PROVIDED
HEREIN ARE CUSTOMER'S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES, AND ENTEK IRD'S
EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING
NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. CUSTOMER
AGREES THAT NO OTHER REMEDY (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR LOST PROFITS, LOST SALES,
LOST PRODUCTION, OVERHEAD, LABOR, INJURY TO PERSON OR PROPERTY, OR
ANY OTHER INCIDENTAL LOSS) SHALL BE AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMER. THIS
ALLOCATION OF RISK IS REFLECTED IN THE PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE. ENTEK
IRD'S MAXIMUM LIABILITY HEREUNDER ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE
WHATSOEVER SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE SOFTWARE
IN QUESTION. Any suit related to this Agreement, on any legal theory, must be commenced
within one year after the cause of action accrues.
5. SOFTWARE LICENSE TERM. The Software license granted hereunder shall be effective until
terminated. Customer may terminate the license at any time by returning to Entek IRD the
Software and related documentation together with all copies, modifications, and merged portions
in any form. Entek IRD may terminate this license if Customer breaches any term of this license.
This license will terminate automatically when Customer ceases to use the Software, except for
temporary periods not exceeding one year. When the license terminates no refund shall be made
by Entek IRD, and Customer shall at its expense return to Entek IRD the Software and all related
keys and documentation together with all copies, modifications, and merged portions in any
form. Upon termination Customer must discontinue use and destroy or return to Entek IRD all
copies of the Software and all documentation.
6. MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE. Entek IRD has no obligation, except as otherwise expressly
stated in the Quotation or herein, to provide service, support, technical assistance, updates or
training.
xiv Enpac Oil User’s Guide

7. MISCELLANEOUS. Entek IRD may enter Customer's premises from time to time during business
hours and conduct such inspections as Entek IRD deems appropriate to verify Customer's
compliance with this Agreement. This Agreement, any written quotation to which it relates and
the General Terms and Conditions of Entek IRD constitute the entire contract between the parties
with respect to the Software, and supersede all other oral or written statements of any kind
whatsoever made by the parties or their representatives. No statement purporting to modify any
of these terms or conditions shall be binding unless expressly agreed to in writing signed by an
officer of Entek IRD and by Customer. These terms and conditions and any issue, claim or
dispute arising hereunder shall be interpreted under and governed in all respects by the internal
laws of the State of Ohio, and the state and federal courts of Clermont County, Ohio shall have
exclusive jurisdiction and venue over all disputes related to this Agreement or relationship.
Waiver by Entek IRD of strict compliance with any one or more of these Terms and Conditions is
not to be considered a continuing waiver or a waiver of any other term or condition.
Enpac Oil User’s Guide xv

xvi Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Chapter 1
1. Introduction
This chapter introduces you to using the Enpac Oil and Oil Sensor
Interface with the dCA, the fCA, the dVA, and with EMONITOR
Odyssey®, Enshare™, or Enlube™ Proaction® Manager. It also
describes the Online Help System and Customer Support.
Overview of the Host Software and the Oil Analysis System ................ 2
Using this Manual ................................................................................. 2
Using the Online Help System............................................................... 4
Customer Support.................................................................................. 5
Enpac Oil User’s Guide 1

Chapter 1 - Introduction
Overview of the Host Software and the Oil Analysis System

The Enpac Oil is a Windows CE-based data collector for collecting and analyzing the
amount of particulate matter, ferrous matter, or viscosity levels in a fluid sample. The
combination of this data collector with Entek host software provides a complete package for
predictive maintenance using oil or hydraulic fluid analysis. The host software can be
Enshare, EMONITOR Odyssey, or Enlube Proaction Manager.
This manual covers using the Enpac Oil or Oil Sensor Interface with three different sensors:
z the digital CONTAM-ALERT® (dCA)
z the ferrous CONTAM-ALERT® (fCA)
z the digital VISC-ALERT® (dVA)
A predictive maintenance program helps you decide when equipment needs to be serviced
or replaced. Fluid analysis can help you determine general equipment health. The Enpac Oil
can perform fluid analysis by determining the concentration of specific sizes of particles or
viscosity levels in lubricant or hydraulic fluid for analysis.
With the combination of the host software and the Enpac Oil, you can complete your data
collection and oil analysis on site by learning how to:
z Create lists of measurement definitions.
z Load lists from the host software into the Enpac Oil.
z Collect list data using the dCA sensor, the fCA sensor, or the dVA sensor
z View collected data with the Enpac Oil.
z Unload collected data into your host software database.
This chapter walks you through this manual and the Online Help System, and offers
information on Customer Support services.
Using this Manual

This Guide is intended for people using the host software and the oil analysis system sensors
coupled with the Enpac Oil. This manual contains step-by-step instructions for using the
Enpac Oil with the host software and serves as a reference and troubleshooting guide with
sections about the Enpac Oil, Oil Sensor Interface, the dCA sensor, the fCA sensor, the dVA
sensor, and frequently asked questions.
Organization
To help you navigate through this manual, it is organized in chapters based on these tasks
and topics:
Chapter 1 “Introduction” contains an overview of this manual and the Online Help
System. It also contains information about the host software and using Entek Customer
Support Services.
Chapter 2 “The Enpac Oil” describes the Enpac Oil data collector in detail, including
battery information and how to load the operating system.
2 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Using this Manual
Chapter 3 “The digital CONTAM-ALERT (dCA)” covers the basic operations of the
dCA sensor, including important safety information.
Chapter 4 “The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA)” contains information about the fCA
sensor and how to use it with the Enpac Oil and dCA.
Chapter 5 “The digital VISC-ALERT (dVA)” describes using the dVA to obtain
viscosity information and how you can compare your measurements to new oil
specifications.
Chapter 6 “Equipment for Sampling and Testing” describes other equipment used for
collecting fluid samples and testing samples, such as the High Pressure Sampler II, the
Portable Pressure Chamber, and the bench-top apparatus.
Chapter 7 “Setting Up Measurements” describes setting up measurement definitions in
the host software for use with the Enpac Oil data collector. It also covers lists,
inspection codes, and alarms.
Chapter 8 “Loading and Unloading” describes loading and unloading lists with the
Enpac Oil data collector.
Chapter 9 “Collecting Data” contains all the tasks associated with collecting data,
including collecting samples and using the Enpac Oil to collect list data.
Chapter 10 “Using Lube Link” contains all the information about the LubeLink
software package and interfacing with the dCA, fCA, and dVA using the LubeLink
software application.
The Appendix contains information about the INI files for the dCA and dVA and a
Frequently Asked Questions section.
The Glossary contains definitions of terms used frequently in this manual.

Document Conventions
There are several document conventions used in this Guide, including the following:
z The data collector is referred to as the Enpac Oil or the data collector throughout this
User’s Guide. EMONITOR Odyssey, Enshare, and Enlube PM software is referred to
as the host software in this User’s Guide.
z Keys that you press on the Enpac Oil are shown within angle brackets in <ALL
CAPS>. The enter key is shown as <ENTER>.
z Keys on your computer keyboard are shown in boldface. The Shift key is shown as
Shift and the Enter key is shown as Enter. Sometimes keys are used in combination.
Ctrl+F1 means hold down the Control key and press the F1 key.
z Menu names in the Enpac Oil are capitalized as they appear in the title on the Enpac Oil
display. For example, the main menu on the Enpac Oil is referred to as the Main Menu.
A display is called a menu if it allows you to make choices by selecting a number.
z Menu names and commands from the host software menus have the first letter of the
word capitalized. Selections and choices in the host software dialog boxes are in
boldface. For example, “Choose OK in the dialog box.”
WARNING: A warning indicates potential bodily harm or damage to equipment.
Caution: A caution indicates potential loss of data.
Note: A note indicates additional information which may be helpful.

For definitions of other terms, see the Glossary at the end of this manual.
Using the Online Help System

The host software includes a complete Online Help System. This Online Help System
allows you to get help for commands, terms, and tasks quickly without opening a manual.
The Online Help System is context sensitive, which means that you can get help that applies
to whatever you are doing at that moment. In addition, the host software includes an online
tutorial to help you get started using the software.
The Online Help System includes both help for the host software and for the Enpac Oil. The
main host software online help describes commands, dialog boxes, procedures, and
windows. The Enpac Oil online help displays topics describing the operation and
maintenance of this data collector.
You access the main host software online help by pressing the F1 key to display context
sensitive help in a Help window. The topic in the Help window depends on the current state
of the system. For instance, if you highlight a command, or open a dialog box, the help
explains that command or dialog box.
You access the dCA/fCA/dVA Online Help by selecting DCA from the Help menu in the
host software window.

Customer Support
Organization
The Online Help System consists of topics. Each topic contains information on a specific
command, term, or task. Hypertext links the topics so you can look up additional
information, such as definitions of terms in the topic. Once you press F1 to open the Help
window, you can easily move around in the Online Help System to get more information by
using the hypertext links.
Customer Support
If you are under warranty or have an active ESAFE Agreement, Entek IRD provides a
variety of Customer Support services. In the United States you can reach the Technical
Support Hotline by dialing 1-800-ENTEKIRD (1-800-368-3547) Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. eastern time. Limited extended support for users in the mountain and
Pacific time zones is available until 7:00 p.m. eastern time. You can send a fax detailing
your questions or comments 24 hours a day by dialing (513) 576-4213. Please address the
fax to the Customer Support department. You can also reach Entek IRD from your
computer.
z Send questions to support@entek.com
z Send suggestions and comments to suggestions@entek.com
z Visit our web site at http://www.entek.com
For support outside of the United States, please contact your local Entek representative or
the nearest Entek IRD office. If your local support representative is not available, please
contact the U.S. Customer Support department. You can display the worldwide Customer
Support phone numbers by choosing the About command from the Help menu in the host
software.


Chapter 2
2. The Enpac Oil
This chapter describes the Enpac Oil data collector in detail and covers
the basic operations of the data collector. It includes the following
sections:
Overview of the Enpac Oil .................................................................... 8
Parts of the Enpac Oil ......................................................................... 12
Enpac Oil Battery Pack....................................................................... 15
Basic Enpac Oil Operations................................................................ 17
Enpac Oil Menus and Screens............................................................. 24
Using Memory Cards .......................................................................... 25

Chapter 2 - The Enpac Oil
Overview of the Enpac Oil

The Enpac Oil is a Windows® CE based data collector that a allows you to collect oil
analysis data using the digtal Contam-Alert® (dCA), ferrous Contam-Alert® (fCA), or
digital Visc-Alert® (dVA). You can unload these measurements to your software program
for analysis. You can collect data for sample locations defined in a list, or unscheduled
measurements not associated with a list. The Enpac Oil is also called the data collector in
this User’s Guide.
This chapter discusses the basic operations of the Enpac Oil, including how to:
z Check and remove the batteries.
z Power the data collector on and off.
z Reset the data collector.
z Go through the screens and make selections.
Product Specifications
Enclosure
Product Feature Specification
Size 8 in. x 5 in. x 2 in. (200mm x 130mm x 50mm)

Weight Less than 700g (1.5 lbs.)
Case Material: 80% ABS and 20% Polycarbonate plastic
Hand strap either side of unit
Viewable Display 1/8 VGA: 240 x 160 backlit LCD,
2.24 in. x 1.49 in. (57mm x 38mm) viewable
Keypad 1 ENTER key, 1 ESCAPE key, 4 function keys, 4 cursor keys, and a
numeric keypad (with . and +/-)
On/Off key
All keys are glow in the dark luminescent

Connector Panel
PC Comms RS232 – 9-way D Type (Plug)

IrDA Window (not currently used)
Other I/O 7-pin Fisher:
Power in/battery charge
Battery/Power
Battery option Rechargeable Lithium Ion Pack

Power gauge Yes
Capacity 1350 mA/hr
Life 6 hours
Charging In the unit or via an external charger
Unit can be powered indefinitely via external DC supply
Oil Sensor When red light is on, power is going to the Oil Sensor Interface
Interface Power
Performance
Operating System Windows CE V2.x

Processor Types Philips PR31700
DSP processor: Motorola DSP56303
OS Storage 8 Mbytes FLASH
(for WinCE and Applications)
Disk 4 Mbytes FLASH
(for applications and user data)
Internal RAM 16 Mbytes
PC Card support Type I or II PCMCIA cards (SRAM, ATA and Linear
Flash Memory, and VGA Cards) See “Types of Memory
Card Used with Enpac Oil” on page 26 for details.
Operating system Via RS232
and Application S/W upgrades Via PCMCIA card

Environmental
Sealing IP65 standard (with PC card slot)

Drop Test 6 ft. 6 in. (2 meters)
Temperature Range Operating: -10 to +60 °C (14 to 140 °F)
Storage: -40 to +80 °C (-40 to 176 °F)
Humidity Operating: 0 to 95% Relative Humidity
I/O and Communications

Serial Comms RS-232 serial port; up to 115k baud

Infrared IrDA interface (not currently used)
System
Download and Upload from PC RS-232 transfer – indicates data transfer when
connected to PC
Off Route/Pre-Defined Mode All measurement options available
Review Mode Yes
Loading Options
Memory Options Copy a single dCA route to and from PCMCIA memory
card. A single dVA route can also occupy the same card
at the same time. See “Types of Memory Card Used with
Enpac Oil” on page 26.
Approval/Certification
EMC/ESD CE
Safety Information
Avoid Water
The Enpac Oil has been designed to be splash and dust resistant. However, avoid direct
contact with water, wet surfaces, or condensing humidity. Keep this instrument away from
wet locations such as sinks, laundry, wet basements, and swimming pools, etc. If the
instrument is subjected to these conditions adverse operation may result. Allow the
instrument to dry thoroughly before operation. In addition, avoid opening the PCMCIA card
door in locations where ingress of water or other contaminants may occur.

Avoid Damage
To avoid costly damage or injury, place the instrument on a solid stable surface when not in
use, and do not place any heavy objects on it. Use only accessories recommended by Entek,
and use a damp, clean cloth for cleaning. Do not use cleaning fluids, abrasives, or aerosols.
They could enter the unit, causing damage, fire, or electrical shock. These substances may
also mar the finish of your instrument.
Keep liquids and foreign objects away from your instrument. Never operate your instrument
if any liquid or foreign object has entered it. Do not enter any other object other than
recommended PCMCIA type cards into the PCMCIA opening. Electrical shock could
result, causing fire or shock hazards as well as damage to the instrument.

Parts of the Enpac Oil

This section includes a diagram of the data collector showing the hardware connections.
Data Collector Diagram and Key Definitions

The following is a diagram of the Enpac Oil data collector showing the display and keys
used for operation.
Escape Key
Enter Key
Function Keys
F1 - F4
Arrow
Keys
On/Off
Switch
Numeric
Keys
Decimal +/- Key

Key
<Enter> Key
The <Enter> key is the yellow key on the right-hand side of the Enpac Oil. Pressing this key
starts collecting data for the current point, or accepts the current measurement. The <Enter>
key is also used as a selector or “Forward” key.
<Escape> Key
The <Escape> key allows you to move back one menu item or cancel out of a dialog box.
This key can also be thought of as a “Back” key.
Function keys
Below the display are four function keys referred throughout this manual as <F1>,< F2>,
<F3>, and <F4>. The function keys change depending on the current state of the data
collector. The data collector displays the current function of the keys in the display above
the key. When no text appears above a function key, the key is inactive in the current
window.

Parts of the Enpac Oil
Arrow keys
The arrow keys are located below the function keys. Use the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys
to move up and down the display. Use the <Enter> key to open the menu.
<On/Off> key
The <On/Off> key turns the data collector on and off. To turn the data collector off, press
and hold the <On/Off> key for about two seconds.
Decimal key
The Decimal (<.>) key allows you to check the battery life of the battery in the data
collector, or enter a decimal point in a numeric field.
Data Collector Hardware Connectors

This section discusses the data collector hardware connections for communications and data
collection. This diagram shows the top view of the Enpac Oil. Each connector is labeled
below.
PIN POWER/TRIG PIN RS232
1 MIC-IN + 1
2 SPEAKER + 2 TXD-OUT
3 SPEAKER - 3 RXD-IN
4 DGND 4 DTR-OUT
5 EXT-DC-IN 5 GND
6 EXT-TRIG-IN 6 N/C
7 +5V-TACHO-OUT 7 CTS-IN
8 RTS-OUT
9 +5V
Power/Trig
This socket connects the Enpac Oil to a power adapter. The pin assignment for the trigger is
shown in the illustration above.
The external power adapter can be used to charge the internal battery. This can be connected
via the Power socket on the top of the Enpac Oil. Only the provided transformer may be
used. Any other supply may cause permanent damage to the data collector.

IrDA Interface
The IrDA interface allows the Enpac Oil to transfer data to another IrDA device. When the
two infrared transmitters/receivers are aligned and activated, you can use the infrared beam
to transfer data back and forth between the Enpac Oil and your computer.
Note: The Enpac Oil does not currently use the IrDA interface.
RS-232 Interface
Data is transferred between the Enpac Oil and your computer over an RS-232 interface. The
RS-232 interface is provided via a 9-way (Plug) D-connector on the top of the Enpac Oil.
The pin assignments are shown below. The interface operates with a hardware handshake.
Pin Signal I/O
1 CD Carrier Detect Not Connected

2 RD Receive Data Output
3 TD Transmit Data Input
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready Output
5 GND Ground
6 DSR Data Set Ready Not Connected
7 CTS RTS Request To Send Input
8 CTS Clear To Send Output
9 RI Ring Indicator Not Connected

Enpac Oil Battery Pack
Strap Attachment
The strap can be fitted to either the left or right side of the Enpac Oil. Follow these steps to
connect the strap to the Enpac Oil:
1. Feed the ends of the strap through the top and bottom corner pillars as shown in the
illustration below.
2. Loop the ends of the strap through the buckles and adjust tightness to suit.
Enpac Oil Battery Pack

The Enpac Oil can be powered either from its own internal Lithium Ion battery or using the
main adapter plugged into the Power/Trig connector at the top panel of the instrument and
to an appropriate supply outlet. It also has an internal backup battery which maintains the
system settings should the battery become discharged or removed while the unit is not being
powered by an external DC supply.
This section discusses checking the battery level information, and removing the battery pack
from the data collector. Note that the Enpac Oil battery pack is located on the underside of
the Enpac Oil.

Battery Capacity
Mode State Life Expectancy
Bootloader Backup battery only 30 days typical

Main and backup battery 280 days typical
CE Operation Idle (main battery) 19 hours typical
(Windows CE)
Constantly capturing 14 hours minimum
data
Off Backup battery only 4 days typical
(main battery removed)
Main and backup battery 37 days typical
DC Power Bootloader mode 5.5mA @ 12V

current
CE mode current 5.5mA @ 12V
Off mode current 6.5mA @ 12V
Main Battery Max. 1.10 Amps

Charge Current
Main Battery Charge 70% full 1Hr 15mins to 1Hr 45mins
Time
Charging with the Enpac 100% 3Hrs 30mins to 4Hrs 30min
Oil Charger
Checking Battery Life

You can check the battery life of the battery in the data collector by following these steps.
1. Turn the Enpac Oil on.
2. Choose [4] Utilities on the Main Menu.
3. Choose [4] Battery Status from the Utilities Main Menu. The display reports the status

Basic Enpac Oil Operations
in percent life of the Internal Battery.
4. Choose <F4> OK to return to the Utilties Main Menu.
Inserting or Removing the Battery

Access to the main battery pack is obtained by removing two screws on the plate located on
the underside of the data collector using a flat head screwdriver.
The main battery is removed by sliding the cell to the left and lifting it out from the data
collector. The battery is inserted into the data collector by following this process in reverse
order.
Note: The Enpac Oil has a safety switch positioned under the plate of the battery compartment.
When you remove this cover, the data collector shuts down (as if the <On/Of> key was
pressed.)

This section covers many basic operations for the data collector, including powering up and
down, changing your display contrast, resetting the data collector, and setting the time.
Powering On and Off

The <On/Of> key powers the data collector on and off. A single press of the key turns the
data collector on. To power off the data collector, press the <On/Of> key for about two
seconds. The Enpac Oil resumes operation at the last screen you viewed when you turn the
data collector off.

Adjusting the Screen Contrast

The Enpac Oil allows you to change the screen contrast using a few button presses. This
allows you to lighten or darken the screen depending on your preferences. You can adjust
the contrast from any screen. To do so, follow these steps.
1. Turn the Enpac Oil on by pressing the power button.
2. Hold the right arrow button down.
3. To darken the screen contrast, press <F3> repeatedly. To lighten the screen contrast,
press <F1> repeatedly.
3. Release the right arrow button when the contrast settings are satisfactory.
Making Selections in the Data Collector

There are different types of displays used with the Enpac Oil. The method for making
selections depends on the display:
z Menu – Allows you to select a single function from a list of functions. An example is
the Main Menu. See “Enpac Oil Menus and Screens” on page 24.
z Dialog box screens – Allow you to make selections for settings and measurement
parameters.
Making selections in a menu

1. Use the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys or press the numeric keys to choose the desired
function.
2. Press the <Enter> key to activate the chosen function.
Making selections in a dialog box

1. Use the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys to select the desired field.
2. Select the choice using the <Up> and <Down> arrow keys, or type in the value using
the numeric key pad.
3. Press the <F4> key or <Enter> key to choose OK and save the selection.
Entering letter or numeric characters

1. To enter a number, simply press the number on the keypad once.
2. To enter a letter, choose the number key that contains the letter and press twice for the
first letter. For example, to type an “A,” press the <2> key twice.

Displaying the Operating System Version Number

1. To view the operating system version number, go to the Main Menu and choose [4]
Utilities.
2. Next, choose [6] About Enpac Oil.

3. The About screen displays the version number of the data collector.
Resetting the Data Collector

You should reset the Enpac Oil only if the data collector is “locked up” and not responding
to any key presses. To reset the Enpac Oil, you press the reset switch located behind the
main battery access panel at the rear of the data collector. This can only be pressed using a
1/16th inch diameter pin or a straightened paper clip. Detailed steps are outlined below.
Caution: Resetting the Enpac Oil in this manner deletes all files from the system.
Hardware
Reset

To reset the data collector, follow these steps:

1. Using a flat head screwdriver, remove the two screws on the battery access panel
located at the rear of the data collector.
2. Remove the battery access panel.
3. Press the reset switch using a 1/16th inch diameter pin or a straightened paper clip.
4. Press the <On/Of> key to turn the data collector on. The data collector will power up in
the Bootloader Configuration screen. See “Bootloader Configuration Screen” on
page 20 for more information.
Bootloader Configuration Screen

The Windows CE Bootloader screen appears after you reset the Enpac Oil. This screen
allows you to reinitialize Windows CE, or load an operating system to the data collector,
either through a serial connection or using the PCMCIA drive.
The Bootloader screen displays the unique unit id of the data collector and also provides you
with the following three options:
1. Run Windows CE – The data collector reinitializes the Windows CE operating system
and turns the Enpac Oil off. After you choose this option, you must press the <On/Of>
key to turn the Enpac Oil on.
2. Load OS Image via RS232 – Allows you to load an operating system through a serial
connection. See “Loading the Enpac Oil Operating System” on page 20.
3. Load OS Image via PCMCIA – Allows you load an operating system from a
PCMCIA card inserted in the data collector. See “Loading the Enpac Oil Operating
System” on page 20.
To choose any of these options, press the respective number on the numeric key pad button.
Loading the Enpac Oil Operating System

The Enpac Oil uses the Bootloader Configuration screen to transfer the operating system
files from your computer to your Enpac Oil, either through a serial connection or directly
using the PCMCIA card. This procedure describes how to use a serial connection. The same
sequence occurs when you use the PCMCIA card. Refer to “Bootloader Configuration
Screen” on page 20 for a more information on the Bootloader Configuration screen.

Using the RS232 option

To load the operating system using a serial connection, follow these steps:
located at the rear of the data collector.
2. Remove the battery access panel.
Caution: Resetting the Enpac Oil by pressing the reset key deletes all files from the
system. If you have any route data in the box, it will be deleted if you use this reset
method.
4. Press the <On/Of> key to power the data collector on. The data collector will power up
in the Bootloader Configuration screen.
5. Connect the Enpac Oil to the computer with a RS-232 serial cable.
6. Insert the Enpac CD-ROM disk into your CD-ROM drive of your computer.
7. Double-click the WinSerDL.exe file. You need to run this file to load the Enpac
operating system. The WinSerDL dialog box appears.
8. From the File menu, choose Open.

9. Select the operating system file from the list. This file has an .out extension. Note that
the file name is dependent on the version of the operating system. For example, version
107of the operating system has the file name “v107.out.”

10. Choose Open. Make sure the name of the file you are loading appears in the title of the
WinSerDL dialog box as illustrated below.
11. Press <2> on the data collector’s numeric keypad to start the transfer.
12. In the WinSerDL dialog box, choose Start Download. A progress bar displays in the
dialog box indicating the progress of the transfer as illustrated below. A message also
displays at the bottom of the Enpac screen. This process will take time, so please be
patient while the download progresses.
13. When the message “Transfer complete” displays on the Enpac screen, disconnect the
Enpac to the computer.
14. Press the <On/Of> key for two seconds to power the data collector off.
15. Press the <On/Of> key to power the data collector on. The data collector powers up and
starts the specific operating system that was loaded.
Using the PCMCIA option

1. Insert the PCMCIA card containing the Operating System into the slot.
located at the rear of the data collector.Remove the battery access panel.
Caution: Resetting the Enpac Oil by pressing the reset key deletes all files from the
system. If you have any route data saved, it will be deleted if you use this reset method.

4. Press the <On/Of> key to power the data collector on. The data collector will power up
in the Bootloader Configuration screen.
5. Press the <3> key. The image begins to load.
Setting the Date and Time

The Enpac Oil keeps the current date and time even when powered off. However, there may
be times when you need to change these settings, such as after reloading the operating
system. To do so, follow these steps.
1. From the Main Menu, choose Utilities by pressing the arrow keys to select it then
pressing <Enter>.
2. Choose Set Up System Time by pressing the arrow keys to select it then pressing
<Enter>. The following dialog box appears.
3. Use the arrow keys to move between fields, and type the value into the dialog box, or
use the up and down arrow keys to set the date and time.
4. When you are finished entering the time and date, press <F4> (OK).

Enpac Oil Menus and Screens

This section provides an overview of common menus and screens in the Enpac Oil. Each
menu has a primary use.
z The Main Menu is the starting point for most instructions in this manual.
z The dCA Menu is the starting point for testing with the dCA sensor. The Enpac Oil has
main menus for each sensor.
z The Communicate with PC screen facilitates downloading and uploading data to the
host software when connected to a computer.
z The Result menu screen allows you to review previously collected data points.
Main Menu
The Main Menu is the first menu shown when the Enpac Oil is turned on. It is the starting
point for many tasks, including functions of testing with the dCA, fCA, or dVA. You can
usually return to this menu by pressing <Escape> repeatedly until it appears.
dCA Main Menu

The dCA Main Menu is the menu shown when you select [1] dCA Only in the Main Menu.
It is the starting point for all functions using the dCA sensor, including testing either from a
loaded list or unscheduled points, viewing data, connecting to a computer, configuring the
sensor, or using utilities related to the Enpac Oil. You can usually return to this menu by
pressing <Escape> repeatedly until it is the menu shown on the screen.
Communicate with PC Screen

Choosing [4] Load/Unload Route from the dCA or dVA Main Menu brings up the
Communicate with PC screen.

Using Memory Cards
The Communicate with PC screen allows communication between the Enpac Oil and the
host software.
The Status message tells you the state of the connection between the data collector and the
computer. The Status message in the example above is “Gathering Data.”
View Data Screen

The View Data screen allows you to review data taken at each point. If you have not saved
any results, the Enpac Oil displays a message stating, “The PCM.DAT file does not contain
data or does not exist.”
The Enpac Oil lists the available records on the Result menu screen, organized by machine
name. It shows up to two measurements on the screen at once. Choose <F1> Previous and
<F2> Next to review the data points.
Using Memory Cards

The Enpac Oil can store program information and collected data on memory cards. The
Enpac Oil uses both type I and type II PCMCIA cards (Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association). These cards are an industry standard storage media designed to
be a rugged replacement for floppy disks in portable computer systems. PCMCIA memory
cards are quite durable and cannot be damaged by electromagnetic fields. However, you
should avoid exposing the cards to direct sunlight, extreme temperature, or excessive
moisture.
This section provides a list of memory cards that can be used with the Enpac Oil. It also tells
you how to install and remove memory cards.

Types of Memory Card Used with Enpac Oil

The following types of cards may be used with Enpac Oil :
Type Models Tested Manufacturer
3.3V/5V SRAM 2MB Centennial

1 & 2 MB Mitsubishi
3.3V/5V FLASH 2MB Series II Linear Mitsubishi
ATA (external hard disk) 85MB ATA Scandisk
Other generic SRAM/FLASH and ATA cards can be used with the Enpac Oil if a standard
Windows CE driver is available for their class. Check with the card manufacturer to find out
if a Windows CE driver is available.
Inserting and Removing a Memory Card

You load the Enpac Oil memory card into the data collector through a door in the bottom of
the Enpac Oil. The memory card can be inserted while the Enpac Oil is powered on or off.
With the bottom of the Enpac Oil facing you, open the door by pressing down on both
latches simultaneously and pulling the door towards you. Once the door is open, turn the
memory card so the logo side of the card is facing you and insert the memory card into the
slot. The end with the sockets fits into the data collector.
Note: If the memory card has not been formatted or not formatted to the correct standard, the
Enpac Oil will open a dialog box asking if you wish to format the card. Press <Enter> to
format the card so it can be used in the Enpac Oil.
Caution: Formatting the card deletes everything on the card.
To remove a memory card, open the door at the bottom of the Enpac Oil. Press the release
button and gently work the card out of its slot.

Chapter 3
3. The digital CONTAM-ALERT (dCA)
This chapter describes the dCA sensor in detail and covers the basic
operations of the sensor. It includes the following sections:
Overview of the dCA (digital CONTAM-ALERT) ............................... 28
Connecting the dCA............................................................................. 30
Configuring the dCA ........................................................................... 31
Maintaining the dCA ........................................................................... 36
Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the dCA ........................... 44

Chapter 3 - The digital CONTAM-ALERT (dCA)
Overview of the dCA (digital CONTAM-ALERT)

The dCA sensor is the portable contaminant monitoring instrument used with the Enpac Oil.
It is suited for a variety of applications and can be used either in the field or in the lab. Using
patented pore-blockage technology, the dCA yields fast, accurate particle counts that can be
uploaded to the host software for data analysis.
This section contains safety and precautionary measures to consider when using the dCA
sensor. Also, it describes the dCA sensor in detail, offering suggestions on maintenance and
care for the instrument.
Included in this section is a description of the main components of the sensor and assembly
instructions. This description includes the dCA sensor screens as well as how to change
settings for the dCA using the data collector. For specific information on sampling with the
dCA sensor, see “Probing On with the dCA” on page 34. For information on equipment
used with the dCA, see Chapter 6 “Equipment for Sampling and Testing”.
Safety Warnings for the dCA
WARNING: Failure to follow proper procedures can lead to injury. Review these safety warnings
before attempting to collect data. Never compromise your personal safety for data
collection.
As with all precision instrumentation, you should handle the dCA sensor and Enpac Oil with
care. Dropping the sensor on a hard surface can cause misalignment or internal damage
which affects the accuracy of test results. To ensure your safety and to prevent mishandling
of the sensor, follow these warnings.
1. Do not use the dCA sensor on life dependent systems. The sensor is a tool intended to
provide assistance in maintenance procedures. It is not intended for use on life
dependent systems.
2. Do not point the dCA sensor at any person while backflushing or discharging fluid.
3. Do not drop the dCA sensor. Dropping the sensor on a hard surface can cause
misalignment or internal damage which affects the accuracy of test results.
4. Do not attach the dCA sensor to valves with pressures above 150 psi (10.34 bars). For
pressures between 150 psi and 3000 psi (206.84 bars), use the High Pressure Sampler II
(HPS II). See “Using the High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II)” on page 87 for more
information.
5. Do not attach the High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II) to valves with pressures above
3000 psi (206.84 bars). If the pressure at the test valve exceeds 3500 psi(241.3 bars),
locate and use another point for your test port where the pressure is below this limit.
6. Do not stand behind or block the dCA sensor during testing. Use caution at all times
when working around or with high pressure systems (above 150 psi, or 10.34 bars). Do
not turn the knob to increase the pressure of the HPS II and do not block the backflush
knob of the dCA when performing a test.

Overview of the dCA (digital CONTAM-ALERT)
dCA Operating Specifications

The following table contains the dCA sensor specifications, including temperature and
physical limitations as well as storage guidelines.
Pressure at 30–150 psi (2.07–10.34 bars) Pressure should always remain constant
valve and within this range during a test.
Pressure at 150–3000 psi (10.34–206.84 bars) Pressure should always remain
valve with constant and within this range during a test.
High Pressure
Sampler II
Temperature Maximum 190ºF (88ºC)
of sample fluid
Sample fluid 50–1000 SSU at 100°F (10–230 cSt) for the 10 micron screen. See table
viscosity range below for additional screen sizes.
dCA storage -40ºF to 158ºF (-40ºC to 70ºC)
temperature
Contaminant 5–28000 particles greater than 10 microns per milliliter (ml),
concentration equivalent to ISO 11/8 to ISO 24/21
sensitivity
Fluid All fluids compatible with standard Viton seals. EP and other seals are
compatibility available by special order.
This chart shows the viscosity ranges at 100°F for each screen size.

Understanding How the dCA Sensor Works

The sensor uses a flow decay principle to determine the concentrations of specific particle
sizes in a fluid sample. When fluid enters the sensor, the flow rate is measured at extremely
small time intervals as the piston moves in response to fluid entering the bore area. As fluid
enters the assembly, the piston is slowly pushed upward. As the solid particles in the fluid
block the pores in the sensor screen, the flow rate of the fluid is reduced. The dCA sensor
measures this rate and generates flow decay curves based on that rate.
Different particle size distributions and concentrations generate distinct flow decay curves.
When the Enpac Oil monitors the piston’s movement, it also checks to see if it has enough
data to make an evaluation. When the Enpac Oil receives enough data, it begins analyzing
the data and returns a representative particle count.
Unlike optical particle counting, this process does not require fluid dilution and is not
generally affected by the presence of non-solid impurities such as air, water, or carbon soot
in the fluid. Because of its unique technology, the dCA sensor can measure solid
contamination levels in a great variety of fluids.
Connecting the dCA

The Enpac Oil connects to the PC port on the Oil Sensor Interface, then you connect the
dCA to the dCA port on the Oil Sensor Interface. When power is going to the Oil Sensor
Interface, the red light on the Enpac Oil lights up and stays on while powering the interface.
1. Insert the 25-pin plug at the end of the dCA sensor cable in the dCA connector on the
Oil Sensor Interface.
2. Tighten the thumbscrews located on either side of the connector to secure the dCA
cable to the Oil Sensor Interface.
Connect the dCA here
Connect the Enpac Oil serial

cable here
3. Insert one end of the serial cable into the PC connector at the bottom of the Oil Sensor
Interface. Plug the other end into the COM port on the top of the Enpac Oil.

Configuring the dCA
Configuring the dCA

Before you begin testing with the dCA, you must configure it. Choose [5] Configure dCA at
the dCA main menu. There are several options available to you. This section explains each
configuration option.
Setting Screen Size

1. Return to the Enpac Oil Main Menu by pressing <Escape> if necessary.
2. Choose [1] dCA Only. The dCA Main Menu appears.
3. Choose [5] Configure dCA. The dCA Configuration menu appears.
4. Choose [1] Screen Size. The Screen Size screen appears.
5. Enter the number representing the correct sensor screen size according to the color of
the sensor screen, which is in the table below. For example, if your sensor screen is
silver, choose 5µ Screen and press <F4>. The Enpac Oil enters the change and returns
to the previous screen.
Color Screen size
silver 5 micron screen

gold 10 micron screen
black 15 micron screen

Setting Screen Calibration

3. Choose [5] Configure dCA. The Configure dCA menu appears.
4. Choose [2] Screen Number. The Change Screen Calibration dialog appears.
5. Enter the calibration number engraved on the flat side of the screen. Make sure your
cursor is next to the correct sensor screen size.
6. Press the down arrow to move down one row. Press <F4> to accept changes to the
calibration number. The Enpac Oil saves the change and returns to the previous screen.
Note: For information about the Calibration Validation Program see “Calibrating the dCA
Sensor Screens” on page 39.
Setting Fluid Type

4. Choose [3] Fluid Type. The Fluid Type screen appears.
5. Choose Hydraulic or Lubrication, representing the type of fluid you are testing. Choose
OK to save the change and return to the previous screen.
Setting Result Codes

You can set result codes after you collect data. If you would like to see your results and
target values on the Enpac Oil in ISO units instead of particle counts, you must change the
result code.

Techniques for Collecting Data with the dCA
4. Choose [4] Result Code. The Result Code screen appears.
5. Use the arrow keys to choose Particles or ISO or NAS, representing the type of units
you are using.
6. Choose OK by pressing <F4>. The Enpac Oil saves the change and returns to the
previous screen.
Setting Particle Size Distribution

You can display particle size distribution while you are viewing data using the Enpac Oil. If
you would like to view the data in different particle sizes, you can set the particle size
distribution by following these steps.
1. From the dCA Main Menu, choose [5] Configure dCA. The Configure dCA menu
appears.
2. Choose [5] Particle Size. The Particle Size screen appears.
3. Press the arrow keys to move through the sizes.

4. When you reach your selection, press the number keys to change the particle size.
5. Press <F4> to accept your changes.

Once you have completed all the configuration procedures, you are ready to take sample
data. Here are a few hints about probing on with the dCA sensor for consistent data and
safety in using the system. If you need more information about test port valves, see
“Preparing Test Port Valves for Sampling” on page 81.

Probing On with the dCA

WARNING: Failure to follow proper procedures can lead to injury or damage to the dCA sensor.
z Wait for the message to appear on the Enpac Oil that signals that you can begin
collecting data.
z Grasp the dCA sensor by the barrel and attach it to the test port valve by pressing firmly
to get a quick, positive connection. Continue to press down with the sensor while
tightening its lock-on sleeve.
z Make sure to completely tighten the sleeve before relaxing pressure on the sensor.
z Do not block, handle, push, or pull the backflush knob of the sensor while testing.
When the sensor is connected to the test port valve, the backflush knob begins to move
and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into the sensor.
lock on sleeve
flow sensor
test port valve
Priming the dCA

Before you attempt to test any fluid with the dCA sensor, be sure that the internal surfaces
have been coated with the test fluid. Priming the sensor with lubricant or hydraulic fluid
wets the internal surfaces which improves operation and allows for greater accuracy in
testing the fluid. To prime the dCA, simply probe on to the test port for about 1 or 2
seconds. Detach the dCA, and expel the fluid by backflushing the dCA. For more detail on
backflushing, see “Backflushing the dCA Sensor” on page 36.
Note: You may not have to do this every time you begin collecting data, but if you are not sure
which fluid was used previously, you should prime the dCA sensor with the test fluid before
use.

Assembling the dCA Sensor with Sensor Screen

You may need to disassemble the dCA sensor in order to replace or change the sensor
screen, or to read the calibration number. To do so, follow these steps.
Note: You must enter the calibration number on the sensor screen in your Enpac Oil in order for
your data to be accurate. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.
1. Grip the large knurl and unscrew the probe-on body of the dCA. Turn it counter
clockwise until you can remove it completely. Make sure that the small o-ring does not
fall out.
large knurl
small o-ring
insert sensor screen here
backflush knob
2. While holding the sensor vertically with the backflush knob pointing down, place the
screen in the probe so the engraved calibration number is visible. There are three
different sizes of dCA sensor screens. The color coding is outlined in the following
table. Write down the calibration number and color of screen for future reference.
Color Screen size

3. Thread the probe body back into the sensor and hand-tighten.

Maintaining the dCA

This section discusses the maintenance procedures needed to maintain your dCA and
continue to get consistent results. The maintenance of the dCA also includes properly
backflushing the sensor every time you collect data. In addition, this section includes
information about cleaning the dCA sensor screens as well as calibration validation for the
sensor screens.
Backflushing the dCA Sensor

Properly backflushing the dCA sensor clears the sensor screen of built-up hard particle
contamination. It is critical that you backflush the sensor screen following each sample test.
Backflush to clear the screen, then backwash to expel the remaining fluid. If you are
backflushing manually, follow these steps.
1. Once the backflush knob stops moving, disconnect the dCA sensor from the valve.
2. Push down on the backflush knob, expelling at least 10 drops of fluid. The knob will
require firm, steady pressure to backflush the fluid through the screen.
3. Turn the large knurled probe body approximately one-half turn counterclockwise and
expel the remaining fluid, which should now flow easily. This is called backwashing
the fluid. Merely backwashing the fluid will not clear the screen.
4. Tighten the probe body by hand after all the fluid is expelled. The sensor is now ready
for another test.
If you are backflushing using the lab apparatus, follow these steps.
1. Once the backflush knob stops moving, disconnect the dCA sensor from the valve.
2. Attach the sensor to the automatic backflushing rig with the probe on the bottom of the
fixture.
3. Turn the knob located behind the backflushing rig to the FLUSH position. The
backflush piston pneumatically pushes the sensor knob, backflushing the sensor.
4. Once the backflush cycle is complete, turn the knob to the RETRACT position. If the
knob does not return all the way (leaving more than 1/8 inch of rod shaft showing), use
the backwash procedure described in step 3 of the manual backflush procedure.
5. Remove the probe body from the backflushing rig after all the fluid is expelled. The
sensor is now ready for another test.
Cleaning dCA Sensor Screens

You should remove the sensor screen at the end of each work day, clean it, and store it in the
protective case. Directions for cleaning screens follow, including how to clean very
contaminated screens and screens contaminated on both sides.
Caution: The suggested solvents require careful handling and storage. Check with your
company’s safety officer for handling and storage advice or instruction. Always
practice the proper safety measures with these solvents.
Always store the screen in the provided plastic case when not in use to avoid ambient
comtamination. Avoid unnecessary handling and try not to drop it onto unclean surfaces
such as the floor.

Maintaining the dCA
Dry the sensor screen thoroughly before placing it back into the plastic container. Some
solvents, such as Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), can dissolve the plastic storage container.
1. Remove the screen from the dCA sensor by rotating the large knurl counterclockwise
until it is released. See “Assembling the dCA Sensor with Sensor Screen” on page 35.
2. Place the screen in a clean bottle filled with an acceptable solvent. Acceptable solvents
include Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), Dichloroflouroethane, and
1,1,1 Trichlorethylene.
Note: If you are using Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) to clean screens you may experience
problems. This solvent has been found to cause some hydraulic fluids to gum up on the
screen, making cleaning difficult. If you are using IPA, and cannot locate an acceptable
solvent, continue to use it until you find an acceptable solvent. Do not let your screens
soak in IPA, instead, clean the screen by agitating it, and promptly remove the screen.
Clean the screen with IPA only when absolutely necessary, and call Customer Support
if you experience problems.
3. Agitate the bottle using an ultrasonic bath or paint shaker, or by hand for 15 minutes.
Ultrasonic bath is the recommended method. For very contaminated screens, agitate for
no less than one hour.
4. Remove the screen from the solvent.
5. Let screen air dry until all solvent has evaporated. Do not use shop air to dry the screen.
6. View the screen under a microscope (if available) to check for contamination.
7. Reinsert the screen into the dCA sensor. Wet the screen with the fluid being tested
before running an actual test. For very contaminated screens, run a test with a fluid of
known particle count such as calibration fluid to test for accuracy and repeat the
cleaning procedure if the screen still gives you high readings.
To clean screens contaminated on both sides

If you are experiencing problems backflushing, the screen may be contaminated on both
sides. This can happen when changing from a high micron screen to a low micron screen,
for example, changing from a 15 micron to a 10 micron screen. If this is the case, clean the
screen as directed above with the following additions.
1. Flush the dCA sensor several times with superclean fluid (defined as fluid containing
fewer than 10 particles > 10 microns per mL of fluid) or Flushing Fluid.
2. If contamination is still present on the screen, remove the screen and fill the dCA with a
superclean fluid or Flushing Fluid.
3. Reinsert the screen, and backflush the superclean fluid through the screen.
4. Repeat with screen inserted upside down (calibration number not showing).
5. Remove the screen and inspect it under a microscope (if available) for contamination.
6. If contamination still exists, repeat the cleaning process from step 1.

Changing Screen Sizes or Changing Fluids

If you change from a smaller screen pore size to a larger screen pore size you should have
no problems with larger particles blocking the screen. However, if you want to go from a
larger pore size to a smaller pore size, you must clean the screen to prevent the remaining
particles inside the dCA from plugging the screens. Also, if you are changing testing fluids
from hydraulic or lube oil to water glycols, particles that the larger screen would allow
through would be backflushed onto the back of the smaller sensor screen. If the screen is
clogged on the back with these larger particles it can impede fluid flow through the screen
during normal testing.
To eliminate these problems, prepare the dCA sensor for a screen change by performing the
following steps.
1. Remove the larger size sensor screen, and clean using the screen cleaning procedure.
See “Cleaning dCA Sensor Screens” on page 36.
2. Clean the smaller size sensor screen using the same procedure.
3. With no screen in the dCA, flush the dCA with superclean fluid or Entek flushing fluid
by probing onto the pressure chamber for about 3 seconds and backflushing into a
waste container. Allow the piston to rise a full stroke.
Note: Superclean fluid is defined as fluid containing fewer than 10 particles greater than 10
microns per mL of fluid.
4. Repeat the superclean flush two or three times.
5. Place the smaller size cleaned screen in the dCA. Make sure you check all the
configuration data in the Enpac Oil. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31. You can
now take data with the smaller size sensor screen.

Maintaining the dCA
Calibrating the dCA Sensor Screens

The calibration validation program allows you to change the calibration number on your
dCA sensor screens based on the repeatability of your testing. The Enpac Oil then adjusts its
readings based on the calibration number. You should perform calibration validation testing
monthly, and return the results to Entek if your calibration is unsatisfactory.
Note: You must enter the calibration number on the sensor screen in your Enpac Oil in order for
your data to be accurate. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.
1. Flush your dCA sensor and all fluid lines with a clean fluid (defined as fluid containing
fewer than 100 particles > 10 microns per mL of fluid) or use Flushing Fluid.
2. Shake the calibration validation fluid vigorously for a minimum of five minutes to
homogeneously suspend all particles. If a paint shaker is not available, manually shake
vigorously, occasionally hitting the bottle against the palm of your hand.
3. Place the calibration fluid bottle into the pressure chamber, replace the lid, and
pressurize to approximately 60 psi (4.14 bars).
4. Flush any old fluid out of the test port by probing on for 1–2 seconds using a flushing
bottle or a flushing tube.
5. With the Enpac Oil turned off, probe the sensor onto the chamber, allow the plunger to
rise 1/4 inch, backflush into the backflush chamber, and repeat one time.
6. Turn on the Enpac Oil and check the configuration. It should be set to test particles > 10
micron, and hydraulic fluid, and the correct screen size and calibration number should
be used. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.
7. Run a test on the calibration fluid and record your results on the calibration form
provided by the manufacturer.
8. Repeat step 7 without delay until you have completed and recorded three valid tests.
9. Average the results of the three tests, and record your average.
10. Calculate the percentage difference from the control count.
average of three tests – control count
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × 100 = percentage difference
control count
11. Determine if your percentage difference results are satisfactory or unsatisfactory.

z If your percentage difference is within +/- 10% of the Control, check the box next
to Calibration Satisfactory.
z If your percentage difference is outside +/- 10% of the Control, check the box next
to Calibration Unsatisfactory, and call Customer Support. A representative can
work with you to bring your results within an acceptable calibration limit.
12. Fax results to Entek at (513) 576-4213, or mail them to Entek, 1700 Edison Dr.,
Milford, OH 45150. Be sure to send it to the attention of Customer Support.

Calibration Verification
COMPANY: _________________________________________________________
CONTACT:__________________________________________________________
PHONE: __________________________ FAX:_____________________________
SCREEN CALIBRATION #: ____________________________________________
SCREEN SIZE: ______________________________________________________
ENTEK CONTROL #: ________________________________________________
Particle (1) Particles per Particles per Particles per (2) Percentage
Micron Control mL mL mL Average Difference
Size Count Test #1 Test #2 Test #3 of Tests (2) - (1) / (1) x 100
__ 5 µ
__ 10 µ
__ 15 µ
PLEASE CHECK ONE:
__ Calibration Satisfactory (Average WITHIN +/- 10 % of Control Count)

__ Calibration Unsatisfactory (Average OUTSIDE +/- 10 % of Control Count)
DATE TESTED:____________________ TESTING BY:______________________

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
PLEASE FAX OR MAIL COMPLETED FORM TO ENTEK

ATTN: Customer Support
1700 Edison Drive
Milford, OH 45150
Fax: 513-576-4213

Maintaining the dCA
To calculate a new calibration number

If your test results are outside of the acceptable range but results are repeatable, you can
calculate and change the calibration number of the screen. This procedure allows you to use
the screen and obtain accurate results.
1. If test results were outside +/- 10% of the Control Count (i.e. calibration is
unsatisfactory), take six more tests and record your 10 micron results.
2. Eliminate the highest and lowest readings, and average the four remaining “good tests.”
3. Compute percentage difference again as shown below.
average of four tests – control count
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- × 100 = new percentage difference
control count
4. If the results are still outside of the +/- 10% of the control count, determine whether or
not your results are repeatable. Do this by computing the following:
highest count of four tests – lowest count of four good tests
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- = repeatability factor
average of four good tests
5. If the repeatability factor is less than 10%, go on to the next step. If the repeatability
factor is greater than 10%, call Customer Support for assistance.
6. If the results are repeatable but still outside the acceptable +/- 10% of the control count,
recalibrate the screen using the following calculations:
average of four tests
-------------------------------------------------------------- × 100 = adjusted average
screen calibration number
control count
---------------------------------------- × 100 = new calibration number
adjusted average
7. Enter the new calibration number into the Enpac Oil. See “Setting Screen Calibration”
on page 32 for instructions.

Seal Compatibility with Specific Fluids

This chart lists the known seal compatibilities with certain fluids. Be sure to use seals that
are compatible with the fluids you are testing. The following codes are used for the chart:
R=RecommendS=SatisfactoryM=MarginalU=UnsatisfactoryI=Insufficient data
Fluid Name Military Spec Trade Names/Numbers Color EP Viton
Water Glycol n/a Houghto-Safe 600 Series red R R

n/a Houghto-Safe 500 Series red R R
MIL-H22072 Houghto-Safe 271 red R R
n/a Ucon Hydrolube yellow or red R R
n/a Ucon M1 yellow R R
n/a Celluguard red R R
n/a Safety Fluid 200 bright pink R R
Water/Oil Emulsion n/a Houghto-Safe 5000 series white U R
n/a FR cream U R
n/a Irus 902 yellow U R
n/a Pyrogard C&Dd pale yellow U R
Water-Soluble Oil n/a water-soluble oil milky - R
Water-Fresh n/a fresh water clear R R
Water-Salt n/a salt water clear R R
Phosphate Ester n/a Houghto-Safe 1000 series green R R
MIL-H-19547B Houghto-Safe 1120 green R R
n/a Pydraul F-9, 150, 625 cloudy blue S R
n/a Fyrquel lt. green R R
n/a Shell SFR B.C.D. aqua green R R
n/a Pyrogard 42,43,53,55,190,600 pale yellow R R/S
n/a Skydrol 500A purple R U
n/a Skydrol 7000 green R U
n/a Pydraul 312, 135 (2) blue green M R
n/a Pydraul AC cloudy blue S R
n/a Pydraul 60 cloudy blue R U
n/a Pyrogard 210 (3) yellow M R
Diester Chlorinated MIL-H-7808 Lube Oil-Aircraft amber U R
Hydrocarbon n/a Aroclor 1200 Series (1) clear S R
Silicate Ester n/a OS-45 Type 4 clear S R
MLO-8200 Oronite 8200 clear U R
MIL-8515 Oronite 8515 clear U R
MIL-H-8446B Brayco 846 redbrown U R
Kerosene n/a Kerosene clear U R
Jet Fuel MIL-J-5624 JP-3,4,5 (RP-1) lt. straw U R
Diesel Fuel n/a Diesel Fuel clear U R
Gasoline n/a Gasoline various U R
Petroleum Base MIL-H-6083 Preservative Oil red U R

Maintaining the dCA
Replacing the Sensor Seals

You need regular maintenance of the sensor seals to ensure consistent results. The schedule
for replacing the seals depends on many factors. The wear on the seals is dependent on the
type of seal, fluids being tested, how often the sensor is used, and the cleaning method used.
If you use the unit daily, we recommend replacing the seals every 12–18 months.
One of the most common problems with seals is fluid incompatibility. You must choose a
seal that is compatible with the fluids you test. To confirm seal compatibility, see “Seal
Compatibility with Specific Fluids” on page 42.
To replace the seals in your dCA sensor, follow these steps.
1. Use the attached drawing to identify and carefully remove the old seals by pulling them
off. Do not cut the old seals off, as cutting may score the sensor and cause testing
problems.
2. Using the following diagram, match the new seals with their respective locations by
matching the part numbers printed on the protective bags.
Part numbers for Viton seals:

1 = Part # 1305-010
2 = Part # 1305-011 (dCA only)
3 = Part # 1305-015
4 = Part # 1305-018
5 = Part # 1668-016
#5 (blue outer seal)

#4 (black inner seal)
#3 (larger black seal below screw threads)

#2 (small black seal underneath sensor screen, dCA only)
#1 (small black seal)

3. Replace each seal as follows:

Seal #1: Seal number 1 is located on the sensor probe assembly. Unthread and remove
the sensor probe assembly, and pull off the o-ring mounted on it. Carefully pull the new
o-ring down over the sensor probe assembly, taking care not to cut the o-ring on the
metal edges of the probe assembly. The seal should fit snugly into a groove on the
sensor probe body.
Seal #2: (Note that Seal #2 is not used in the dVA.) Seal number 2 is located inside the
barrel cap, and rests on top of the sensor screen when the sensor is held in an upright
position. Replace this seal by removing the sensor probe assembly and the sensor
screen, and dropping the seal into the inverted sensor. Replace the screen and the sensor
probe assembly to help fit seal down into the opening.
Seal #3: Seal number 3 is the barrel cap seal. Unthread the barrel cap from the barrel
and remove the old seal by pulling it up and over the threads. Pull the new seal on,
taking care not to cut the seal on the threading. Re-attach the barrel cap to the barrel and
hand-tighten only.
Seals #4 and #5: Seal numbers 4 and 5 fit onto the piston inside the sensor barrel. These
seals are very crucial, so take special care to install them correctly. Pull the backflush
knob out to its full stroke. Remove the old seals by unthreading the sensor barrel from
the transducer at the seam that joins the barrel to the barrel adapter (the 1" section of the
barrel attached to the transducer). After unthreading the barrel, gently pull it off of the
piston. The blue teflon seal and the black o-ring underneath it can both be removed by
gently pulling them off of the piston. To install new seals, first pull the black o-ring #4
into position in the groove on the piston. Then gently stretch the blue seal over the
piston to fit on top of the black o-ring. Massage the blue seal into place with your
fingers, gently compressing it down into the groove. After working the seal into the
groove, attempt to thread the barrel back onto the piston. Do not force the barrel over
the seals. If the barrel does not thread on, continue to compress the seal down into the
groove. You do not need to grease or lube the seals in any way to insert them into the
barrel. Continue to alternately massage the seal and thread it on the barrel until the
piston fits into the barrel.
4. Discard old seals, and run a test with the dCA or dVA to assure that all seals are placed
correctly. Any incorrect placements inside the sensor causes problems with test results.
Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the dCA

The symptoms of problems caused by very high viscosity fluids are extremely slow flow
through the dCA, accompanied by erratic readings and/or invalid test results. If these types
of problems occur with a low or medium viscosity fluid you may want to call Customer
Support.
If you get unusual test results even though the dCA has been cleaned and flushed, it may be
necessary to dilute the test fluid. You should only need to dilute the fluid if it has a very high
viscosity.

Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the dCA
The viscosity limits for using the dCA are as shown in the table below:
Follow this procedure to dilute high viscosity fluids for testing.

1. Select a solvent for dilution. We recommend a clean MIL-H-5606.
2. Pour the dilution fluid into a sample bottle. Agitate the sample bottle for several
minutes by hand or with a paint shaker. Put the sample bottle in a pressure chamber.
3. Prime the dCA sensor with the dilution fluid by probing on for a few seconds and then
backflushing.
4. Run three baseline tests on the dilution fluid, and record the average of your results.
Name this average BASELINE. Make sure your results are within 10% of each other.
5. In a clean sample bottle, create a 50-50 mix of the viscous sample and baseline dilution
fluid using approximately 40 mL of each fluid. Agitate the sample bottle for several
minutes by hand or with a paint shaker.
6. Put the diluted sample bottle in the pressure chamber.
7. Prime the dCA sensor with the diluted sample fluid by probing on for a few seconds
and then backflushing.
8. Run three consecutive tests on the diluted sample. Name these results DILUTED
SAMPLE. Make sure your results are within 10% of each other.
9. To find the correct particle counts for the original undiluted fluid, use this calculation:
(DILUTED SAMPLE x 2) - BASELINE = Original undiluted particle count.


Chapter 4
4. The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA)
This chapter describes the fCA sensor in detail and covers the basic
Overview of the ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA) ............................... 48
Connecting the fCA ............................................................................. 49
Maintaining the fCA ............................................................................ 49
Collecting a Ferrogram for Analysis .................................................. 52
Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the fCA............................ 54

Chapter 4 - The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA)
Overview of the ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA)

The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA) provides a method for checking for ferro-magnetic
particulate in hydraulic and lubricating fluids. While the dCA measures cumulative hard
particle contamination levels, the fCA goes one step further by identifying how much of that
total particle count is ferro-magnetic material. Ferro-magnetic particulate causes most
component wear, so ferrous particle count is a strong indicator of component failures in
progress.
This chapter discusses the basic operations of the fCA, including how to:
z Maintain and care for the fCA sensor.
z Connect the fCA sensor to the Enpac Oil and dCA.
z Collect a ferrogram for analysis.
z Dilute a high viscosity sample.
Understanding How the fCA Sensor Works

The fCA works in conjunction with the dCA and Enpac Oil to yield wear-related particle
counts. After using the dCA to measure total particle counts, you put the fCA accessory
onto the test port and re-attach the dCA to the top of the fCA. By performing a second test
with the dCA through the fCA, you obtain particle counts for only those particles made of
ferrous material.
The fCA operates using a proprietary technology that magnetizes the fluid during testing,
allowing only those particles that are non-ferrous in nature to be tested by the dCA. The
software then calculates the difference between the first, cumulative particle count test and
the test with the fCA to obtain a ferrous particle count. In 4–6 minutes, the dCA and fCA
can provide both an accurate total particle count and ferrous particle count, making these
particle counts valuable for an oil analysis program.
The fCA provides a way for the dCA user to attribute increasing particle counts to either an
increase in ferrous particulate which is indicative of wear, or an increase in silica, dirt or
other particulate which indicates other types of system problems. When used online, or
when testing bottle samples, this first check for wear can mean the difference between
planned, controllable maintenance costs, and unplanned, disastrous, and expensive
downtime.

Connecting the fCA
Connecting the fCA

You connect the fCA directly to the test port, then connect the dCA sensor to the top of the
fCA. Connect the fCA by probing on and threading the lock-on sleeve into place. Then,
connect the dCA to the port on the top of the fCA. This diagram shows the connection
locations on the fCA.
The dCA then has to be connected to the Oil Sensor Interface, and then the Enpac Oil also
must be connected to the Oil Sensor Interface.
Maintaining the fCA

This section discusses the recommended maintenance on your fCA in order to consistently
obtain accurate results.
Caution: Solvents require careful handling and storage. Check with your company’s safety
officer for handling and storage advice or instruction. Always practice the proper
safety measures with these solvents.

Cleaning the fCA

We recommend that you flush your fCA unit every other week with 100 mL of a Viton-
compatible solvent or Entek Flushing Fluid using the bench-top apparatus or the portable
pressure chamber. To do so, follow these steps.
1. Place the Flushing Fluid in the pressure chamber and pressurize it to 60 psi (4.14 bars).
2. Turn the fCA knob to Flush.
3. Probe on to the test port of the pressure chamber for 20 seconds, or long enough to
allow 100 mL of the Flushing Fluid to go through the fCA. Performing this flush
regularly ensures optimal accuracy from your fCA unit.
Verifying the fCA Results

If you need to verify that your fCA is functioning properly, you can obtain fluid with a
known ferrous content in order to compare your results with the appropriate amounts. The
fCA calibration fluid is used as a quality assurance tool. It simply verifies that the fCA is
working properly. To order this fluid, contact your Entek sales representative.
Replacing the fCA Battery

The indicator lights on the front of the fCA are run with a 9V battery. If the indicator lights
stop working, you may need to replace the battery. To do so, follow these steps.
1. Turn the fCA knob to the OFF position.
2. Using a coin or slotted screwdriver, turn the screw located on the bottom of the fCA
counterclockwise until the screw comes out.
3. Carefully pry the battery out of the fCA case. It may be a tight fit but you should be able
to work it out of the case.
4. Replace with a new 9 V battery, matching the positive and negative indicators.
5. Close the battery lid and screw it to the case.

Maintaining the fCA
Flushing the fCA

The fCA makes use of a magnetic media in the separation zone, which is in the upper area
near the test port. The media must be flushed and reused, so it is important to make sure it is
clean before running a test. If the media is not clean, particles from a prior test may be
released during testing and cause unusual readings. To flush the fCA, follow these steps.
1. Obtain a bottle of clean fluid, such as Entek Flushing Fluid. Shake the bottle
vigorously for at least 5 minutes before placing it in the pressure chamber.
2. Place the bottle in the pressure chamber and pressurize it to 60 psi (4.14 bars).
3. Turn on the Enpac Oil and check the configuration. It should be set to test particles > 10
micron, and hydraulic fluid, and the correct screen size and calibration number should
be used. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.
Run a dCA test on the fluid to determine the particle count. This is the baseline particle
count.
4. Place the fCA on the sample chamber. Turn the knob to the FLUSH position. Flush
about 5–10 mL through the fCA.
Note: You can flush the fCA either with a bottle or the lab apparatus.
5. Run a dCA test with the fCA on the pressure chamber, still in the FLUSH position. The
particle count should be close to the baseline particle count. If it is higher than the
baseline particle count, the magnetic media in the fCA is not clean and requires more
flushing.
6. Repeat procedure until the particle count is close to baseline. When it is clean, it is
ready to be used in a regular fCA test.

Collecting a Ferrogram for Analysis

Keep Millipore® membranes sealed except when removing to avoid contamination. Also,
be careful about accidently pulling membrane and waxed paper together, because it will
cause problems when backflushing.
You can use a special syringe, syringe adapter, and membrane holder with the fCA to
collect a wear particle sample for microscopy viewing and analysis. To do so, follow these
steps.
1. Run standard particle count tests with the dCA either on-line or with the dCA lab
apparatus to obtain regular particle count information.
2. After obtaining two consecutive valid test results with the dCA and saving the data,
choose [1] Run fCA test.
3. Probe the fCA onto the test port, and thread the lock-in sleeve into place.
4. Turn the dial to the OFF position. Flush 5–10 mL of oil sample through the fCA and
into a waste oil container.
5. Turn the fCA dial to the TEST position, and probe the dCA onto the test port on the top
of the fCA for 2–3 seconds to prime the dCA sensor. Backflush the dCA sensor.
6. Run test with the dCA and fCA combination to get two consecutive valid readings
(within +/– 10% of each other). Save this test data if you want to view it later.
7. With the fCA still in the TEST position, detach the fCA from the test port. Detach the
dCA from the top of the fCA. Thread the syringe adapter onto the top fCA test port on
the top of the fCA.
8. Fill the syringe with 20 mL clean solvent that is compatible with Viton seals by placing
the tip into a container of solvent or fluid, and pulling up on the tops metal ring until the
desired amount of fluid is drawn into the syringe.

Collecting a Ferrogram for Analysis
9. Put one Millipore Membrane paper disc into the membrane holder. Attach the
membrane holder to the test port, and attach the fCA to the membrane holder. The
assembly should look like this.
10. Turn the fCA to the FLUSH position. Quickly flush the 20 mL of solvent through the
syringe adapter, the fCA and the membrane and into a waste bottle or flask.
11. Carefully remove the paper disc from the holder and allow it to air dry.
12. Flush 20–30 mL of oil through the fCA. Ensure that the dial on the fCA is in the OFF
position before running another test or storing the fCA.
13. Allow the membrane to dry.
14. Place the membrane under a microscope to view ferrous particulate.

Diluting High Viscosity Fluids to Test with the fCA

The symptoms of problems caused by very high viscosity fluids are extremely slow flow
through the dCA, accompanied by erratic readings and/or invalid test results. If these types
of problems occur with a low or medium viscosity fluid you may want to call Customer
Support.
If you get unusual test results even though the fCA has been cleaned and flushed, it may be
necessary to dilute the test fluid. You should only need to dilute the fluid if it has a very high
viscosity.
The viscosity limits for using the fCA are as follows:
z If you are using a 10 micron screen in the dCA, you cannot use a fluid with a viscosity
greater than 420 cSt@40ºC.
z If you are using a 15 micron screen in the dCA, you cannot use a fluid with a viscosity
greater than 680 cSt@40ºC.
Follow this procedure to dilute high viscosity fluids for testing.

1. Select a solvent for dilution. A Viton-compatible solvent should be used, such as
trichlorethylene or dichlorofluoroethane (commonly used as a contact cleaner).
2. Agitate the fluid sample bottle for several minutes, then pour out sample fluid until
approximately 60 mL of sample fluid remains in the bottle.
3. Decant the solvent from the top of the solvent container with a syringe, if possible, to
make sure it is clean solvent. The container should be undisturbed for several minutes
before decanting.
4. Add about 20 mL of solvent to the fluid sample. The total sample volume should now
be about 80 mL. Agitate vigorously by hand or with a paint shaker for several minutes.
5. Follow regular fCA testing procedure for total particle count and ferrous particle count.
6. To find the correct particle counts for the original undiluted fluid, multiply the total
particle count and ferrous particle counts by 1.33.

Chapter 5
5. The digital VISC-ALERT (dVA)
This chapter describes the dVA sensor in detail and covers the basic
Overview of the digital VISC-ALERT (dVA) ....................................... 56
Configuring the dVA ............................................................................ 60
Maintaining the dVA............................................................................ 68
Comparing Test Results to New Oil Specifications ............................. 72

Chapter 5 - The digital VISC-ALERT (dVA)
Overview of the digital VISC-ALERT (dVA)

This chapter discusses the basic operations of the digital VISC-ALERT (dVA), including
how to:
z Use the dVA sensor safely
z Attach the dVA sensor to the Enpac Oil
z Maintain and care for the dVA sensor
z Configure the dVA sensor
Safety Warnings for the dVA

Once this product is received and opened, you and your company accept all responsibility
for the product and its use, unless the product is damaged due to mishandling during
shipping or a manufacturing defect is present.
As with all precision instruments, the dVA parts need to be handled with care. Dropping the
dVA sensor on a hard surface can cause misalignment or internal damage, which in turn
affects the accuracy of test results.
collection.
To ensure your safety and to prevent mishandling of the sensor, follow these warnings.
1. Do not use the dVA sensor on life dependent systems. The sensor is a tool intended to
provide assistance in maintenance procedures. It is not intended for use on life
dependent systems.
2. Do not point the dVA sensor at any person while backflushing or discharging fluid.
3. Do not drop the dVA sensor. Dropping the sensor on a hard surface can cause
misalignment or internal damage which affects the accuracy of test results.
4. Do not attach the dVA sensor to valves with pressures above 100 psi (6.89 bars).
5. Do not stand behind or block the dVA sensor during testing. Do not block the backflush
knob of the dVA when performing a test.

Overview of the digital VISC-ALERT (dVA)
dVA Operating Specifications

Note: The reason for having the upper limit in cP instead of cSt is the cSt upper limit is determined
by dividing the cP viscosity value by the specific gravity entered by the user. To determine
your upper limit in cSt, divide 9999 by the test specific gravity and the result will be the
upper cSt limit.
Pressure at 30–100 psi (2.07–6.89 bars) Pressure should always remain constant
valve and dVA Sensor within this range during a test.
Temperature Maximum 190ºF (88ºC)
of sample fluid
Sample fluid Standard low viscosity probe 5 to 460 cSt
viscosity range High viscosity probe 460 cSt to 9999 cP (See note above)
dVA storage -40ºF to 158ºF (-40ºC to 70ºC)
temperature
Fluid All fluids compatible with standard Viton seals. EP and other seals are
compatibility available by special order.
Understanding How the dVA Sensor Works

The dVA sensor is made up of three main components, the dVA probe assembly, the piston
assembly, and the linear encoder.
The dVA employs the principle of a capillary viscometer, measuring fluid flow per unit time
at a given pressure drop through a capillary of known dimensions, to obtain absolute
viscosity.
The test fluid sample is run on the laboratory apparatus to provide pressure and flow. The
hand-held dVA sensor measures the flow rate through the capillary in the dVA probe
assembly by capturing fluid flow in the piston assembly and measuring the flow rate with
the linear encoder.
The dVA is easily calibrated to ASTM velocity standards or other fluids of known viscosity.
Kinematic viscosity can be determined by entering the fluids specific gravity and can be
provided in Saybolt Universal Seconds (SSU or SUS), centistokes, or ISO viscosity units.

Connecting the dVA Sensor

The Enpac Oil connects to the Oil Sensor Interface. You connect the dVA to the Oil Sensor
Interface.
1. Insert the 25-pin plug at the end of the dVA sensor cable in the dVA connector on the
Oil Sensor Interface.
2. Tighten the thumbscrews located on either side of the connector to secure the dVA
cable to the Oil Sensor Interface.
3. Insert one end of the serial cable into the PC connector at the bottom of the Oil Sensor
Interface. Plug the other end into the COM port on the top of the Enpac Oil.

Connecting the dVA Sensor
Probing On with the dVA Sensor
collection.
Here are a few hints about probing on with the dVA sensor for consistent data and safety in
using the system.
It is recommended that you use the dVA with the lab stand for best results.
z Grasp the dVA sensor by the barrel and attach it to the valve by pressing firmly to get a
quick, positive connection. Continue to press down with the sensor while tightening its
lock-on sleeve.
z Make sure to completely tighten the sleeve before relaxing pressure on the sensor.
z Do not block, handle, push, or pull the backflush knob of the sensor while testing.
When the sensor is connected to the test port valve, the backflush knob begins to move
and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into the sensor.
Assembling the dVA

Record the calibration number that is inscribed on the large end of the probe. Thread the
dVA probe onto the end of the dVA sensor. Attach the 25-pin sensor cable to the top of the
Enpac Oil and tighten the two thumbscrews on either side of it.
Priming the dVA Sensor

Before you attempt to test any fluid with the dVA sensor, be sure that the internal surfaces
have been coated with the test fluid. Priming the sensor with lubricant or hydraulic fluid
wets the internal surfaces which improves operation and allows for greater accuracy in
testing the fluid. To prime the dVA, simply probe on to the test port for about 1 or 2
seconds. Detach the dVA, and expel the fluid by backflushing the dVA. For more detail on
backflushing, see “Backflushing the dVA Sensor” on page 68.
Note: You may not have to do this every time you begin collecting data, but if you are not sure
which fluid was used previously, you should prime the dVA sensor with the test fluid before
use.

Configuring the dVA

Before you begin testing with the dVA, you must configure it. Choose [6] Configure dVA at
the dVA main menu. There are several options available to you. This section goes through
each selection.
Entering the Probe Serial Number

The probe serial number is used to match the sensor with a calibration file. This number
must be input for accurate results. To enter the probe serial number, follow these steps.
2. Choose [3] dVA. The dVA Main Menu appears.
3. Choose [6] Configure dVA. The Configure dVA menu appears.
4. Choose [1] Probe Number. The dVA Probe screen appears.
5. Unscrew the probe tip from the dVA tube. The serial number is located on the base of
the probe tip, inscribed in the metal.
6. Enter the serial number (up to four characters) of the probe you are going to test. The
serial number is used to match the sensor with a calibration file. Do not include any
letters at the beginning of the number when entering it.
7. Press <Enter> to save your changes or <Escape> to leave the information as it was and
return to the Configure dVA screen.

Configuring the dVA
Calibrating the Probe for Low Viscosity Fluids

To calibrate the probe for your testing, you enter specific values, including specific gravity
and viscosity at 40°C for the dVA probe. Low viscosity range is from 1 cSt to 460 cSt. High
viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP.
4. Choose [2] Calibrate. The following screen appears.

5. Choose Low Viscosity to bring up the Calibrate screen. Low viscosity range is from 1
cSt to 460 cSt. High viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP.
Note: The reason for having the upper limit in cP instead of cSt is the cSt upper limit is
determined by dividing the cP viscosity value by the specific gravity you enter. To
determine your upper limit in cSt, divide 9999 by the test specific gravity and the result
is the upper cSt limit.
If the test viscosity limit of 9999 cP is exceeded, the Enpac Oil displays an error
message and the test viscosity value is not displayed or stored.
6. Choose Lower Range, Middle Range, or Higher Range.
7. After choosing the range at the Calibrate dVA screen for low viscosity fluids, enter the
specific gravity and viscosity for the calibration oil. Type the specific gravity number
and press <Enter>. Type the viscosity value and press <Enter>.
8. Press <Enter> to return to Calibrate dVA screen.

Configuring the dVA
Calibrating the Probe for High Viscosity Fluids

To calibrate the probe for your testing, you enter specific values, including specific gravity
and viscosity at 40°C for the dVA probe. Low viscosity range is from 1 cSt to 460 cSt. High
viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP. If you have a high viscosity probe tip, use it for
these tests. If you do not have a high viscosity probe tip, you can use the low viscosity probe
tip, provided you choose the low viscosity menu item in step 5.
3. Choose [6] Configure dVA. The dVA Configure menu appears.
4. Choose [2] Calibrate. The Calibration screen appears.
5. Choose High Viscosity and press <F4> OK. Low viscosity range is from 1 cSt to 460
cSt. High viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP.
Note: There are two probe tip types, one for low viscosity and one for high viscosity. If you
are using the low viscosity probe tip, choose the low option at this screen.
The Calibration oil screen appears.

Note: The reason for having the upper limit in cP instead of cSt is the cSt upper limit is
determined by dividing the cP viscosity value by the specific gravity you enter. To
determine your upper limit in cSt, divide 9999 by the test specific gravity and the result
is the upper cSt limit.
If the test viscosity limit of 9999 cP is exceeded, the Enpac Oil displays an error
message and the test viscosity value is not displayed or stored.
6. After choosing the range, enter the specific gravity and viscosity for the calibration oil.
Type the specific gravity value and press <Enter>. Type the viscosity value and press
<Enter>.
7. Enter the temperature of the calibration sample.
8. Enter the pressure of the calibration sample.
9. The viscosity test cycle begins. For more information about data collection, See “Using
the dVA to Collect Unscheduled Viscosity Data” on page 141.
10. After the data has been gathered, a new calibration value is calculated and can be used.

Configuring the dVA
Setting the Default Units and Projected Temperature

You can choose cP, cSt, or SUS for the default display units. You can also select the
temperature at which the Enpac Oil projects the viscosity value. Your choices are 40°C,
100°C, or entering another temperature. For example, if you want the Enpac Oil to project
the viscosity value at room temperature, enter 25°C for the projected temperature. Follow
these steps to set the default units and projected temperature.
3. Choose [6] Configure dVA. The dVA Configure Menu appears.
4. Choose [3] Default Units. The Default Units menu appears.
5. Choose Viscosity or Projected Temperature, then choose OK.

6. Select the units you want to use, then choose OK.
Entering New Oil Specifications

For unscheduled measurements, you can enter and save new oil specifications to use for
comparing your viscosity results to a known value. For example, you may want to observe
how your oil viscosity values change over a month’s use. You can enter the new oil
specifications and compare the month-old oil to those specifications. For more information
about the comparison, see “Comparing Test Results to New Oil Specifications” on page 72.

To enter new oil specifications, gather the information from your oil supplier and enter it by
following these steps.
4. Choose [3] Default Units. The Default Units screen appears.
5. Choose New Oil Specs. The New Oil Specs screen appears.
6. To enter new oil specifications, choose New Oil by pressing <F2>. The Oil Type [New]
screen appears.

Configuring the dVA
7. Select New Record and press <Enter>. The Oil Input screen appears.
8. Using the new oil information, enter the fluid name, specific gravity, viscosity at 40 °C,
and viscosity at 100 °C. This information should be available from your oil supplier.
Press the arrow keys to move from field to field.
9. Press <Enter> or <Escape> when you are finished entering information. The list of the
available oil specs appears.
10. Use the arrow keys to make your selection, then press <F4> OK. A summary of the oil
specs appears for you to accept.
11. To use this oil data, choose <F4> Accept. The selected Oil Spec becomes the new
default and you return to the dVA Configure Menu.

Maintaining the dVA

This section discusses maintaining your dVA to ensure optimal results and accurate use of
the dVA sensor.
Backflushing the dVA Sensor

Properly backflushing the dVA sensor clears the capillary tube of any potential
contamination. It is critical that you backflush the sensor following each sample test. If you
are backflushing manually, follow these steps.
1. Once the backflush knob stops moving, disconnect the dVA sensor from the valve.
2. Push on the backflush knob until it goes all the way down.
3. The sensor is now ready for another test.
If you are backflushing using the lab apparatus, follow these steps.
1. Once the backflush knob stops moving, disconnect the dVA sensor from the valve.
2. Attach the sensor to the automatic backflushing rig with the probe on the bottom of the
fixture.
3. Turn the knob located behind the backflushing rig to the FLUSH position. The
backflush piston pneumatically pushes the sensor knob, backflushing the sensor.
4. Once the backflush cycle is complete, turn the knob to the RETRACT position.
5. Remove the probe body from the backflushing rig after all the fluid is expelled. The
sensor is now ready for another test.

Maintaining the dVA
Seal Compatibility with Specific Fluids

This chart lists the known seal compatibilities with certain fluids. Be sure to use seals that
are compatible with the fluids you are testing. The following codes are used for the chart:
R=RecommendS=SatisfactoryM=MarginalU=UnsatisfactoryI=Insufficient data
Fluid Name Military Spec Trade Names/Numbers Color EP Viton
Water Glycol n/a Houghto-Safe 600 Series red R R

n/a Houghto-Safe 500 Series red R R
MIL-H22072 Houghto-Safe 271 red R R
n/a Ucon Hydrolube yellow or red R R
n/a Ucon M1 yellow R R
n/a Celluguard red R R
n/a Safety Fluid 200 bright pink R R
Water/Oil Emulsion n/a Houghto-Safe 5000 series white U R
n/a FR cream U R
n/a Irus 902 yellow U R
n/a Pyrogard C&Dd pale yellow U R
Water-Soluble Oil n/a water-soluble oil milky - R
Water-Fresh n/a fresh water clear R R
Water-Salt n/a salt water clear R R
Phosphate Ester n/a Houghto-Safe 1000 series green R R
MIL-H-19547B Houghto-Safe 1120 green R R
n/a Pydraul F-9, 150, 625 cloudy blue S R
n/a Fyrquel lt. green R R
n/a Shell SFR B.C.D. aqua green R R
n/a Pyrogard 42,43,53,55,190,600 pale yellow R R/S
n/a Skydrol 500A purple R U
n/a Skydrol 7000 green R U
n/a Pydraul 312, 135 (2) blue green M R
n/a Pydraul AC cloudy blue S R
n/a Pydraul 60 cloudy blue R U
n/a Pyrogard 210 (3) yellow M R
Diester Chlorinated MIL-H-7808 Lube Oil-Aircraft amber U R
Hydrocarbon n/a Aroclor 1200 Series (1) clear S R
Silicate Ester n/a OS-45 Type 4 clear S R
MLO-8200 Oronite 8200 clear U R
MIL-8515 Oronite 8515 clear U R
MIL-H-8446B Brayco 846 redbrown U R
Kerosene n/a Kerosene clear U R
Jet Fuel MIL-J-5624 JP-3,4,5 (RP-1) lt. straw U R
Diesel Fuel n/a Diesel Fuel clear U R
Gasoline n/a Gasoline various U R
Petroleum Base MIL-H-6083 Preservative Oil red U R

Replacing the Sensor Seals

You need regular maintenance of the sensor seals to ensure consistent results. The schedule
for replacing the seals depends on many factors. The wear on the seals is dependant on the
type of seal, fluids being tested, how often the sensor is used, and the cleaning method used.
If you use the unit daily, we recommend replacing the seals every 12–18 months.
One of the most common problems with seals is fluid incompatibility. You must choose a
seal that is compatible with the fluids you test. To confirm seal compatibility, see “Seal
Compatibility with Specific Fluids” on page 69.
To replace the seals in your dVA sensor, follow these steps.
1. Use the attached drawing to identify and carefully remove the old seals by pulling them
off. Do not cut the old seals off, as cutting may score the sensor and cause testing
problems.
2. Using the following diagram, match the new seals with their respective locations by
matching the part numbers printed on the protective bags.
Part numbers for Viton seals:

1 = Part # 1305-010
2 = Part # 1305-015
3 = Part # 1305-018
4 = Part # 1668-016
#4 (blue outer seal)

#3 (black inner seal)
#2 (larger black seal below screw threads)
#1 (small black seal)

Maintaining the dVA
3. Replace each seal as follows:

Seal #1: Seal number 1 is located on the sensor probe assembly. Unthread and remove
the sensor probe assembly, and pull off the o-ring mounted on it. Carefully pull the new
o-ring down over the sensor probe assembly, taking care not to cut the o-ring on the
metal edges of the probe assembly. The seal should fit snugly into a groove on the
sensor probe body.
Seal #2: (Note that Seal #2 is not used in the dVA.) Seal number 2 is located inside the
barrel cap, and rests on top of the sensor screen when the sensor is held in an upright
position. Replace this seal by removing the sensor probe assembly and the sensor
screen, and dropping the seal into the inverted sensor. Replace the screen and the sensor
probe assembly to help fit seal down into the opening.
Seal #3: Seal number 3 is the barrel cap seal. Unthread the barrel cap from the barrel
and remove the old seal by pulling it up and over the threads. Pull the new seal on,
taking care not to cut the seal on the threading. Re-attach the barrel cap to the barrel and
hand-tighten only.
Seals #4 and #5: Seal numbers 4 and 5 fit onto the piston inside the sensor barrel. These
seals are very crucial, so take special care to install them correctly. Pull the backflush
knob out to its full stroke. Remove the old seals by unthreading the sensor barrel from
the transducer at the seam that joins the barrel to the barrel adapter (the 1" section of the
barrel attached to the transducer). After unthreading the barrel, gently pull it off of the
piston. The blue teflon seal and the black o-ring underneath it can both be removed by
gently pulling them off of the piston. To install new seals, first pull the black o-ring #4
into position in the groove on the piston. Then gently stretch the blue seal over the
piston to fit on top of the black o-ring. Massage the blue seal into place with your
fingers, gently compressing it down into the groove. After working the seal into the
groove, attempt to thread the barrel back onto the piston. Do not force the barrel over
the seals. If the barrel does not thread on, continue to compress the seal down into the
groove. You do not need to grease or lube the seals in any way to insert them into the
barrel. Continue to alternately massage the seal and thread it on the barrel until the
piston fits into the barrel.
4. Discard old seals, and run a test with the dCA or dVA to assure that all seals are placed
correctly. Any incorrect placements inside the sensor causes problems with test results.

Comparing Test Results to New Oil Specifications

The dVA program in the Enpac Oil allows you to compare your viscosity test results to an
oil specification. The program compares the tested viscosity to what the viscosity should be
for your oil at the test temperature. The program also indicates the percentage difference
from the oil specification viscosity value. The results indicate the tested oil is lower than
specification with a minus sign (e.g. -7.6%). Test viscosities that are higher than
specification are indicated by a positive number (e.g. 10.5%).
Note: This procedure is for unscheduled measurements. You can also compare list measurements
to oil specifications if you enter the specifications in the host software. See “Setting Up
Measurement Definitions with the dVA for Viscosity” on page 103.
1. After you press [1] Low Visc Test or [2] High Visc Test to begin a viscosity test at the
dVA Main Menu, the program asks you if you want to compare your test result to the
oil specs.
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight Yes, then press <Enter> to compare to an oil spec you
can choose. The New Oil Specs screen appears, with the most recently created oil
specification displayed.
3. You may accept the oil specifications that appear by choosing Accept. Press <Enter> or
<F4. OK to use the one displayed.
If you decide to create a different oil than is on the screen, choose New Oil. The Oil
Type [New] screen appears. If you want to enter a new record, see “Entering New Oil
Specifications” on page 65.

4. Next, enter the temperature of the sample and press <Enter> or <F4> OK.
5. Enter the pressure of the sample and press <Enter> or <F4> OK.
6. If you have chosen the dVA test results to be in centistokes or Saybolt Universal
Seconds, the Test Sample screen appears and ask for the specific gravity of the fluid.
The program uses the specific gravity to convert the viscosity measurement from
absolute viscosity (cP) to kinematic viscosity (cSt or SUS).
7. The viscosity test cycle begins. For more information about data collection, See “Using
the dVA to Collect Unscheduled Viscosity Data” on page 141.


Chapter 6
6. Equipment for Sampling and Testing
This chapter describes collecting fluid and the equipment used for
testing. It covers the basic operations of preparing test ports, collecting
fluid with the Samplyzer bottles, regulating pressure with the High
Pressure Sampler, and using the bench-top apparatus. It includes the
following sections:
Overview of Equipment for Sampling and Testing .............................. 76
Preparing Test Port Valves for Sampling ............................................ 81
Collecting Fluid Samples .................................................................... 83
Using the High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II) ..................................... 87
Using the Portable Pressure Chamber................................................ 88
Using the Bench-Top Apparatus.......................................................... 88

Chapter 6 - Equipment for Sampling and Testing
Overview of Equipment for Sampling and Testing

This chapter discusses the basic operations related to oil analysis. Additional equipment is
available for collecting samples and running tests. There are several tasks related to these
activities, including preparing test ports, collecting fluid with the Samplyzer bottles,
regulating pressure with the High Pressure Sampler, and using the bench-top apparatus.
Each section offers more detail about these tasks.
Proper Sampling Techniques

Garbage in - is garbage out! If the sample is not good, then good testing equipment, quick
turnaround time and conclusive results are not beneficial. Good oil sampling is dependent
upon location, hardware and procedure. The sample bottle and its cleanliness level must
also be take into consideration when performing oil analysis. The objective is to maximize
the data intensity, minimize any data disturbance and perform oil analysis at the proper
frequency. This session will provide you with the very best oil sampling procedures and
techniques. A basic education of oil analysis and the importance of proper oil sampling will
also be discussed.
When a decision has been made to invest in an oil analysis program, whether it is laboratory
or on-site screening, one element remains the same - sampling. The on-line sample or bottle
sample must be representative of what is happening in the machinery and within the oil
itself. If the sample is not truly representative, at best it will provide worthless information
and at worst it can be misleading and hazardous. Proper oil sampling is not impossible and
does not have to be difficult. Once a procedure using the best fluid sampling methods is
implemented, sampling becomes routine and testing gains accuracy.
Obtaining a valid oil sample begins with selecting the critical machines to be tested and
identifying an appropriate oil sample location. This sample location should allow for future
samples to be obtained from the same place. The need for consistency in numerous samples
leads to the need for permanent sampling points. There can be more than one recommended
place and method for removing a fluid sample, depending upon the analysis program and
the expected results. Most people will agree that live zone sampling is the best location for
any system when possible. Try not to sample from dead pipe legs or hose ends, this provides
little information and is usually not accurate. A sample port should be located in a turbulent
zone such as an elbow where fluid changes direction and becomes mixed. Sampling
downstream of bearings, cylinders, gears, pumps, and actuators provides information from
the "work" environment of the system is a primary sampling point. When all of the criteria
(ISO cleanliness) can be met downstream of "work" equipment, then by default the
cleanliness must be met before the "work" equipment. Locate the sample port in a low-
pressure return line ahead of any filters or centrifuges, so that information is not removed
from the fluid sample. If a filter is operating correctly, it will remove data from the fluid
sample. Many times there is even a pressure gauge on the filter head that can be removed
and replaced with a "T" and a sample port along with a gauge can be installed in its place.
This sample type represents oil that is circulating and will not miss contaminants being
removed by filters from other locations. The accepted procedure for extracting samples
from dynamic fluid lines is ISO Standard 4021.

Fig. 1. - Locating Primary and Secondary Sampling Points
An alternate location would be installing a sample port at the mid-oil level in the reservoir,
above any high concentrations of sludge; avoiding any drain-ports and drop tube sampling
whenever possible. Drain ports and drain port taps do not promote an accurate oil sample,
they tend to contain the sediment from the bottom of the reservoir. If a sample from the
drain must be taken then do not just remove the drain plug to obtain a sample. The best drain
port sampling would be to install test port with a stainless steel tube that goes mid way into
the reservoir below the low oil level, then use a vacuum sampling technique to remove the
fluid sample. This keeps the sediment away from the test port. Drop down tubing is very
difficult to control for accuracy and repeatability. Drop tube vacuum sampling is good in
some bearing, bath lubricated, gear and hydraulic systems. When drop down tubing is
necessary, try to get as close to the return line in a circulating system as possible. Stay away
from walls and keep a mid-point between oil level and the bottom of the tank. Use a rod or
weight to achieve a consistent measured standoff from the bottom sludge layer. This sample
location should not contain high quantities of water that can be found at the oil surface, or
sludge that often congregates in the bottom of the reservoir.
Options for sampling splash-lubricated gears would be to install a sampling port with a
permanent tube that bends down into the reservoir below the low oil level. This port would
be installed into the outer housing in an accessable location. If a fitting/nut already exists
then only drill and tapping would be necessary. If this sample port is not an option then the
drain port vacuum sampling will again be necessary. Another location would be to install
quick disconnects into the housing to attach to a portable filter cart. This Beta cart will allow
for a non-circulating system to become a circulating system, thus obtaining a live sample.
This setup is more common on a hydraulic system and less desirable in most others. Since
the filter cart is mobile, it may be used on various systems with only the adoption of two
quick disconnects (inlet and outlet).

All permanent sample points should be identified with a small metal tag or a color-coded
identifier. This tagging eliminates the chance of sampling from the wrong sample port.
Usually, more than one sample port or more than one sample location is possible on a
machine. Installing more than one sample port provides diagnostic information and better
failure root cause analysis if necessary. Sample from the primary sample port on a routine
basis and then use the secondary sample ports for a more thorough diagnosis. The goal in oil
analysis sampling is to be accurate, consistent and simple.
Choosing Sample Bottles

The bottle used for sampling plays a major role in oil sampling. Any bottle used should be at
least 100-120 milliliter (4-5 ounces) and be made of one of the following: polyethylene-an
opaque plastic, PET plastic- which is a clear, transparent plastic or clear glass laboratory
type. Bottles can have a cleanliness rating. The cleanliness levels are Clean - < 100 particles
> 10 microns per milliliter of fluid, Super Clean - < 10 particles > 10 microns per milliliter
of fluid and Ultra Clean - < 1 particle > 10 microns per milliliter of fluid. Refer to ISO 3722
for bottle cleanliness guidelines. The problem with this guideline is that it ignores the actual
technique by which the bottles are cleaned. A Required Cleanliness Level (RCL) is
specified into this standard. The RCL indicates that two orders of magnitude separate the
sample bottle cleanliness from the expected fluid sample. This RCL becomes a greater focus
when deciding upon bottle cleanliness. Again consistency is a prime objective. Once a
bottle type is selected, it is best to maintain that same bottle type and vendor. If a sample
bottle vendor is changed there is the chance of interfering with oil analysis trending due to
the change in the bottles and not a change in the machine or oil makeup. The polyethylene
or PET bottles are preferred. The PET bottles have the advantage of being clear, so that a
simple visual observation and comparison can be preformed on lubricating fluids.
Damaging contaminants are too small to be seen with the naked eye, but change in color and
fluid-water separation is visible.
Typical sample bottle showing Ullage

The most dangerous particles are typically between five and twenty microns in size. The
naked eye can only see about 40 - 80 microns, under ideal conditions. If any particles were
visible in the sample bottle to the naked eye, this would indicate a definite problem within
the system. Plastic bottles can not be reused for oil analysis purposes - they are disposable
only. The glass bottles can be cleaned under laboratory conditions and reused. Glass bottles
are clear, can be cleaned to Ultra Clean rating and resuspend particles well, but they are also
expensive and break easily, therefore a safety hazard. Glass bottles are difficult to handle
around heavy machinery and are recommended for laboratory use. Note that some sample
containers are not compatible with synthetic lubricants and they may soften or dissolve.
Once the bottle type is selected, the goal should be at least a Clean rating with the RCL at
two orders of magnitude between the bottle and sample fluid. The bottles should always be
shipped with the caps attached. The bottles should not be opened until the fluid is to be filled
into the bottle. The best sampling is done without removing the cap when taking a fluid
sample. This can be achieved by using a 'Samplyzer' style bottle. This bottle has a short hose
and plastic port attached to the bottle cap that will connect with a Minimess port and then
can be disposed of by pulling the hose out of the cap and closing the holes with a plug. The
newest clean oil sampling technique is the plastic bag. In a clean air environment, simply
place the capped sample bottle into a zip-close bag and close it. All the bagged bottles
should then be placed into a larger zipped bag with a sampling device (vampire pump)
before going out into the plant. Enclosing the bottles and sampling device prevent any dirt
from accumulating. When the test port has been flushed, remove the bottle cap without
opening the zipped bag. Pull the plastic bag taunt around the open bottle and tread onto the
vacuum sampling device. The plastic bag must be thin enough for the plastic tubing to
puncture through. If using the 'Samplyzer' style bottle, a vent hole may need to be made by
puncturing the bag with a small hole. When the bottle is only three-quarters full, remove the
sampling device and re-attach the lid from inside the zipped bag. When the lid is firmly
attached the bottle may be removed and clearly labeled. It is amazing how much airborne
and surface dirt is prevented from entering the sample bottle through this inexpensive and
simple step. This technique permits a clean, valid sample to be obtained in a dirty
environment using dirty hands. It may seem a little awkward the first few times, but the
people that have implemented this procedure are very pleased with the results. Once again
the possible variables in contaminating the oil sample have been removed. ASTM has a
written procedure called "Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum
Products", method D 4057.
When to Sample
The best time for fluid sampling is when the machine is operating. Live zone sampling
while the machine is "on the run". The optimum sample is when the fluid makeup is
homogenous through out the system, and then it should not matter where the fluid sample is
taken. Allow the machine to come up to running speed and temperature, do not sample
immediately after start up. It is not advisable to take fluid samples just after topping up or
adding to the in-service fluid. Keep the in-service hours on oil recorded and the sampling
time between oil changes the same. Consistency is a large factor in having a successful oil
analysis program. Due to all of the information that must be gathered and stored it is very
prevalent that a good database software package be installed and maintained.

Sampling frequency is dependent upon many variables. Each of these variables must be
considered before defining sampling frequency. Some of the environmental factors that
must be considered are: severe environment (high dust), severe moisture, high load, high
pressure system, high speeds, high operating temperature, shock or severe duty cycle and
chemical/radiation contamination. Another factor that must always be taken into
consideration is the economic penalty of failure if there is any. Consider any safety risk that
may be involved, repair costs, downtime costs and machine mission criticality (how
dependent is the process upon this machine running?). When assessing the machine, the age
of the equipment becomes a factor. New machines have a frequent "Infant mortality" rate
requiring more sampling in the beginning. As the machine ages again the probability for
failure will increase. The age of the fluid itself is a factor. The older a fluid becomes the
worse it degrades at a faster rate. The final consideration is the target cleanliness level itself.
What target is trying to be achieved and how tight is this target? I believe that it is very easy
to get an "A" in a glass, but it is very difficult to maintain that "A". This is true with
cleanliness levels the tighter the margin between the target and in-service or new fluids the
more frequently sampling and testing will be required. The final decision upon sample
frequency will usually depend upon budget spending money and personnel. If you do not
have the money or the people, it will not matter how good your sample locations or
techniques are.
The timeliness in getting the oil sample analyzed is just as important as taking the actual oil
sample out of the operating machine. The oil sample must be immediately sent off to the
laboratory, either on-site or outside. Time is of the essence! Do not wait weeks or even days.
The turn around time for test results should be within 24 hours after receiving the sample for
analysis.
Sampling Conclusions
The omni-present goal is to improve decision effectiveness through accurate oil analysis.
Accurate sampling and good testing denotes information that leads to the improved quality
of maintenance and operations decisions. With out accurate sampling, the test results
provide worthless information, creating a detriment instead of a benefit. The key factor
becomes consistency. With a good written procedure, education and good hardware, proper
oil sampling can be cost effective and informative.
Other Sampling References

Entek IRD, Oil Analysis Course Workbook, 1998.
Fitch, E.C., Fluid Contamination Control, 1988.
Fitch, Jim, Practicing Oil Analysis, "Clean Oil Sampling", July/August 1998.
Hendrick, P., The South African Institute of Tribology, "Industrial Oil in Service",
September 1991.
Mayo, Jerry, "The Benefits of Proactive Fluid Condition Control", May 1997.
Practicing Oil Analysis, "Putting On-Site Oil Analysis to Work", September/October 1998
Troyer, Drew and Holly Borden, "Streamlining Oil Analysis with Field Testing", P/PM
Technology, April 1994.
BS5540, Part 3: 1978, "Methods of Bottling Fluid Samples", BSI.

Preparing Test Port Valves for Sampling
ISO 3722: 1976, "Hydraulic Fluid Power - Fluid sample containers - Qualifying and
controlling cleaning methods.", ISO
ISO 4021: 1992, "Hydraulic Fluid Power - particle contamination analysis - Extraction of
fluid samples from lines of an operating system.", ISO
Preparing Test Port Valves for Sampling

This section offers explanations about sampling and methods for getting ready to test
dynamic fluid samples using a test port valve.
There are two types of fluid sampling: static and dynamic. Static sampling refers to
extracting a fluid sample from a reservoir or dead zone where there is only slight fluid
movement. Static fluids contain contaminant concentration gradients, in which moisture and
solid particles segregate into layers due to gravity. Therefore, samples taken from different
depths within the static container can yield different results.
Dynamic sampling refers to extracting a sample where there is extensive fluid movement.
This is the best method of obtaining a representative sample from a hydraulic system.
Dynamic sampling, however, requires that sampling valves be installed at critical points in
the system. Usually the improved accuracy justifies the expense and effort involved in
installing test port valves.
Both ball valves and probe-on valves are acceptable valve types. However, probe-on valves
are easier to install, require much less fluid for flushing, and are less expensive than ball
valves.
After selecting the type of fluid sampling and valve type, you must select a location for the
test port valve. There are several valve location options for monitoring equipment, including
pump effluent monitoring, component monitoring, and return line monitoring.
Pump effluent monitoring is important because the pump is most prone to contaminant
failure in a hydraulic system. Fluid from this sampling point contains a combination of
contaminants: those entering from the reservoir, those sloughing off the suction strainer,
those desorbed (captured then released) from the intake filter, and those generated by the
pump itself (wear and cavitation debris, and corrosion products).
Component monitoring includes samples taken downstream of component parts, including
actuators, bearings, engines and gear systems. These samples can give information on hose
fibers, corrosion, filter desorption, and wear debris generation, which helps identify ailing
components and unusually high ingression points.
Return line monitoring is used when only one sample location can be selected. Make sure
you sample upstream of any filters fitted to the return line. The return line fluid contains all
the contaminants that the system just experienced, including those contaminants ingested
and generated by the system. When samples are taken and analyzed frequently, you can
effectively monitor overall system health. The only exception is when a high-efficiency
pressure line filter is employed that may cover the signs of an ailing pump.

Once the primary and secondary sample ports have been identified, the actual test port must
be selected. The options for pressurized lines are as follows: Minimess, portable Minimess,
ball/needle valve or quick disconnect. The Minimess test port with a dust cap is a very
valuable tool. The simple feature of a dust cap can eliminate external dirt from the sampling
port. The Minimess port can be used with a probe-on style bottle or for on-line sampling. A
flat face (male) quick disconnect can be installed and then a female quick connect with a
Minimess can be attached when a bottle sample is needed.
Quick connects can be used in high-pressure systems when a needle or ball valve is attached
with a helical coil to reduce the pressure. Quick connects can also be used with portable
filter carts. These carts are mobile and can circulate fluids from the system in off-line mode,
or filter oils in the case of new oil transfer.
Fig. 2 - Optimal sampling point location.
The best test ports have some kind of cap on them so they are not open to the environment.
A very important part of sampling is the flushing of the test port before actually obtaining a
sample. The test port size must be taken into consideration. A minimum of five times its
capacity must be flushed through the tubing and test port. Once the flushing is finished, then
a valid sample can be taken from that test port. A valid sample consists of filling the bottle
approximately 70% full. Do not fill the bottle completely; allow room for the fluid sample to
be properly agitated. Since the flushing time and volume can vary from individual to
individual, it is best to make this a written procedure with explicit guidelines as to the
volume of fluid that is to be flushed before getting an oil sample.

Collecting Fluid Samples

This section discusses the steps to obtain a fluid sample and several methods to prepare a
sample for testing with the oil analysis sensors. There are many variables involved in
sampling and testing fluids, including the method of sampling, the pressure of the system,
and the site of data acquisition. High pressure systems require special handling, and bottled
samples can either be tested in a portable pressure chamber or with a bench-top apparatus.
Each of these different situations is described in this section. Diagrams are included in the
overview section.
Overview of Collecting Fluid Samples

There are two methods for collecting a fluid sample. You can collect the sample directly
with the sensor, or you can collect a bottled sample for later analysis.
When collecting samples directly, you attach the sensor to a low pressure line (5–120 psi)
by probing on to a prepared test port. See “Probing On with the dCA” on page 34. On a high
pressure line (120–3000 psi), you attach the High Pressure Sampler II to regulate the
pressure, then probe on to the HPS II port with the sensor. See “Using the High Pressure
Sampler II (HPS II)” on page 87. If you are not collecting bottled samples, you may want to
skip directly to “Preparing for Data Collection” on page 125.
When collecting bottled samples, attach a Samplyzer bottle directly to a low pressure line
(5–500 psi). For a high pressure line (500–3000 psi), attach the bottle to the HPS II once the
pressure is regulated. See “Collecting a Bottled Sample from a 5–500 psi Line” on page 84.
If you have an Entek Beta Plus filter cart, you can collect a bottled sample from the port on
the cart itself, which allows for another type of off-line sampling.
Caution: Note that you can collect a bottled sample from a line up to 500 psi. The sensors should
only be used from 5–120 psi without using the HPS II.
You place bottled samples into a pressure chamber and attach the dCA sensor to the test port
on top, drawing the fluid up from the bottle into the dCA sensor. You can use the portable
pressure chamber for testing bottled samples in the field. See “Using the Portable Pressure
Chamber” on page 88. You can use a bench-top apparatus for multiple bottled samples for
ease of collection and analysis. See “Using the Bench-Top Apparatus” on page 88.
The following diagram is designed to help you navigate through the process. Page
references are located next to each stage.

dCA FOR A BOTTLED SAMPLE

or
fCA
or Samplyzer Bottle
dVA
HPS II dCA
or
fCA
or HPS II Samplyzer Bottle
dVA
t est port t est port

High pressure line Low pressure line
(150 - 3500 psi) (5 - 150 psi)
t est port t est port
High pressure line Low pressure line
page 85 (500 - 3500 psi) page 84
(5 - 500 psi)
page 87 page 34
dCA dCA
or or
fCA fCA
or or
dVA dVA
Portable Pressure Chamber OR Bench-top Apparatus
page 88 page 88
Collecting a Bottled Sample from a 5–500 psi Line

Bottled samples allow you to remove a sample directly from a line, then carry it with you for
testing with a portable pressure chamber or bench-top apparatus. Specially-equipped
Samplyzer bottles are used to probe on and collect fluid from a test port. Samplyzer bottles
include a probe tip for collecting samples online. You can obtain these bottles from Entek.
Note: Do not open a sample bottle until you are ready to take a test. Be careful not to allow
accidental entry of environmental contaminants into the sample fluid.
1. Remove the test port cap. Be sure that the line pressure is between 5 and 500 psi. If it is
higher than 500 psi, see “Collecting a Bottled Sample from a 500–3000 psi Line” on
page 85.
2. If dirt is visible, wipe off the outside area with a clean rag.
3. Use a probe-on Samplyzer bottle to flush out at least 30 mL of fluid. Discard the fluid
properly.

4. Obtain a clean Samplyzer bottle and open the vent hole on the cap.
probe end sampling tube

flow
test port valve
vent hole
snap cover
FILL RANGE
Samplyzer bottle
5. Attach the probe end of the sampling tube to the test port. Fluid enters the bottle. Allow
the bottle to fill up to the Fill line, which is about 75% full. Make sure you leave ullage
at the top of the bottle to allow for re-agitation of the bottle prior to testing.
6. Pull the tube from the valve to disconnect it.
7. Remove the tube from the bottle and quickly seal both holes in the bottle with the snap
cover provided.
Collecting a Bottled Sample from a 500–3000 psi Line

You use your High Pressure Sampler II to obtain a bottle sample from a higher pressure line.
The exact adjustment of your HPS II may vary depending on your configuration. The most
important aspect of using the HPS II is checking the pressure and adjusting it to a pressure at
which you can probe on to the HPS II safely.

WARNING: Failure to follow proper procedures can lead to injury. Take precautions when
operating around any high pressure fluids as they can be dangerous.
1. Check the pressure at the test port with a gauge to make sure it is less than 3000 psi.
2. Make sure that the regulator on the HPS II is fully off or decreased (turned all the way
counterclockwise) before using the HPS II.
3. Thread the bottom of the HPS II directly onto the test port valve on the system.
4. Adjust the HPS II to 60 psi by turning the regulator clockwise slowly (increase) and
reading the gauge attached to the HPS II.
5. Flush the test port on the HPS II into a waste container or flushing bottle for 5–10
seconds.
6. Obtain a clean Samplyzer bottle and open the vent hole on the cap.
7. Attach the probe end of the sampling tube to the HPS II. Fluid enters the bottle. Allow
the bottle to fill up to the Fill line, which is about 75% full. Make sure you leave ullage
at the top of the bottle to allow for re-agitation of the bottle prior to testing.
gauge
R E A SE
test port valve
probe end IN C
flow
sampling tube
DE
C REASE
High Pressure Sampler II
FILL RANGE
Samplyzer bottle
8. Pull the sampling tube off to disconnect it from the HPS II.
9. Remove the tube from the bottle and quickly seal both holes in the bottle with the snap
cover provided.
10. When the sample collection is complete, turn the HPS II completely off by turning it all
the way counterclockwise (decrease).
11. Bleed the remaining pressure in the HPS II off into a waste container or flushing bottle.
The remaining amount should be less than 2–3 mL.
12. Remove the HPS II from the test port.
Note: Refer also to ISO standard 4021 NFPA/T2.9.1-1972 or ANSI/B93.19M-1972, “Extraction
of Fluid Samples from Lines of an Operating System,” and ANSI standard B93.44-1978,
“Method for Extracting Fluid Samples from a Reservoir of an Operating Hydraulic Fluid
Power System.”

Using the High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II)
Agitating the Bottled Sample

Shake the calibration validation fluid vigorously for a minimum of five minutes to
vigorously, occasionally hitting the bottle against the palm of your hand. Agitation is
extremely important to the accuracy of the oil analysis instruments. Unless you can suspend
the particles or mix the fluid properly to simulate the true fluid environment, you cannot
expect to get consistent or accurate readings.
Using the High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II)

The High Pressure Sampler II (HPS II) can be used when the pressure level at the test port
on the hydraulic or lubrication system is 120–3000 psi. The exact adjustment of your HPS II
may vary depending on your configuration. The most important aspect of using the HPS II
is checking the pressure and adjusting it to a pressure at which you can probe on to the HPS
II safely.
WARNING: You must read this section carefully before performing a high pressure test, as the
information is crucial to the safe operation of the HPS II. Take precautions when
operating around any high pressure fluids as they can be dangerous.
1. Check the pressure at the test port with a gauge to make sure it is less than 3000 psi.
2. Make sure that the regulator on the HPS II is fully off or decreased (turned all the way
counterclockwise).
gauge
C R EA SE
IN
flow
DE
regulator C REASE test port valve
High Pressure Sampler II
3. Thread the bottom of the HPS II directly onto the test port valve on the system.
4. Adjust the HPS II to 60 psi by turning the regulator clockwise slowly (increase) and
reading the gauge attached to the HPS II.
5. Flush the test port on the HPS II into a waste container or flushing bottle for 5–10
seconds.
6. Attach the sensor to the HPS II and run the test as described in Chapter 9 “Collecting
Data”.

7. When the tests are complete, turn the HPS II completely off by turning the regulator all
the way counterclockwise (decrease).
8. Bleed the remaining pressure off into a waste container or flushing bottle. The
remaining amount should be less than 2–3 mL.
9. Remove the HPS II from the test port.
Using the Portable Pressure Chamber

The portable pressure chamber is designed for occasional, single-bottle testing of hydraulic
and lubricant fluid. If more frequent testing is required, a bench-top apparatus can assist in
providing faster sample processing. See “Using the Bench-Top Apparatus” on page 88. In
order to pressurize the portable pressure chamber you will need an air supply with pressure
between 40 psi and 80 psi or a hand-operated air pump and a pressure gauge.
1. Open the pressure chamber by unscrewing and removing the lid.
2. Shake the bottled fluid sample vigorously for a minimum of five minutes to
3. Open the sample bottle and place the bottle inside the pressure chamber.
Note: Do not pour the sample fluid directly into the pressure chamber.
4. Hand-tighten the pressure chamber lid, making sure that the plastic tube on the bottom
of the pressure chamber lid goes into the bottle sample.
5. Pressurize the chamber to a minimum of 40–50 psi by using the hand pump or air
supply hose. You can check the pressure by probing on to the test port on the chamber
with a pressure gauge.
6. Flush the test port located on top of the chamber lid by connecting a flushing bottle and
letting the fluid flow for approximately one second. This cleans the plastic tube inside
the chamber and prepares it for a test.
7. Probe on to the top of the pressure chamber with the sensor and follow the instructions
for “Collecting List Data” on page 126. You can backflush the fluid in the sensor into a
waste container or flushing bottle.
Using the Bench-Top Apparatus

You can use the bench-top apparatus for quickly processing multiple samples. One of the
functions of the bench-top apparatus is to provide air pressure to run tests with the sensor on
bottle samples. The air pressure also allows you to automatically backflush the sensor. The
waste oil line directs the backflushed fluid to a waste oil container.
Because the unit has two pressure chambers, two sensors can be used at the same time or
one chamber can be used for flushing or drawing up clean fluid while the other is used for
testing.
The bench-top apparatus requires an air supply with pressure between 80 psi and 120 psi.

Release any water from the bench-top apparatus air line filter once a month. You can release
the water by gently pushing or pulling the black rubber hose at the bottom of the filter.
accidental entry of environmental contaminants into the sample fluid. After collecting a
bottled sample, you must shake it before you can perform your tests in the lab using the
bench-top apparatus. See “Agitating the Bottled Sample” on page 87.
The general specifications of the bench-top apparatus follow.
Recommended 80–120 psi

Supply Air
Pressure
Recommended 60 psi for the dCA and fCA
Pressure 50 psi for the dVA
Regulator
Setting
Maximum Maximum 120 psi
Pressure for
Pressure
Chambers
Supply Air 5 microns
Filter Rating
Fluid Standard unit can test all fluids compatible with standard Viton seals.
Compatibility An EPR version of the unit is also available.

The following diagram shows the basic parts of the bench-top apparatus. Follow the
instructions below to use the bench-top apparatus.
pressure hose
backflush stand
flushing hose
pressure regulator pressure control knobs
PRESSURE
REGULATOR
backflush knob RETRACT RELEASE RELEASE
FLUSH PRESSURE
Enpac holder
pressure gauge pressure chambers
1. Place the loose end of the disposal hose into a waste oil container. The disposal hose is
rolled up and attached to the back of the bench-top apparatus.
2. Attach the air supply to the air filter quick-connect fitting on the back of the bench-top
apparatus.
3. Adjust the pressure regulator to between 80 and 120 psi, which is recommended for
higher viscosity fluids. The higher the pressure, the shorter the test cycle.
4. Depressurize the pressure chambers by making sure the pressure control knob points
upwards to the RELEASE position.
Note: To speed up your test time, use one pressure chamber exclusively for tests and one for
flushing the sensor with clean fluid.

5. Open the pressure chamber by unscrewing and removing the lid.

6. Shake the bottled fluid sample vigorously for a minimum of five minutes to
7. Open the sample bottle and place the bottle inside the chamber. Do not pour the sample
fluid directly into the pressure chamber.
8. Hand-tighten the pressure chamber lid, making sure that the plastic tube on the bottom
of the pressure chamber lid goes into the bottle sample.
9. Pressurize the chamber by turning the pressure control knob located behind the pressure
chamber counterclockwise until the arrow on the knob points down to the PRESSURE
position.
10. Flush the test port located on top of the chamber lid by connecting the flushing hose and
letting the fluid flow for approximately one second. This clears the plastic tube inside
the chamber and prepares it for a test.
11. Probe on to the top of the pressure chamber and follow the instructions for your
particular sensor. See “Collecting List Data” on page 126.
12. When the measurement is collected, backflush the sensor fluid into the test port on the
backflush stand. Backflush the sensor by disconnecting it from the test port and placing
it in the automatic backflushing rig with the black knob up. The sensor connects to the
backflush valve through the opening on the bottom of the fixture.
13. Turn the backflush knob, located behind the backflushing rig, to the FLUSH position.
The backflush piston pneumatically pushes the sensor knob, backflushing the sensor.
14. After backflushing, turn the backflush knob to the RETRACT position. If the knob does
not return all the way (more than 1/8" of rod shaft showing), use the backwash
procedure. See “Backflushing the dCA Sensor” on page 36.


Chapter 7
7. Setting Up Measurements
This chapter describes setting up measurement definitions in Enlube™
Proaction® Manager (Enlube PM), or EMONITOR Odyssey, or
Enshare, for use with the oil analysis system. It includes the following
sections:
Overview of Setting Up Measurements ............................................... 94
Measurement Definition Options ........................................................ 94
Setting Up Measurement Definitions................................................. 101
Setting Up Alarms, Lists, and Inspection Codes ............................... 104

Chapter 7 - Setting Up Measurements
Overview of Setting Up Measurements

The topics in this chapter describe setting up measurement definitions in the host software
when using the dCA, fCA, or dVA.
This section discusses process measurements and the units used for oil analysis to help you
set up measurements in the host software. The topics discussed also include setting up
alarms and lists, and how to use inspection codes. For more general information about
measurement definitions, alarms, lists, and inspection codes, refer to the printed or online
host software User’s Guide.
Measurement Definition Options

These topics describe the available selections for setting up measurement definitions. You
determine these selections with the Set Active Collectors command from the Tools menu
in the host software.
Note: Unlike the fCA, the dVA is separate from the dCA in the host software. You may want to
choose the dVA as the active collector if that is your only sensor.
Note: If no data collectors are active, the selections that appear in the Measurement
Definition pane are the ones available to ALL data collectors. If only the dCA is active,
then only the valid choices for the dCA appear in the lists. If the dCA and other data
collectors are active at the same time, you see the selections that are common to all
data collectors that are active. Therefore, you may not see all the selections available
for the dCA.
Measurement Types
The host software and the oil analysis systems support only the process measurement
definition type. Process measurements are also called process points, and are single
measurements that indicate the general condition of the process or equipment. Each reading
of particle count or viscosity using the dCA or dVA is a single measurement.
The active collectors you select with the Set Active Collectors command from the Tools
menu determine which measurement types are available to you. If you have active collectors
selected that do not support process measurements, the process measurement type may not
be available to you.

Measurement Definition Options
Measurement Units
The host software and the Enpac Oil support many different measurement units. The
measurement units defined for the Enpac Oil include both ISO and NAS code, percent
ferrous, ferrous particle counts, particle counts for certain particle sizes, and viscosity. This
section discusses the different measurement units for the Enpac Oil.
In oil analysis, the ISO code is a convenient method for representing particle counts and is
used by most oil analysis laboratories and maintenance organizations. Tables assign codes
based on number of particles per milliliter. The table used for ISO codes shows that as the
ISO numbers get higher the contamination levels double. Therefore an oil with an ISO Code
of 17/14 is twice as dirty as an oil with an ISO Code of 16/13.
Another cleanliness code used as a measurement unit in the host software is NAS code, a
National Aerospace Society cleanliness code developed in 1964. It represents cleanliness
values over a range of particle sizes.
Particle counts are also used as a measure. Particle counts are based on the concentration of
particles greater than or equal to a certain size, measured in microns.

In the host software, there are several choices for specifying measurement units you wish to
use. The following table defines each unit.
UNITS Measurement represents
PC>=2 count of particles greater than or equal to 2 microns

ISO - 2 ISO cleanliness values for particles greater than 2 microns
NAS 5-15 NAS cleanliness values for particles ranging from 5 to 15 microns
NAS > 100 NAS cleanliness values for particles greater than 100 microns
FP > 10um count of ferrous particles greater than 10 microns
% Ferrous percent of ferrous particles as a function of total particle count
cSt@40C kinematic viscosity in centistokes
cP@25C absolute viscosity in centipoise
Note: Particle counts in excess of 50 microns may not maintain consistency between readings due
to limitations of the dCA sensor. Therefore, data analysis using the measurement types
PC>=50, PC>=100, NAS 50-100, and NAS>100 may not yield consistent results.
Measurement Input Type

The following input types are used with EMONITOR Odyssey or Enshare.
z Hydraulic 5 - Use with 5 micron sensor screen when testing hydraulic fluid.
z Lubricant 5 - Use with 5 micron sensor screen when testing lubricant fluid.
z Lubricant 10 - Use with10 micron sensor screen when testing lubricant fluid.
z Lubricant 15 - Use with 15 micron sensor screen when testing lubricant fluid.
Input types are not needed for the dVA.

Setting Up the Lubricant Specifications and Categories

In the host software, a lubricant library is available to you so that you can enter information
from the manufacturer and compare collected values to the new oil specifications when
using the dVA and the Enpac Oil or Oil Sensor Interface. For viscosity measurements, the
lubricant library must be set up correctly and the correct Category must be used in order for
the measurement definitions to load and unload correctly. This section shows you how to set
up your lubricant library and categories so that viscosity measurements can be compared to
new oil specifications in the dVA.
When you set up a new Lubricant Specification, it automatically creates a new Category.
You can choose that category when you set up your measurement locations. This shows an
example using the demo database.
The viscosity information for that lubricant is loaded to the dVA for comparison to the test
oil. This is an improved method over entering the information in the Description column,
which was used with previous versions of EMONITOR Odyssey and Enshare.
The valid ranges for each viscosity value are as follows:
Specific Gravity 0.500–1.200
You can enter decimal places in this field. The values that are loaded
to the Enpac Oil are rounded to three decimal places.
cSt@40C 1–5000 cSt
You can enter decimal places in this field. The values that are loaded
to the Enpac Oil contain five characters, including the decimal. So, if
you enter 456.123, the value loaded to the Enpac Oil is: 456.12.
cSt@100C 1–the cSt@40C value
If you try to enter a number that is higher than the cSt@40C value, an
error message appears. You can enter decimal places in this field. The
values that are loaded to the Enpac Oil contain five characters,
including the decimal. So, if you enter 456.123, the value loaded to
the Enpac Oil is: 456.12.
The viscosity ranges for the dVA fall into two ranges, low and high. The low range is from 0
to 460 cSt. The high range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP. The reason for having the upper limit
in cP instead of cSt is the cSt upper limit is determined by dividing the cP viscosity value by
the specific gravity you enter. To determine your upper limit in cSt, divide 9999 by the test
specific gravity and the result is the upper cSt limit.

Adding Lubricants to the Lubricant Library

You should gather all the new oil specifications for viscosity for each of your lubricants
from the manufacturers, then enter it in the lubricant library. Here are the steps for adding
new lubricant specifications to the lubricant library.
1. From the Setup menu, choose Lubricants.
2. To define a new Lubricant Specification, choose New. The following dialog box
appears.
3. Enter the Name of the lubricant, the cSt@40C, the cSt@100C, and the Specific
Gravity. These are the required fields, and these fields are loaded to the Enpac Oil to
compare to tested values with the dVA. To use these specifications, choose the
lubricant name in the Category column when you set up the measurements. Press F1 for
a description of all the fields in the dialog box.
4. When you have entered all needed information, choose OK. The new lubricant will be
added to the list of lubricant specifications.

Using the Viscosity Calculator

You can use the viscosity calculator to determine the viscosity of the lubricant at any given
temperature based on the specific gravity, cSt@40C and cSt@100C values. To use the
viscosity calculator, follow these steps.
1. From the Setup menu, choose Lubricants.
2. Choose New or Edit to open the dialog box that contains the viscosity calculator. The
following dialog box appears. The viscosity calculator is located at the bottom of the
dialog box.

3. Enter the cSt@40C value, the cSt@100C value, and the Specific Gravity value.
4. Under Viscosity calculator, enter the target temperature for which you want to know
the viscosity.
5. Choose Calculate. The viscosity value appears next to the cSt label as shown below.
Setting Up Categories for Alarms

You can use either the lubricant description or a category to set up alarm levels in the host
software. These alarm levels can be applied for all measurement locations that use a
particular category.
Category variables allow you to have much greater control over alarms in the host software.
These variables allow you to change the level of one or more alarms for an entire equipment
category by changing the value of the variable only once.
For example, assume that you have set up constant alarms for process measurement
definitions for thirty identical gearboxes. Initially, you decide to use a value of 400 PC >=10
for your warning alarm, and 450 PC>=10 for your danger alarm. Assume you use the same
Gearbox category for all locations for the gearboxes.
After using the host software for several months, you discover that the constant alarm levels
are too high. You decide to adjust them to set the warning alarm at 350 PC>=10 and the
danger alarm at 400 PC>=10. If you did not use category variables, you would have to
change the alarm levels for each of the magnitude constant alarms for each gearbox. This
could take a significant amount of time.
Suppose, instead, you used the category variable LO ALARM1 for the warning alarm value,
and HI ALARM1 for the danger alarm value. You could then simply change the values for
the category variables LO ALARM1 and HI ALARM1 in the Gearbox category for
matching Units (PC>=10 units). The host software then automatically changes all alarms in
that category that use the LO ALARM1 and HI ALARM1 category variables for
measurement definitions with that unit.

Setting Up Measurement Definitions
It is important to note that you must use the correct units for the category when changing
category variables. The host software only changes alarms for measurement definitions in
that category that match the units.
To set the value for a category variable

Hint: The easiest way to edit a category variable is to right-click the category in the location pane
and choose Edit. You can also right-click the alarm definition in the alarm pane and choose
Category.
1. From the Setup menu choose the Category command.
2. Select the category, and then choose Edit. If you need to create a new category, or add a
new unit, refer to your host software manual.
3. Enter the category variables for the first unit in the Category Variables table in the
Edit Category dialog box. You only need to fill in the category variables you will be
using in the host software. However, if you use a category variable in an alarm and do
not give it a value, the host software ignores the alarm.
4. Choose Next Unit and repeat step 3 for each unit in the category.
Choose Next Unit

to edit category
variables for the
next unit
Enter the category

variable values for
the current
unit
There are two things to note about category variables:

z The value of a category variable depends on the combination of category you select for
the location, and the unit you select for the measurement definition.
z You do not have to choose the Generate Alarm Statistics command from the Tools
menu after you change the value of a category variable. The category variables are not
part of the alarm statistics generated by the host software.

The topics in this section describe setting up measurement definitions in the host software
for this data collector. This section describes the way the host software works with your data
collector for process measurement definitions. For more general information on setting up
measurement definitions, consult the printed or online User’s Guide.

Because the Enpac Oil is used solely for oil analysis, process measurements are the
applicable choice for measurement definition. Each reading of particle count, ferrous count,
or viscosity using the Enpac Oil is a single measurement.
Setting Up Measurement Definitions for the dCA for Particle Count

The following figure shows typical process measurement definitions for the Enpac Oil using
the dCA sensor to measure particle count. It shows a portion of a Measurement Definition
pane in the host software with three common measurement units:
z ISO - 5 with a 10 micron sensor screen for testing lubricant fluid
z PC>=10 using a 10 micron screen for testing lubricant fluid.
Each measurement definition represents a single point in your list. When the collection
specification and location match for a particular measurement definition, the Enpac Oil will
collect data only once. The host software then calculates each point in the correct units.
Other common measurement definitions include:

z ISO - 5 with a 10 micron sensor screen for testing hydraulic fluid
z PC >=10 with a 10 micron sensor screen for testing hydraulic fluid
z PC >=15 with a 10 micron sensor screen for testing lubricant fluid
The following figure shows the Collection Specification dialog box which corresponds to
the COLLECTION column in the Measurement Definition pane.
Note: The host software does not automatically include a 5 micron collection specification for
lubricant or hydraulic fluid. If you would like to create a collection specification for 5
micron particle size counts on lubricant fluid, choose Copy and change the name and sensor
option to Lubricant 5 u. See the printed or online User’s Guide for more detailed
instructions.

The sensor specifications are:
Name Base Unit Units DC Offset
Lubricant 10 u none none N/A

Lubricant 15 u none none N/A
Hydraulic 10 u none none N/A
Hydraulic 15 u none none N/A
Setting Up Measurement Definitions with the fCA for Ferrous Count

the fCA sensor so that you can measure ferrous particle count. Because the fCA
measurement is in addition to the dCA measurement, the host software treats the
measurement as an add-on to the dCA measurement with the same collection specification.
This example shows a portion of a Measurement Definition pane in the host software with
two common measurement units:
z FP > 10 um with a 10 micron sensor screen testing lubricant fluid
z % Ferrous with a 10 micron sensor screen testing lubricant fluid
specification and location match for a particular measurement definition, the Enpac Oil
collects data only once. The host software then calculates each point in the correct units.
Setting Up Measurement Definitions with the dVA for Viscosity

the dVA sensor to measure viscosity. It shows a portion of a measurement definition pane in
host software with three common measurement units:
z cSt@40C - kinematic viscosity in centistokes testing lubricant fluid
z cP@25C - absolute viscosity in centipoise testing lubricant fluid
Note: Unlike the fCA, the dVA is separate from the dCA in host software. You may want to
choose the dVA as the active collector if that is your primary sensor.
specification and location match for a particular measurement definition, the Enpac Oil
collects data only once. The host software then calculates each point in the correct units.

With dVA measurements, you can compare clean oil specifications to your measurements.
The host software can do this for you if you add the oil specification to the Lubricant
Library. To do so, follow these steps.
1. In the host software, choose Lubricant Library from the Setup menu.
2. Enter a name for the lubricant. Enter the viscosity and specific gravity values for the
lubricant.
The valid ranges for each value are:
Specific Gravity 0.500–1.200
Viscosity at 40 1–5000 cSt
Viscosity at 100 must be less than the “Viscosity at 40” value in cSt
Note: The V100 value must be less than the V40 value. If you enter any of the values incorrectly,
the host software loads the default values. The default values are 0.85 for specific gravity,
60 cSt for V40, and 9 cSt for V100.
Setting Up Alarms, Lists, and Inspection Codes

The topics in this section describe the way the host software loads alarms and lists and how
it handles inspection codes in the Enpac Oil. The alarms, or target values, are included with
the list of measurement definitions. This topic lists the unique characteristics of the Enpac
Oil that you need to know when setting up and collecting data. For more information on
alarms, lists, and inspection codes, see the printed or online User’s Guide.
Alarms and the Data Collector

This topic lists the unique characteristics of the Enpac Oil that you may need to know when
setting up and collecting data.
Alarms in the host software are represented as target values in the Enpac Oil. An example of
the displayed target value is shown below.
If your data is above the alarm value set in the host software, the Enpac Oil displays a
message asking if you would like to run an fCA test in addition to your dCA test.
If you wish to collect fCA data at this point, choose Yes. You can collect the fCA data, then
return to your regular list.

Setting Up Alarms, Lists, and Inspection Codes
Selecting alarms to load to the Enpac Oil

z Set Trigger to Yes in the Alarm spreadsheet pane to activate an alarm so it loads to the
data collector with a measurement definition.
z Only one alarm is downloaded per measurement definition, so if you set Trigger to
Yes for more than one alarm, the host software chooses the most restrictive alarm.
Supported alarms with the Enpac Oil

Many data collectors cannot handle the complexity of alarms available in the host software.
The Enpac Oil allows you to use a single alarm per process measurement definition. You
can set up multiple alarms in the host software to help you monitor your data. The Enpac Oil
only loads the most severe alarm.
The host software does two things when loading and unloading lists with alarms:
1. Simplifies the alarms using the most conservative combination to create an alarm
within the ability of the data collector. This means that the data collector may indicate
that a measurement exceeds an alarm when in fact the measurement is not in alarm.
2. Tests the measurements against the alarms when you unload the data collector. This
means that the host software always accurately indicates when a measurement is in
alarm, regardless of the number or complexity of the alarm(s). This is true for all active
alarms, regardless of their trigger status.
Lists and the Data Collector

The host software and the Enpac Oil support loading lists of measurement definitions, called
routes in the Enpac Oil. The order of measurements in the list is the same in the Enpac Oil
as it is in the host software. You can only load one list at a time to the data collector.
Note: Because the dCA and dVA are separate drivers, you must set up separate lists for each
sensor type. A list can be for the dCA, or for the fCA/dCA, or for the dVA.
Loading lists
Note: A list is called a route in the Enpac Oil.
You can load one list at a time to the data collector. However, if you select more than one
list in the Load/Unload dialog box, the host software combines the two lists and asks you to
save it under a new list name. The Enpac Oil can store up to 200 points from a list. You
must delete the list in the Enpac Oil before you can load a new list.
Deleting lists
The data collector automatically deletes the list once it is uploaded to the host software. The
Enpac Oil displays a screen to ask you “Was dCA data unload successful (Y/N)?” Pressing
<Y> to answer yes deletes the list data. Pressing <N> to answer no allows you to return to
view the data on the Enpac Oil again without deleting the data file.
Note: Before pressing <Y> for yes, you can run an unload report in the host software to verify that
the unload was successful, or simply check a few measurements in your data history
archive. See your online or printed User’s Guide for more information.
You can also manually delete the data file. See “Deleting or Resetting Lists in the Data
Collector” on page 113.

Inspection Codes and the Data Collector

You can use the Enpac Oil to record inspection codes by entering them in the Comments
section as you collect data.The comment section appears after you have saved sample data.
You can enter up to 17 characters in this field, then press <ENTER>. The comments section
is unloaded with your data and the host software saves it as an inspection code.
Comment section
However, the inspection codes in the host software are not loaded to the data collector when
you load a list. Instead, you can carry a written record of your inspection codes with you on
your route. You can then use the letter keys to enter information in the comment section.
For example, if you detect an abnormal noise from a machine while taking an oil sample,
you may want to record that in the comments section as an inspection code. You can use the
letter keys on the Enpac Oil to type ABNORMAL TEMP.
Inspection codes also appear as text on your trend plots in the host software. The host
software displays exactly what was typed in the Enpac Oil.

Chapter 8
8. Loading and Unloading
This chapter describes loading and unloading operations with the host
software and the Enpac Oil data collector. It includes the following
sections:
Overview of Loading and Unloading ................................................ 108
Setting Up for Communication.......................................................... 109
Loading Lists to the Data Collector ................................................... 113
Unloading a List from the Data Collector ......................................... 116
Transferring Individual Files from your Computer to the Enpac Oil 118

Chapter 8 - Loading and Unloading
Overview of Loading and Unloading

The topics in this chapter describe using the Enpac Oil with the host software for loading
and unloading lists. It covers information about setting up to load and unload your data
collector. These tasks require setting communication options in both the host software and
the data collector. Topics include:
z Setting communication options
z Connecting the data collector and the computer
z Loading lists to the data collector, including preparing the data collector and selecting
load options
z Unloading data from the data collector, including preparing the data collector and
selecting the unload options
You perform all the above functions from the Load/Unload dialog box in the host software.
To display the Load/Unload dialog box, choose the Load/Unload command from the
Tools menu.
For all connections with the Enpac Oil, you must use the COM cable that comes with the
Enpac Oil. This cable is specially designed for communications with the Enpac Oil.
For information on collecting data with your data collector, see Chapter 9 “Collecting
Data”. For more information about loading lists and the Load/Unload dialog box, see the
printed or online User’s Guide.

Setting Up for Communication

The topics in this section lead you through setting up for communication both in the host
software and in your data collector. These steps include preparing the host software for
communication, selecting the dCA as the data collector, setting up the Enpac Oil for
communication, and finally, connecting the data collector and the computer.
Many of the steps in this section are completed through the Load/Unload dialog box. You
use the Set Up Collector button and Set Up Computer button to set up the Enpac Oil and
computer for communication.
Preparing the Host Software for Communication

To prepare the host software for communication with the Enpac Oil, you select the
computer communication options, then select the data collector communication options.
To set up the host software for communication

Once you select the communication options, you should not have to change them again
unless you change your computer hardware.
1. Choose the Load/Unload command from the Tools menu.
Or click The Load/Unload dialog box appears.
2. Choose the large Set Up Computer button in the Load/Unload dialog box. The Set
Up Computer dialog box appears.
3. Select the correct COM port for your Communications Device.
4. Choose OK to close the Set Up Computer dialog box.
To select the current data collector

You can have several active data collectors in the host software, but only one current data
collector at a time. Before you can communicate with a data collector, you must select it as
the current data collector.

An icon of the dCA or dVA indicates whether the selected driver is the dCA or the dVA.
The dCA and dVA are separate route files on the Enpac Oil. Make sure that the correct
name appears below the Set Up Collector button.
Note: Because the dCA and dVA are different drivers, you must create and load different lists for
each type of sensor.
If you need to select the current collector, follow these steps to make the correct sensor the
current data collector.
2. Choose the large Set Up Collector button in the Load/Unload dialog box. The Set Up
Data Collectors dialog box appears.
3. The word Yes appears in the Current column next to the name of the current data
collector. Select the current data collector, the dCA or the dVA, by doing either one of
the following:
z Double click in the Current column for the desired data collector to change the
value to Yes. The previously selected collector automatically changes to No.
z Use the arrow keys to move the spreadsheet cursor to the Current column for the
desired data collector. Press Enter to change the value to Yes. The previously
selected collector automatically changes to No.
4. Choose OK to close the Set Up Data Collectors dialog box.
To select the correct communication settings in the host

software
2. Make sure an icon of the Enpac Oil appears in the Set Up Collector button and the
correct sensor is below the button, such as [dCA] or [dVA]. If not, see “Preparing the
Host Software for Communication” on page 109.
3. Choose the Set Up Collector button. The Set Up Data Collectors dialog box appears.
4. Select the Baud column in the DCA row to set the Baud rate to the same rate you
selected in the Enpac Oil. See “Selecting the Correct Communication Settings in the
Enpac Oil” on page 111 if you need to check or change the baud rate in the Enpac Oil.
5. Select the Protocol column to set the Protocol to N81 by choosing N81 from the pull
down menu.
6. Choose OK to close the Set Up Data Collectors dialog box.

Setting Up the Data Collector for Communication

The baud rate set in the host software must match the baud rate set in the data collector in
order to communicate properly. This section describes how to check and change the baud
rate in the Enpac Oil. You must set these options if any of the following are true:
z This is the first time you are using the Enpac Oil with the host software.
z Someone reloads the Enpac Oil operating system.
z Someone changes the baud rate.
Selecting the Correct Communication Settings in the Enpac Oil

1. Turn the data collector on. Press <Escape> until you return to the Enpac Oil Main
Menu if necessary.
2. Choose [1] dCA Only from the Enpac Oil Main Menu. The dCA Main Menu appears.
3. Choose [6] Utilities.
4. Choose [3] Set Up Baud Rate. Use the arrow keys to select the baud rate you want. For
example, press the down arrow for a baud rate of 38400, if 19200 is selected.
5. Choose <F4> OK to save the baud rate change.

Connecting the Data Collector and Computer

In order to load and unload data from the Enpac Oil, you connect the Enpac Oil to a COM
communication port in the back of your computer. Use the communications cable supplied
with the Enpac Oil, which can be extended with a standard RS-232-C cable.
1. Locate the COM serial port on the back of your computer and insert the connector into
it. Tighten the thumbscrews to ensure a reliable connection.
2. Insert the other end of the cable into the port on the Enpac Oil and tighten the
thumbscrews. Consult the diagram if needed.
The following is a diagram of the hardware connection:

Loading Lists to the Data Collector

After you connect the data collector to the computer, you can load a list to the data collector
by selecting the load options, selecting the list, and clicking on the Load button in the host
software.
For more information on loading lists, load options, and the Load/Unload dialog box, see
the printed or online User’s Guide.
Preparing the Data Collector for Loading

The menu choice you make for loading and unloading the data collector depends on the type
of sensor you will use.
1. Make sure you have correctly connected the data collector to the computer. See
“Connecting the Data Collector and Computer” on page 112.
2. Turn the data collector on.
3. Press <Escape> to return to the Main Menu if necessary.
4. Choose the sensor type you will use for the list. If you are loading a list for the dCA,
choose [1] dCA Only. If you are loading a list for the fCA, choose [2] dCA - fCA. If
you are loading a list for the dVA, choose [3] dVA. The main menu for that sensor
appears.
5. Choose Connect to PC by pressing the correct number key. The Communications
screen appears.
The data collector is ready to receive a list. See “Loading Lists to the Data Collector”
on page 114 to load a list. If you wish to cancel, press <Escape>.
Deleting or Resetting Lists in the Data Collector

If data already exists in the data collector but you do not need it anymore, you can erase the
data manually. If you are trying to load a new list with another list already loaded to the
Enpac Oil, you must erase the old data first. You may either unload or delete the data. Check
to make sure that you no longer need the data before deleting it. To delete just the data, but
keep the list, you can reset the list.

Caution: Deleting and resetting the list erases the existing data. Be sure that you no longer need
the data before deleting it.
1. Turn the data collector on. Press <Escape> until you return to the Main Menu if
necessary.
2. Choose [1] dCA Only or [3] dVA from the Main Menu, depending on which type of
data you want to delete. The dCA or dVA Main Menu appears.
3. Choose [6] Utilities from the Main Menu. The Utilities Menu appears.
4. To reset the list, clearing the data but keeping the list, choose [1] Reset dCA List. To
delete the list and the data, choose [2] Delete dCA List from the Utilities Menu. A
warning screen appears.
5. Choose Yes to delete the data or the list.
Note: Note that dCA data and fCA data are combined, so if you delete dCA data you are also
deleting fCA data.
Selecting the List(s)

The host software and the Enpac Oil support loading one list at a time, but the host software
can combine lists so you may select more than one list to load.
The data collector has a storage capacity of 200 measurement definitions in a list. If a single
or combined list has more than 200 total data points you might not be able to load the list.
Note that you cannot load a list if there is already a list in the Enpac Oil. If you want to
reload a list, you must first delete the list in the data collector. See “Deleting or Resetting
Lists in the Data Collector” on page 113.
Note: Because the dCA and dVA lists are separate files, you must create and load separate lists for
each type of sensor.
Selected lists appear in inverse text. If you select more than one list, then try to load it,
the host software combines the two lists and asks you to save it with a new list name.

After connecting the Enpac Oil and computer, selecting the correct communication settings,
and selecting one or more lists, you are ready to load the data collector. Follow these steps
to load your selected lists.
Note: It may take some time for the host software to build load files for large lists. You can save
time by using Quickload lists and using the Update Quickload Files command from the
Tools menu to build the load files when you are not using the computer. For more
information on Quickload lists, see the printed or online User’s Guide.


2. Make sure the data collector and the host software are ready to communicate by
checking the Enpac Oil display for the Communication screen. If not, see “Preparing
the Data Collector for Unloading” on page 116.
3. Select the desired list or lists. If you choose more than one list, the host software asks if
you want to combine the lists and saves the lists under a new list name.
4. Choose the Load button in the Load/Unload dialog box.
The following series of events occurs.
The host software builds the load file and shows a progress bar. See the note above if
you want to use Quickload lists to save time during the build process. To stop the
process, choose the Abort button.
The host software loads the file into the data collector and a second progress bar
appears, telling you that it is loading file 1 of 1.
5. When the load is complete, the Enpac Oil displays a status message and the progress
bar closes in the host software.
6. Choose Close to close the Load/Unload dialog box.
Displaying the Data Collector Driver Version Number

The data collector driver is the software that allows the host software to communicate with
the Enpac Oil. You can display the data collector driver version number in the host software
with the following steps:
2. Make sure the correct data collector appears in the Load / Unload dialog box. If not,
see “Preparing the Host Software for Communication” on page 109.
3. Choose the D.C. Functions button in the Options group in the Load / Unload dialog
box.
4. Choose the About Data Collector Driver button in the Data Collector Functions
dialog box. This displays the driver version number.
5. Choose OK to close the dialog box.
6. Choose Close to close the Data Collector Functions dialog box.
Note: See “Displaying the Operating System Version Number” on page 19 for information on
displaying the data collector software version number.

Unloading a List from the Data Collector

Once you collect list data you can unload it for storage in your host software database by
connecting the Enpac Oil and computer and transferring the information. You can unload
unscheduled measurements to your host software database at the same time. You can
automatically print reports after unloading data from the data collector.
For more information on unloading lists, unload options, and the Load/Unload dialog box,
see the printed or online User’s Guide.
Preparing the Data Collector for Unloading

The menu choice you make for loading and unloading the data collector depends on the type
of sensor you use to collect data.
1. Make sure you have correctly connected the data collector to the computer. See
“Connecting the Data Collector and Computer” on page 112.
2. Turn the data collector on.
3. Press <Escape> to return to the Enpac Oil Main Menu if necessary.
4. Choose the menu for the sensor type you will use for the list. If you are loading a list for
the dCA, choose [1] dCA Only. If you are loading a list for the fCA, choose [2] dCA -
fCA. If you are loading a list for the dVA, choose [3] dVA. The main menu for that
sensor appears.
5. Choose Connect to PC by pressing the correct number key.
6. The data collector is ready to unload a list. See “Unloading a List in the Host Software”
on page 116 to load a list. To cancel, press <Escape> or choose <F2> “Abort.”
Unloading a List in the Host Software

2. Select the desired list. See “Selecting the List(s)” on page 114.

Unloading a List from the Data Collector
3. Choose the Unload button in the Load/Unload dialog box.

The following series of events occurs.
The host software unloads the file from the data collector and shows a progress bar,
telling you that it is unloading the file and updating the database.
When the unload is complete, the Enpac Oil displays Status: COMPLETE and the
progress bar closes in the host software. The Enpac Oil asks that you confirm that the
data unload was successful so that it can delete the list and data file.
4. Before choosing Yes, you can run an unload report in the host software to verify that
the unload was successful, or simply check a few measurements in your data history
archive by selecting the Data History view in the host software. See your online or
printed User’s Guide for more information if needed.
5. Choose Yes if the data was unloaded successfully. Choose No if not, or if you want to
view the data on the Enpac Oil again. If you choose No, the data collector does not
delete the list. See “Deleting or Resetting Lists in the Data Collector” on page 113 for
information on deleting lists in the data collector.
Unloading Unscheduled Data from the Data Collector

Unscheduled measurements are any measurements that are not part of a list. You unload
unscheduled measurements from the Load/Unload dialog box.
Note: You must unload unscheduled measurements with a list.
Make sure you have set up the host software to unload the unscheduled measurements
automatically when unloading a list.
1. Choose the Unload Options button in the Load/Unload dialog box. The Unload
Options dialog box appears.
2. Select the Also Unload Unscheduled Measurements checkbox.
Automatically Printing Reports after Unloading

You can select reports to automatically send to a printer after unloading data from the Enpac
Oil. The reports contain information on the list of measurements unloaded. See the printed
or online User’s Guide for more information on printing reports and plots.
2. Make sure the correct data collector appears in the Load/Unload dialog box. If not, see
“Preparing the Host Software for Communication” on page 109.
3. Choose the Unload Options button in the Load/Unload dialog box.
4. Select the Auto Reports on Unload checkbox.
5. Select the reports you want the host software to run automatically after unloading data.

Transferring Individual Files from your Computer to the Enpac Oil

Individual files can be transferred between the Enpac Oil and a personal computer using
Windows CE Services. This transfer is accomplished through the serial port of the personal
computer and the communication port on the Enpac Oil.
Sometimes you need to transfer the dVA calibration file from your computer to the Enpac
Oil. You can transfer that file using this procedure. Microsoft ActiveSync allows you to
connect to the Enpac Oil and view the files contained there.
Downloading and Installing Microsoft ActiveSync

Microsoft’s mobile device program that allows for file sharing across a serial connection is
called ActiveSync. It is available at http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/downloads/files/as-
dl.asp?.
If you are running Internet Explorer 4.0 or later

1. Download the ActiveSync setup software (3.3 MB) to your PC.
2. Select Run this program from its current location and click OK.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.
All other browsers

1. Download the ActiveSync setup software (3.9 MB) to your PC.
2. Select Save this program to disk and click OK.
3. Store the ActiveSync download file to a new empty folder, creating the new folder and
opening it as necessary. Remember the location of the new folder. Click Save.
4. Go to the location where you saved the ActiveSync download file on your computer
and double-click the file to unpack all the ActiveSync setup files.
5. Double-click the Setup.exe file and follow the instructions on the screen.

Connecting to the Enpac Oil using ActiveSync

1. Double-click the ActiveSync icon in the task bar.
2. From the File menu, choose Connection Settings.
3. Select Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port, then choose the
COM port you are connected to from the drop down list. Choose OK.
Note: You must clear this check box when you are loading and unloading using the host
software. Otherwise, ActiveSync will always try to connect first.

4. Turn the Enpac Oil on. From the Main Menu, choose [4] Utilities.
5. From the Utilities Main Menu, choose [5] Connect to CE Service. This step is not
absolutely necessary because most menu screens allow you to connect using CE
services. However, certain dialog boxes may be minimized which effectively causes the
Enpac Oil to appear to be locked up.
6. Connect the Enpac Oil to the computer using the serial cable. After a small delay, the
ActiveSync icon turns green to indicate it is connecting to the Enpac Oil. When the
connection is complete, the New Partnership dialog box appears, as shown below.
7. Choose No, then choose Next.

8. You are now connected to the Enpac Oil as indicated by ActiveSync and the Enpac Oil
screen. Now you can transfer files between the computer and the Enpac Oil.
Note: If the connection is dropped by the Enpac Oil due to the unit turning off, you must
unplug the serial cable on the Enpac Oil then plug it back in to reconnect.
Transferring Files
1. After connecting successfully to the Enpac Oil, go to ActiveSync on your computer.
From the File menu, choose Explore. An Explorer window labeled “Mobile Device”
appears, displaying the contents of the Enpac Oil.
2. You can right-click on a file on your hard drive and choose Copy, then paste it into the
“Mobile Device” Explorer window.
3. When you have completed all file transfers, press <Escape> on the Enpac Oil and the
ActiveSync window will disconnect.
4. Be sure to clear the Allow serial cable or infrared connection to this COM port
checkbox in the Connection Settings dialog box in order to load and unload using the
host software. Otherwise, ActiveSync will attempt to connect to the Enpac Oil
whenever it is plugged into that COM port.


Chapter 9
9. Collecting Data
This chapter includes all the tasks associated with collecting data using
the Enpac Oil. This chapter includes the following sections:
Overview of Collecting Data............................................................. 124
Preparing for Data Collection .......................................................... 125
Collecting List Data .......................................................................... 126
Collecting Unscheduled Data ........................................................... 136
Reviewing Collected Data ................................................................. 144

Chapter 9 - Collecting Data
Overview of Collecting Data

WARNING: Failure to follow proper procedures can lead to injury. Review safety warnings before
attempting to collect samples or data. Never compromise your personal safety for data
collection.
This chapter describes the process of data collection using the Enpac Oil with the attached
sensors. To collect data you need a fluid sample. There are several methods for obtaining a
fluid sample. Once the sample is prepared, you can attach the sensor to the proper port and
collect data. See Chapter 6 “Equipment for Sampling and Testing.” for more detailed
information about sampling and testing with the additional apparatus.
To organize your data collection, you can load a list to the data collector using the host
software. The Enpac Oil allows you to collect data for points in a list and for unscheduled
data (points not defined in a list). Once you collect your list data, you can review the data
using the Enpac Oil data display functions and print a report using the Enpac Oil printer.
This chapter covers tasks associated with collecting data. These topics include:
z Collecting data using the Enpac Oil with the dCA
z Showing data in alarm when it exceeds the target value
z Collecting data using the Enpac Oil with the fCA and dCA
z Collecting data using the Enpac Oil with the dVA
z Printing reports after collecting data
When you are finished collecting data, you can unload the data into your computer database
files using the host software. See Chapter 8 “Loading and Unloading” for more detailed
information about loading a list to the data collector and unloading your data.

Preparing for Data Collection
Preparing for Data Collection

This section includes tasks you should do every time you collect data, including checking
the settings and batteries before taking data. Some of these instructions are found in
Chapter 2 “The Enpac Oil.” The items include:
1. Check the batteries in the Enpac Oil. See “Checking Battery Life” on page 16.
2. Check the date and time settings in the data collector. See “Setting the Date and Time”
on page 23.
3. Check the settings for the sensor. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31 for the dCA
sensor, and see “Configuring the dVA” on page 60 for the dVA sensor.
Before testing a sample with a dCA sensor, you should always check the Enpac Oil settings
for screen size, calibration, and fluid type. Changing these items affects how the data
collector analyzes the sample. For example, if you test hydraulic fluid, but the sensor is set
for lubrication fluid, your test results will not be accurate. For more details on sensor screen
calibration for the dCA sensor, refer to “Calibrating the dCA Sensor Screens” on page 39.
The fCA sensor does not require specific set up in the Enpac Oil because it is an addition to
the dCA sensor. You may want to check dCA settings before collecting ferrous data.
Before testing with a dVA sensor, you should check settings for probe number and viscosity
ranges. The default units do not affect the data collection process. For more details on
configuring the dVA settings, see “Configuring the dVA” on page 60.
Result codes and particle size distribution are two other settings that you might want to
check before collecting data. However, these do not affect how the Enpac Oil acquires the
data, only how it is reported, so you can change these settings before or after you collect
data. You may want to change these while you view the data as well. See “Reviewing
Collected Data” on page 144 for more information about viewing data in the Enpac Oil.

Collecting List Data

Using the host software, you can load a list to the data collector to organize your data
collection, then collect data for the measurements in the list. Once you have prepared the
Enpac Oil and the selected sensor, you are ready to collect data from the sample.
If you need more information about preparing test port valves, refer to “Preparing Test Port
Valves for Sampling” on page 81.
You may want to review some of the additional devices used when testing bottled samples.
For more information about using the portable pressure chamber, see “Using the Portable
Pressure Chamber” on page 88. For more information about using the bench-top apparatus,
see “Using the Bench-Top Apparatus” on page 88.
Using the dCA to Collect List Data for Particle Count

The dCA (digital CONTAM-ALERT) tests for particles in fluids, giving a hard particle
contamination level in the units selected in the list. For more general information about the
dCA, see Chapter 3 “The digital CONTAM-ALERT (dCA).”
To collect list data, you load the Enpac Oil with a list and attach the correct sensor. You
probe on to the test port when the TEST CYCLE screen appears.
Menu if necessary.

3. Choose [2] Route Sample from the dCA Main Menu. The Route Menu appears.
Note: If there is no list loaded in the Enpac Oil, the message “No dCA Route” appears. You
must load a list to the data collector before you can collect data using the Route Sample
option. See “Loading Lists to the Data Collector” on page 114.
4. Choose <F2> Run Test. The Communications screen appears.
5. Probe on to the test port valve with the dCA sensor. See “Probing On with the dCA” on
page 34 for tips. Once connected, the backflush knob begins to move and the constant
pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into the sensor.
6. When the dCA test is complete, the backflush knob stops moving, and the Enpac Oil
begins analyzing the data. Backflush the sensor while the Enpac Oil analyzes the data.
See “Backflushing the dCA Sensor” on page 36.
When the data analysis is complete, the Enpac Oil displays the results.
Test results appear in ISO code, NAS code, or > 10 um (number of particles greater
than 5, 10, or 15 microns, depending on your Enpac Oil settings. For more details on
changing these settings, see “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.
7. To ensure accurate test results, always perform a minimum of two tests and compare
the results. Choose <F2> Run Test to perform more tests, repeating steps 4–6.
Note: If the two results vary by more than 10%, perform a third test. If the third result varies
by more than 10% in relation to both previous results, you may need to clean the sensor
screen. If the third result does not vary more than 5% from one of the previous results,
consider the two closest to each other as the correct results and ignore the other result.
The result which is farthest from the other two may have occurred due to incorrect
operation of the dCA sensor, such as inconsistencies in holding the sensor at the test
port valve, or residual contamination in the machine fluid lines.

8. Once you have completed tests with satisfactory results, choose Save. The Save Result
screen appears. You can enter a Comment if needed.
9. Choose Save Average if you want to save the average of both results.
10. If your data is above the alarm value set in the host software, the Enpac Oil displays a
message that states that it exceeds the target levels.
z If you do not want to do an fCA test at this time, choose No to continue testing with
the dCA.
z If you want to perform an fCA test, choose Yes. See “Using the fCA to Collect List
Data for Ferrous Count” on page 129.
11. After you save your result, the cursor appears in the Comments field. Enter any
comments and press <Enter>. You can enter up to 17 characters. These comments are
stored as inspection codes in the host software. See “Entering Inspection Codes” on
page 134 for more information.
12. Continue with the route, repeating steps 3–11 until the Enpac Oil screen states, “User
route complete!” Press any key to continue and follow instructions for backflushing the
sensor. To unload your data to the host software, see Chapter 8 “Loading and
Unloading.”

Using the fCA to Collect List Data for Ferrous Count

The fCA (ferrous CONTAM-ALERT) tests for ferro-magnetic particles in hydraulic and
lubricant fluids. It is used as an attachment to the dCA. While the dCA measures cumulative
hard particle contamination, the fCA identifies how much of that total particle count is
ferro-magnetic material. See Chapter 4 “The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA).” for more
general information on the fCA.
Menu if necessary.
2. Choose [2] dCA - fCA from the Enpac Oil Main Menu. The fCA Main Menu appears.
3. Choose [2] Route Sample from the dCA - fCA Main Menu. The Route Menu appears.

Note: If there is no list loaded in the Enpac Oil, the message “No dCA Route” appears. You
must load a list to the data collector before you can collect data using the Route Sample
option. See “Loading Lists to the Data Collector” on page 114.
4. Choose Run Test by pressing <F2>. The Communications screen appears, and you have
10 seconds to connect the sensor to the test port valve.
7. Take two averages, repeating steps 3–6. After you finish the tests, the fCA OPTION
screen appears. Choose Yes.
8. Next, the Save Result screen appears. Choose Save Avg.
9. Next, the Run fCA Test screen appears. Choose Run Test.
10. Probe onto the test port with the fCA. Attach the dCA sensor to the fCA. See
“Connecting the fCA” on page 49. Turn the fCA switch to TEST. Once connected, the
backflush knob begins to move and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid
up into the sensor.
11. When the fCA test is complete, the backflush knob on the dCA stops moving.
Backflush the system while the Enpac Oil displays the data. See “Flushing the fCA” on
page 51.
the results. Choose Run Test to perform more tests, repeating step 10.

When the data analysis is complete, the Enpac Oil displays the Route Result Menu.
Choose Save Result.
13. Choose Save Average. After you save your result, the cursor appears in the Comments
field. Press the letter or number keys to type comments and press <Enter>. You can
enter up to 17 characters. These comments are stored as inspection codes in the host
software. See “Entering Inspection Codes” on page 134 for more information.
14. Continue with the route, repeating these steps until the Enpac Oil screen states, “User
route has been completed!” Press <Enter> key to continue and backflush the sensor. To
unload your data to the host software, see Chapter 8 “Loading and Unloading.”

Using the dVA to Collect List Data for Viscosity

To collect list data, load the Enpac Oil with a list and attach the correct sensor. You probe
on to the test port when the TEST CYCLE screen appears.
Menu if necessary.
2. Choose [3] dVA from the Enpac Oil Main Menu. The dVA Main Menu appears.
3. Choose [3] Route Sample from the dVA Main Menu. The Route Menu appears.
4. If you are testing a low viscosity fluid, choose Low Visc Test. If you are testing a high
viscosity fluid, choose High Visc Test, then choose OK. Low viscosity range is from 1
cSt to 460 cSt. High viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP. For more information,
see “Configuring the dVA” on page 60.
5. Next, choose if you want to compare the test results to new oil specs as defined in the
host software. For information on setting up those specifications, see “Setting Up
Measurement Definitions with the dVA for Viscosity” on page 103. Choose Yes to
compare to loaded oil specs from the host software or No to not compare at all.

6. If you have selected cSt as the measurement unit, you must enter the specific gravity of
the test fluid. Press <Enter> after typing in the correct measurement.
7. Next, enter the temperature of the test sample. Press <Enter> after typing in the correct
temperature.
8. Next, enter the pressure of the test sample. Press <Enter> after typing in the correct
pressure.
9. The Communications screen appears, and you have 10 seconds to connect the sensor to
the test port valve.
10. Probe on to the test port valve with the dVA sensor. Once connected, the backflush
knob begins to move and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into
the sensor.
11. When the dVA test is complete, the backflush knob stops moving. Backflush the sensor
when the Enpac Oil displays the data. See “Backflushing the dVA Sensor” on page 68.

When the data analysis is complete, the Enpac Oil displays the Route Result.
Test results appear in cSt or cP, depending on your Enpac Oil settings. For more details
on changing these settings, see “Configuring the dVA” on page 60.
Choose the Project option <F3> if you want to project the results to a certain
temperature.
12. To ensure accurate test results, always perform a minimum of two tests and compare the
results. Choose Run Test to perform more tests, repeating steps 6–11.
13. Once you have completed tests with satisfactory results, choose Save Results. The Save
Result screen appears.
14. Choose Save Ave if you want to save the average of both results.
15. After you save your result, the cursor appears in the Comment field. Press the letter or
number keys to type comments and press <Enter>. You can enter up to 17 characters.
These comments are stored as inspection codes in the host software. See “Entering
Inspection Codes” on page 134 for more information.
16. Continue with the route until the Enpac Oil screen states, “User route complete!” Press
any key to continue and follow instructions for backflushing the sensor. To unload your
data to the host software, see Chapter 8 “Loading and Unloading.”.
Entering Inspection Codes

You enter inspection codes in the comment section after saving data on the Enpac Oil. The
information is then unloaded to the host software with your list data for use in reports.
Inspection codes let you record operating conditions while collecting data. You can include
inspection codes in your reports. Inspection codes can also appear as text on your trend plots
in the host software. Follow these instructions to enter inspection codes in the comment
field after collecting data.
Once you have selected a Save Result option from the Save Result menu, the cursor enters
the Comments: field located at the bottom of the screen. You can enter comments a few
different ways.
z To enter letters, press the number keys multiple times until the letter appears.
z To enter numbers, press the number key once.

Choose OK when you have finished typing. To leave the Comment field blank, simply
choose OK without typing anything. The Enpac Oil continues to the next point on the list.
For example, if you detect an abnormal noise from a machine while taking an oil sample,
you may want to record that in the Comments section as an inspection code. The default
inspection code assigned to Abnormal Noise is 7 in the host software. In this example, you
would see the number 7 if you typed it in to the Enpac Oil. You would see ABNORMAL
NOISE if you typed it in to the Enpac Oil. The host software displays exactly what was
typed in the Enpac Oil.
You can also assign inspection codes directly to an item in the Hierarchy Tree or location in
the host software. See the printed or online User’s Guide for more information.
Moving through a List

The Enpac Oil moves through a list in the same order as stored in the host software. Once
you collect data, save the result, and enter any comments for a particular point, the Enpac
Oil displays the Route Menu for the next point on the screen. Each point follows another
until you complete the list.
You can also choose which list point for which you want to collect data. This option allows
you to move around within a list. To select a specific list point, follow these steps.
1. From the Main Menu for either dCA or dCA-fCA, choose [2] Route Sample. From the
dVA Main Menu, choose [3] Route Sample. The Route Menu appears.
2. On the dCA Route Menu or the dCA-fCA Route Menu, choose Examine Route. On the
dVA Route Menu, choose Examine Route. The dVA Route Menu screen appears.
3. Press the arrow keys to scroll up and down until the record you wish to display is on
screen, then press the number for that record and press <Enter>. The Route Menu
appears with the information from that list point. You can then follow the directions for
collecting data for that particular list point.
If you wish to skip a point when collecting list data, choose Skip Point from the Route
Menu. See “Skipping Points” on page 136.

Skipping Points
From the Route Menu you have the option of skipping a list point. You may want to do this
if the machine is down or a sample is not available for that particular list point. To skip a
point, follow these steps.
1. When you are at the correct location and point, double check the Equipment Code and
Equipment Name fields in the Route Menu to make sure they match the point you wish
to skip.
2. From the Route Menu, choose Skip Point. The Skip Point screen appears.
3. In the Reason field, use the letter keys to type in a reason for skipping the point. You
can enter up to 17 characters in this field.
Note: For skipped points, the text entered in the Reason field is not unloaded and does not
appear as an inspection code in the host software.
4. Press <Enter> when you are finished, and the Enpac Oil continues on the route.
Collecting Unscheduled Data

Unscheduled data is additional data you collect that is not part of a list. While collecting
samples, you may notice some conditions that you want to analyze further. You may also
want to collect data for undefined points (points that are not currently in your database), or
existing points that are not in your current list.
Unscheduled measurements are processed into individual measurement points when you
unload the data collector, and units are assigned according to the INI file. See “Unscheduled
measurements for the dCA” on page 190 in the Appendix for detailed information.

Using the dCA to Collect Unscheduled Particle Count Data

The Enpac Oil data collector allows you to collect unscheduled data and save the results to
unload to the host software. Follow these steps to collect unscheduled data using the dCA
sensor.
Menu if necessary.
3. Choose [1] Run dCA from the dCA Main Menu. The Communications screen appears,
and you have 10 seconds to connect the sensor to the test port valve.
4. Probe on to the test port valve with the dCA sensor. For information about probing on,
see “Probing On with the dCA” on page 34. Once connected, the backflush knob begins
to move and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into the sensor.
When the data analysis is complete, the Enpac Oil displays the Result Menu.
Test results appear in ISO code, NAS code, or number of particles greater than 5, 10, or
15 microns, depending on your Enpac Oil settings. For more details on changing these
settings, see “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.

the results. Choose Run Test to perform more tests, repeating steps 4–6.
Note: If the first two results vary by more than 10%, perform a third test. If the third result
varies by more than 10% in relation to both previous results, you may need to clean the
sensor screen. If the third result does not vary more than 5% from one of the previous
results, consider the two closest to each other as the correct results and ignore the other
result. The result which is farthest from the other two may have occurred due to
incorrect operation of the dCA sensor, such as such as inconsistencies in holding the
sensor at the test port valve, or residual contamination in the machine fluid lines.
7. Once you have completed tests with satisfactory results, choose Save. The Save Result
screen appears.
8. Choose [3] Save Average if you want to save the average of both results.
9. Type comments in the Comments: field and press <Enter>. You can enter up to 17
characters. These comments are stored as inspection codes in the host software. See
“Entering Inspection Codes” on page 134. Once you press <Enter>, the Save Result
screen appears.
10. Using the letter keys, enter the Equipment Code, which becomes the Location ID in the
host software, and Equipment Name, which becomes the Location Description in the
host software.
11. Press <Enter> when each field is complete. After you have entered all the information,
the dCA Sample menu appears and you can exit or take another measurement.

Using the fCA to Collect Unscheduled Ferrous Count Data

unload to the host software. Follow these steps to collect unscheduled data using the fCA
sensor.
Menu if necessary.
2. Choose [2] dCA - fCA from the Enpac Oil Main Menu. The fCA-dCA Main Menu
appears.
3. Choose [1] Run dCA First from the dCA - fCA Main Menu. The dCA Sample Menu
appears.
4. Choose [1] Run Test from the Sample Menu. The Communications screen appears, and
you have 10 seconds to connect the sensor to the test port valve.

7. Take two averages, repeating steps 3–6. After you finish the tests, the fCA option
screen appears. Choose Yes.
8. Next, the Save Result screen appears. Choose <F4> Save Avg.
9. Next, the run fCA test screen appears. Choose Yes to run an fCA test.
up into the sensor.
11. When the fCA test is complete, the backflush knob on the dCA stops moving.
Backflush the system while the Enpac Oil displays the data. See “Flushing the fCA” on
page 51.
the results. Choose Run Test to perform more tests, repeating steps 10 and 11.
When the data analysis is complete, the Enpac Oil displays the Route Result screen.
Choose Save Result.

13. Choose Save Avg <F4>. After you save your result, the cursor appears in the
Comments field. Press the letter or number keys to type comments and press <Enter>.
You can enter up to 17 characters. These comments are stored as inspection codes in
the host software. See “Entering Inspection Codes” on page 134 for more information.
Using the dVA to Collect Unscheduled Viscosity Data

unload to the host software. Follow these steps to collect unscheduled data using the dVA
sensor.
Menu if necessary.
2. Choose [3] dVA from the Enpac Oil Main Menu. The dVA Main Menu appears.
3. If you are testing a low viscosity fluid, choose [1] Low Visc Test. If you are testing a
high viscosity fluid, choose [2] High Visc Test from the Route Menu. Low viscosity
range is from 1 cSt to 460 cSt. High viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP. For
more information, see “Configuring the dVA” on page 60.

4. Next, you must choose if you want to compare the test results to new oil specs as
defined in your configuration. For information on setting up those specifications, see
“Entering New Oil Specifications” on page 65. Choose Yes or No.
5. If you have selected cSt as the measurement unit, you must enter the specific gravity of
the test fluid. Press <Enter> or <F4> after typing in the correct measurement.
6. Next, enter the temperature of the test sample. Press <Enter> or <F4> after typing in the
correct temperature.
7. Next, enter the pressure of the test sample. Press <Enter> after typing in the correct
pressure.
8. The Communications screen appears, and you have 10 seconds to connect the sensor to
the test port valve.

9. Probe on to the test port valve with the dVA sensor. Once connected, the backflush
knob begins to move and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into
the sensor.
10. When the dVA test is complete, the backflush knob stops moving. Backflush the sensor
when the Enpac Oil displays the data. See “Backflushing the dVA Sensor” on page 68.
When the data analysis is complete, the Enpac Oil displays the RESULT MENU.
Test results appear in cSt or cP, depending on your Enpac Oil settings. For more details
on changing these settings, see “Configuring the dVA” on page 60.
the results. Choose Run Test to perform more tests, repeating
steps 6–9.
12. Once you have completed tests with satisfactory results, choose [2] Save Result s. The
Save Result screen appears.
13. Choose <F3> Save Ave if you want to save the average of both results.
14. After you save your result, the cursor appears in the Comments field. Press the letter or
number keys to type comments and press <Enter>. You can enter up to 17 characters.
These comments are stored as inspection codes in the host software. See “Entering
Inspection Codes” on page 134 for more information.
Storing Unscheduled Data in the Host Software

When you unload unscheduled data from the Enpac Oil, the host software stores it in the
database. The host software always stores unscheduled data in the unscheduled destination
in the hierarchy of the database. You set the unscheduled destination with the Set
Unscheduled Dest. command from the Tools menu. See the printed or online User’s Guide
for more information.

Reviewing Collected Data

With the Enpac Oil, you can retrieve test results from your list and display them in different
units. You can also view the distribution of the particle size over a range of sizes. The list is
displayed in the order the samples were taken. If you take unscheduled data it is appended to
the end of the list if the list is complete, or the data is inserted in the order it was collected if
the data was taken in the middle of a list. To view collected data, follow these steps.
1. After collecting data, return to the dCA Main Menu. At this menu, choose [3] View
Data. If you are currently going through a list and are at the Route Menu, choose [4]
View Data. The View Data screen appears.
2. The Enpac Oil displays one test result at a time. Press <F2> Next until the number of
the record you wish to display is on screen.
3. Choose OK when you are finished reviewing the collected data, and the Enpac Oil
returns to the previous menu.

Chapter 10
10. Using Lube Link
This chapter describes the Lube Link software to collect data and covers
the basic operations of the Oil Sensor Interface. It includes the
following sections:
Overview of Lube Link ...................................................................... 146
Setting Up Lube Link Data Collection .............................................. 146
Configuring the dCA ......................................................................... 151
Configuring the dVA .......................................................................... 154
Connecting to the Oil Sensor Interface ............................................. 160
Collecting dCA Data ......................................................................... 162
Collecting dCA/fCA Data.................................................................. 164
Collecting dVA Data.......................................................................... 166
Viewing Particle Count and Ferrous Count Data ............................. 170
Viewing Viscosity Data ...................................................................... 174
Reports............................................................................................... 175
Exporting and Importing Data .......................................................... 183

Chapter 10 - Using Lube Link
Overview of Lube Link

Lube Link is a Windows-based software application that provides an interface with the
Entek oil sensors to make it easy to collect particle counts or viscosity data using the dCA,
fCA, or dVA using your computer. The graphical user interface helps you arrange the data
according to machines and samples. Lube Link is used with the Oil Sensor Interface to
connect your computer to the dCA, fCA, or dVA and collect data. With Lube Link, you can
use the Entek oil analysis instruments from a desktop or notebook computer directly,
without the use of a Portable Condition Monitor (PCM) data collector.
Using Lube Link, you can choose which units to collect, store, and display. Unit selections
for the dCA include ISO codes, particle counts, SAE, gravimetric, and NAS codes. For the
fCA, you can view ferrous particles greater than 10 (FP>10). For the dVA, you can view
centipoise (cP) or centistokes (cSt) at 25, 40, or 100 degrees Celsius.
With the dVA, you can compare your data values to new oil specifications. You can store
these specifications in a lubricant library stored in Lube Link.
This chapter discusses how to use Lube Link to collect and store information from your
dCA, fCA, or dVA instruments. This chapter shows how to connect to an Oil Sensor
Interface, how to set up an instrument using Lube Link, how to collect data, and how to
view plots and data.
This chapter is intended for people using Lube Link and the Oil Sensor Interface to collect
data and perform analysis. This chapter contains step-by-step instructions for using the
dCA, fCA, or dVA with Lube Link.
Setting Up Lube Link Data Collection

Lube Link uses a hierarchy structure to store and organize the data collected with the dCA,
fCA, or dVA. Each bottle icon represents a data file. You can double-click the icons to view
the data. Each row represents a set of data collected at a certain date and time.
dVA data
dCA data
fCA data
represents a data file

Each data file, or machine, can be used to represent one location in your host software
database. You can export to that exact location if you are using Enlube PM, EMONITOR
Odyssey, or Enshare. This section also shows you how to set up the export of those files. See
“Choosing the Export Location” on page 147.
Choosing the Default File Directory

When you first start Lube Link, the default directory is the root directory. You must change
this default directory to your Lube Link program directory. To do so, follow these steps.
1. From the Setup menu, choose Lube Link File Directory.
2. Choose the Browse button. Select the directory that contains LFW files.
3. Choose OK.
After choosing the correct directory, the Lube Link database view shows all the data
contained in the .lfw files in the directory.
Choosing the Export Location

If you are using Enlube PM, EMONITOR Odyssey, or Enshare, you can choose the exact
location you want to export the data to. Once this location is set up, the data is exported to
that location. The export process either happens manually or automatically.
You can set up an automatic export after data is collected. From the Setup menu, choose
Export, then make sure there is a check mark next to Auto Export After Test. Otherwise,
you can manually export the data by right-clicking the machine in the database window and
choosing Export. For more information on exporting data, See “Exporting and Importing
Data” on page 183.

Follow these steps to set the export location.

1. Select the data file in the database view.
2. Right-click on the selected data file and choose Change Export Location.
3. Choose Browse.
4. Select the location in the database by expanding the hierarchy. You must select the
lowest level, which is the location level.
5. When you have selected a location, choose OK. It should appear similar to the
following illustration.
6. Choose OK to return to the Lube Link database view.
Inserting New Machines

You can create new data storage files to represent new samples from a machine. This creates
a new machine in the database view.

1. In the Lube Link database view, select the upper level database icon, as shown below.
highest level database icon
2. From the Edit menu, choose Insert. Or, right-click on the database icon and choose
Insert. Or, press the Insert key. The following dialog box appears.

3. Enter a name for the file. This name appears on the Lube Link database view.
4. Next, choose the Hierarchy Name tab. The following dialog box appears.
5. Choose the Browse Database button. The following dialog box appears.
6. Select a location in your current host software database. If you do not use Enlube PM,
EMONITOR Odyssey, or Enshare, this browser is not available to you. Choose OK to

Configuring the dCA
close the Location Browser. The hierarchy you choose appears in the dialog box.
7. Once you have filled in all the fields, choose OK to close the dialog box. The new
addition appears in the Lube Link database view.
Setting Up a Lab Stand for Lube Link

A convenient use for Lube Link would be with a portable or desktop computer next to a lab
stand, or bench-top apparatus. For information on setting up and using the lab stand, see
“Using the Bench-Top Apparatus” on page 88.
Configuring the dCA

Before you begin testing with the dCA, you must configure it. You can configure the dCA
in Lube Link by choosing dCA/fCA Sensor from the Setup menu. There are several
options available to you. This section explains each configuration option.

Setting Screen Size and Fluid Type

1. In the database view, select a bottle icon. Then, from the Setup menu, choose Fluid
Type. The following dialog box appears.
2. Select the number representing the correct sensor screen size according to the color of
the sensor screen, which is in the table below. For example, if your sensor screen is
black, choose 15µ for Screen Size.
Color Screen size

3. Next to Viscous fluid, select the type of fluid, either Hydraulic or Lubricant.
4. Choose OK.

Configuring the dCA
Setting Screen Calibration

1. From the Setup menu, choose dCA/fCA Sensor. Choose the Calibration tab. The
following dialog box appears.
2. Enter the calibration number engraved on the flat side of the screen. See “Assembling
the dCA Sensor with Sensor Screen” on page 35 to see how to get the screen out of the
dCA. Make sure you enter the value next to the correct sensor screen size.
3. Choose OK.
Setting Particle Count Distribution

You can display particle size distribution while you are viewing data using Lube Link. If
you would like to view the data in different particle sizes, you can set the particle size
distribution by following these steps.
1. From the Setup menu, choose dCA/fCA Sensor. Choose the Distribution tab. The
2. Next to each Field value, enter the particle count you want to display.
3. Choose OK.

Configuring the dVA

Before you begin testing with the dVA, you must configure it. This section goes through the
configuration process, including entering the probe serial number, and the settings for low
and high viscosity fluids.
Entering the Probe Serial Number

The probe serial number is used to match the sensor with calibration information. This
number must be input for accurate results. To enter the probe serial number, follow these
steps.
1. From the Setup menu, point to dVA Sensor, then Setup dVA Sensor. Choose the
Serial Number tab. The following dialog box appears.
2. Unscrew the probe tip from the dVA tube. The serial number is located on the base of
the probe tip, inscribed in the metal.
3. Enter the serial number (up to four characters) of the probe you are going to use for
testing. The serial number is used to match the sensor with calibration information. Do
not include any letters at the beginning of the number when entering it.
4. Choose OK.
Calibrating the Probe for Low or High Viscosity Fluids

To calibrate the dVA probe for your testing, you create a test fluid and enter specific values,
including specific gravity and viscosity at 40°C for the dVA probe. Low viscosity range is
from 1 cSt to 460 cSt. High viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP.
Note: The reason for having the upper limit in centipoise instead of centistokes is the cSt
upper limit is determined by dividing the cP viscosity value by the specific gravity you
enter. To determine your upper limit in cSt, divide 9999 by the specific gravity of the
test fluid and the result is the upper cSt limit.
If the test viscosity limit of 9999 cP is exceeded, Lube Link displays an error message
and the test viscosity value is not displayed or stored.
If this is the first time you have calibrated your probe, you must first create an entry in the
lubricant library for the test fluid. You should receive a bottle from Entek containing the
calibration fluid for the dVA. All parameters you need for the test are on the bottle label.

Configuring the dVA
Entering the test fluid parameters

1. From the Setup menu, choose Lubricant Library. The following dialog box appears.
2. Choose New. The following dialog box appears.
3. Select the previously-created Entek calibration fluid.
4. Choose OK. The new entry is included in the list of oil specifications.

Run the Calibration Wizard

1. From the Setup menu, point to dVA Sensor, then dVA Sensor Calibration. The
following dialog box appears. Choose High Viscosity or Low Viscosity, and enter the
probe number next to Serial Number. Choose Next to continue.
2. If you chose High Viscosity, skip this step. If you chose Low Viscosity previously, you
must choose the viscosity range, Lower, Middle, or Higher. Choose Next to continue.

Configuring the dVA
3. Select the Entek calibration fluid from the list of oil specifications. Choose Next.
4. Enter the Oil Pressure and Oil Temperature for the calibration fluid. You can change
the units if needed. Choose Finish.
5. Attach the dVA to the Oil Sensor Interface and to the computer. Probe on to the test
port, then press Finish to test the sample.

Setting the Default Viscosity Units

You can choose cP(centipoise), or cSt (centistokes), for the default display units. Follow
these steps to set the default viscosity units.
1. From the Setup menu, point to dVA Sensor, then Setup dVA Sensor. Choose the Unit
tab. The following dialog box appears.
2. Choose the unit you want the data displayed in, selecting from cP or cSt.
3. Choose OK. The data collected will be stored in the selected unit.
Entering New Oil Specifications in the Lubricant Library

You can enter and save new oil specifications to use for comparing your viscosity results to
a known value. For example, you may want to observe how your oil viscosity values change
over a month’s use. You can enter the new oil specifications and compare the month-old oil
to those specifications. For more information about the comparison, see “Comparing Test
Results to New Oil Specifications” on page 168.

Configuring the dVA
To enter new oil specifications, gather the information from your oil supplier and enter it by
following these steps.
1. From the Setup menu, choose Lubricant Library. The following dialog box appears.
2. Choose New. The following dialog box appears.
3. Enter the manufacturer name, a description of the fluid, the viscosity value at 40C and
100C, and the specific gravity.
4. Choose OK. The new entry is included in the list of oil specifications.

Connecting to the Oil Sensor Interface

The Oil Sensor Interface is a small box with different connectors on each side. You can use
this interface to connect your dCA, fCA, or dVA directly to your computer instead of using
the Portable Condition Monitor (PCM).
Connector Information
You must supply power to the Oil Sensor Interface using the included power connector.
Also, you must use the serial cable supplied in the kit. It is a standard RS-232 extension
cable. This section provides information about each connector.
Power supply
z 8–12 VDC
z 100 mA minimum
Plug details:
z Center pin positive
z Plug - 5.5 mm outer diameter, 2.1 mm inner diameter
Connection to the dCA cable

z DB-25 plug
Connection to the dVA cable

z DB-25 plug
Connection to the computer cable

z DB-9 receptacle

Connecting to the Oil Sensor Interface
Serial cable to computer

z RS-232 extension cable, with straight through wiring (pins 2 and 3 are not swapped)
Setting the Computer Communications Port

You can select the communications port you are using to connect to the Oil Sensor Interface
by following these steps.
1. Select the machine you want to collect data for in the Lube Link database window.
Or click 2. From the File menu, choose Oil Test. The following dialog box appears.
3. To change the COM port that you connected the serial cable to, choose the button with
the computer on it. The following dialog box appears.
4. Select the COM port from the Communications device list and choose OK.

Collecting dCA Data

After you have set up the file in the Lube Link database, you can take data from that
machine.
3. To select the dCA for testing, choose the left-hand button. The following dialog box
appears.
4. Choose Use dCA sensor and choose OK.

Click 5. To start testing the sample, choose the Test button. The following screen appears if you
are running a test for the first time.

Collecting dCA Data
6. Choose Yes to allow Lube Link to read the calibration information. This step takes less
than five seconds.
7. Next, probe on to the sample port with the dCA. When it begins collecting data, the
following screen appears.
8. When data collection is complete, the results are displayed as shown below.
test results
9. Choose OK to close the Oil Test dialog box. The results are stored in the database files
and can be accessed by double-clicking the sample’s date/time stamp in the database
view.

Collecting dCA/fCA Data

machine.
3. To select the fCA for testing, choose the left-hand button.

4. Choose Use dCA sensor and select Also use fCA sensor and choose OK.
Click 5. To start testing the sample, choose the Test button. The following screen appears.

Collecting dCA/fCA Data
6. Choose Yes to allow Lube Link to read the calibration information. This step takes less
than five seconds.
up into the sensor. When it begins collecting data, the following screen appears.
test results
view.

Collecting dVA Data

machine.
3. To select the dVA for testing, choose the left-hand button.

4. Choose Use dVA sensor and enter the Serial number. The calibration, or serial
number is inscribed on the large end of the dVA probe.
Choose either High viscosity test or Low viscosity test. Low viscosity range is from
1 cSt to 460 cSt. High viscosity range is from 460 cSt to 9999 cP.
Choose OK.
Click 5. To start testing the sample, choose the Test button. If you get an error message, see
“Troubleshooting Error Messages” on page 169.

Collecting dVA Data
6. The dVA Test Wizard begins. Select one of the sample lubricants from the oil database
and choose Next.
7. Enter the Pressure and Temperature of the fluid sample. Note that you can select
different units.
8. Probe onto the test port with the dVA. Once connected, the backflush knob begins to
move and the constant pressure of the system pushes the fluid up into the sensor. When
it begins collecting data, the following screen appears.

test results
view.

The dVA test using Lube Link allows you to compare your viscosity test results to an oil
specification. The program compares the tested viscosity to what the viscosity should be for
your oil at the test temperature.
1. After you press the Test button to begin a viscosity test, Lube Link shows the following
dialog box. Select a fluid from the list.
2. Choose the fluid by clicking on the row, then choose Next.

Collecting dVA Data
3. Next, enter the temperature and pressure of the sample and press <ENTER>. If you
have chosen the dVA test results to be in centistokes (cSt), you must enter specific
gravity as well. Choose OK.
4. The test cycle begins. Probe onto the test port with the dVA and take the measurement.
Troubleshooting Error Messages

This section contains some of the common error messages in Lube Link and offers
suggestions for making it work correctly.
No connection between computer and Oil Sensor Interface.

Please check cable connections.
This message appears if the connections are not secure between the Oil Sensor Interface and
the computer. Also, be sure you are using the correct RS-232 serial cable with the Oil
Sensor Interface.
If you believe the connections are secure, and you are using the correct serial cable, try
unplugging the Oil Sensor Interface from the power source and plugging it back in. This
action can reset the Oil Sensor Interface and help it begin communications again.

Unable to open COM1.
This message appears if the selected COM port is not available to the Oil Sensor Interface,
or cannot be detected. If you have a mouse or other device connected to your COM1 port,
you need to use the COM2 port for the Oil Sensor Interface.
Check the selected device by opening the Oil Test dialog box and choosing the Computer
button. In the Interface Port Setup dialog box, select the correct Communications device.
Make sure it is connected to the port on the computer by tracing back the cable to the port.
Unable to find dVA calibration file...
This message appears if the calibration number entered in the does not match the numbered
calibration file in the Lube Link directory. This can happen for several reasons.
z The Lube Link program directory has been changed, and the calibration file does not
exist or does not match the entered number.
z The calibration file has been deleted or renamed.
z The entered number is incorrect, and does not match the calibration file number.
z The calibration value has changed and was entered incorrectly.
Lube Link will create a new calibration file if you choose Yes. However, that calibration
value may not be accurate. The original calibration number is inscribed in the metal on the
dVA probe. Use that number if you have not re-calibrated the probe. When you re-calibrate
the probe, Lube Link creates the calibration file in the Lube Link directory. You should use
the latest calibration value if it is available.
Viewing Particle Count and Ferrous Count Data

Lube Link makes it simple to quickly display the data by double-clicking the data value in
the database view. In addition, Lube Link displays one unit in the database view, based on
your settings. You can view graphs of the collected data from a dCA and an fCA, and
change the color settings for those graphs. In addition to particle counts, this display shows
you ISO and NAS codes, as well as gravimetric units.
This section discusses the options for viewing data and methods for viewing data.

Setting Default Display Units for Particle Count

You can view one result unit in the main Lube Link window, as pointed out in the
illustration below. The settings are global for all the data in Lube Link. In other words, you
cannot change the results for one machine and not another.
result unit for dVA: cSt40
result unit for dCA: ISO-2
To set the default display units, follow these steps.

1. From the Setup menu, choose Results/Units. The following dialog box appears. Press
F1 for a description of the fields.
2. Choose OK. The Lube Link screen redraws, and closes all open samples. When you re-
open the samples, you see the new units.

Setting Plot Colors

You can set the dCA and fCA plot colors, including background, and bar color. These
settings are applied globally to all plots displayed on screen. This setting does not change
the colors of plots in reports. To change report plots, see “Setting Up Reports” on page 177.
1. From the Setup menu, choose Colors. The following dialog box appears.
2. From the Plot Element list, select which item you want to change. Your choices are
Background, dCA Graph Bar, or fCA Graph Bar. Each is pointed out in the illustration
below.
fCA Graph Bar
dCA Graph Bar

Background
3. Select a color under Basic Colors, or select a new color from the color bar and choose
Add to Custom Colors.
4. Choose OK when you are finished selecting colors. The color changes are applied
globally to all plots that are displayed on screen.

Viewing Plots of Particle Data

To view the data in a bar graph plot, simply select the point you want to view, and double-
click the point in the database view.
The plot has a log scale in the x-axis, and the particle count for each size is displayed in the
plot. Below the plot the ISO Code and other units are displayed.
You can print the plot by choosing Print. It will be sent to the default printer.
Choose Close to close the data display.
Printing Plots of Particle Data

To print the data in the plot, double-click the point in the database pane. Choose the Print
button. The plot is printed to the default printer selected in Lube Link.
To change the default printer for Lube Link

To change the printer, follow these steps.
1. From the File menu, choose Printer Setup. The following dialog appears.
2. Select a printer from the drop down list. Choose Properties to change the settings for
the printer. Choose OK when all settings are as you want them.

Viewing Viscosity Data

Lube Link allows you to view viscosity results by double-clicking the icon in the database
view. Lube Link also displays one data point in the database view, based on your settings, so
you can quickly assess the current state of the machine.
This section shows you how to change the default display settings and quickly display
viscosity data.
To view the viscosity data, select the data point you want to view, then double-click to see a
spreadsheet of the data for that point.
Setting Default Display Units for Viscosity

You can view one result unit in the main Lube Link database window, as pointed out below.
The settings are global for all the data in Lube Link. In other words, you cannot change the
results for one machine and not another.
result unit for dVA: cSt40
result unit for fCA: %Ferrous and FP>10
result unit for dCA: ISO-2

Reports
To set the default display units, follow these steps.

1. From the Setup menu, choose Results/Units. The following dialog box appears. Press
F1 for a description of the fields.
2. Choose OK. The Lube Link screen redraws, and closes all open samples. When you re-
open the samples, you see the new units displayed.
Reports
Using Lube Link, you can generate reports for on screen display and for printing. This
section discusses how to set up reports and generate reports on collected data.
Lube Link allows you to specify the date range for the report, and specify the type of data
the report displays. The Report Builder allows you to change fonts, colors, and margins for
printing and displaying the reports. The default reports should work well for most uses.

Header
Page Title
Body:Information
Note: This
information only
appears on the
first page of the
report.
Body:Result
Body:dCA Graph
Footer

Reports
Setting Up Reports
You can modify your reports by using the Report Builder. You can set up the margins, fonts,
colors, headers, footers, and body of the report. To do so, follow these steps.
1. From the Setup menu, choose Report Builder. The following dialog box appears.
2. On this dialog box, you can choose the page layout units (inches or millimeters) and
margins for the pages of the report.
3. To change other elements of the report, choose the buttons on the right-hand side of the
dialog box. The following sections tell you what each button is used for.
4. Choose OK to close the Define Report dialog box. Your modifications will be seen in
the next report you generate. If you already have a report on screen, you will have to re-
generate it for the changes to take place.

To change the report header

1. From the Setup menu, choose Report Builder.
2. Choose the Header button. The following dialog box appears.
3. You can change the Font of the text, the Color of the text, and insert special codes.
You must activate the cursor in order to enable the Insert Code button. When you
choose Insert Code, the following dialog box appears.
4. Choose Use to insert the selected code into the report header.
5. You can add more rows to the report header by double-clicking in the spreadsheet row.
The following shows an example of this.
6. Choose OK when the report header is complete.

Reports
To change the page title

2. Choose the Page Title button. The following dialog box appears.
3. You can change the Font of the text, the Color of the text, and insert special codes. You
must activate the cursor in order to enable the Insert Code button. When you choose
Insert Code, the following dialog box appears.
4. Choose Use to insert the selected code into the page title.
5. You can add more rows to the page title by double-clicking in the spreadsheet row. The
following shows an example of this.
6. Choose OK when the page title is complete.

To change the report body

2. Choose the Body button. The following dialog box appears.
3. Select a choice under Font/Color, then choose the Font button or Color button to
change the attributes of that section. Each section is described below.
Information - The Information section of the report body is listed at the top of each
piece of data. This section contains the file name and directory it is located in. It also
contains the Export Location information for EMONITOR Odyssey or Enshare or
Enlube PM, as well as the date and time that the data was collected.
Result - The Result section contains the actual data that is collected. For the dVA, the
result section is the table containing the selected viscosity readings. For the dCA and
fCA, the result section is the x-axis and y-axis of the plot, as well as a listing of results.
dCA Graph - Choose this to change the color of the bars for the dCA data.
fCA Graph - Choose this to change the color of the bars for the fCA data.
4. Under dVA Options, select the viscosity values you would like displayed in the report
body.
5. Choose OK when you are finished with the report body settings.
To change report plot colors

2. Choose the Body button. The following dialog box appears.
3. Select either dCA Graph or fCA Graph under Font/Color, then choose the Color
button.
4. Choose OK when you are finished with the report body settings.

Reports
To insert page numbers or date codes

You can insert page numbers, the current date, or the current time into any of these areas in
the report:
z Header
z Page Title
z Footer
1. Open choose Header, Page Title, or Footer, you can insert codes. You must activate
the cursor in order to enable the Insert Code button. When you choose Insert Code,
the following dialog box appears.
2. Choose Use to insert the selected code into the line. Your choices are:
z Current Date
z Current Time
z Page Number

Generating Reports on Samples

Or click 1. From the File menu, choose Generate Report to open the following dialog box. The
file name corresponds to the machine you selected when you choose Generate Report.
4. Select the data records you want to include in the report. You can limit this in a number
of ways.
z Select records one at a time by clicking on a record under Record List.
z Choose Select All to select all records in the list.
z Choose Clear All to clear any selections.
z Under Record Type, select the check box to only display dCA or dVA.
z Under Date/Time, you can limit the selection based on when the data was
collected.
5. After selecting the records, choose Preview to view the report on screen. Or, choose
Print to send the report to the printer.
Printing Reports
After generating the report as described in “Generating Reports on Samples” on page 182,
you can either choose the Print button, or choose Preview to see it on screen and then
choose Print from the File menu.

Exporting and Importing Data
To change the default printer for Lube Link

To change the printer, follow these steps.
1. From the File menu, choose Printer Setup. The following dialog appears.
2. Select a printer from the drop down list. Choose Properties to change the settings for
the printer. Choose OK when all settings are as you want them.

You can export your Lube Link data to Enlube PM, Enshare, or EMONITOR Odyssey. You
can select the units that you want to export, and set up the export to occur automatically.
The export command creates a .lab file in the Lube Link program directory. If you have
automatic export selected, this .lab file is created immediately after data collection.
Once you have the .lab file, you can import it into the host software using the Data Import
or Oil Lab Import command from the Tools menu. This section discusses how to export
and import data to the host software.

Selecting Units for Export

1. From the Setup menu, choose Export, and then choose Export Options. The
2. Select the checkboxes for each unit you want to export to your host software database.
These settings are applied globally, to each file. These settings will be used the next
time you export data to the database.
Exporting Data to the Host Software

You can either export one measurement at a time or choose to export all the data in one data
file. The data file is represented as a machine in the Lube Link database view. If you double-
click the data file, all the measurements underneath it are displayed. Those measurements
can be exported individually if you wish.

Or click 1. Select a machine or measurement from the database view. Right-click on the item and
choose Export. You can choose either the individual measurement or the entire
machine. If you choose the entire machine, the following dialog box appears.
2. Select the measurements you want to export. You can limit the selections by type of
measurements or by the date of data collection. Press F1 for more information about
this dialog box.
3. Choose Export when the selection is as you want it. Lube Link creates a .lab file in the
program directory named using the date/time stamp for the current computer settings.
Note that the export file name does not reflect the collection date/time stamp, but
instead reflects the file creation date/time stamp.

Importing Data into Host Software

After exporting the data to a .lab file, you must import the data into your host software. You
can import the data into Enlube PM, EMONITOR Odyssey, or Enshare. Follow these steps
to do so.
1. In Enlube PM, choose Oil Lab Import from the Tools menu.
In EMONITOR Odyssey or Enshare, choose Data Import from the Tools menu.
The following dialog box appears.
2. Click the Set up import button.

3. Browse to the Lube Link Export Directory that you set up in Lube Link. Next to Files
of type, select Lube Link and enter *.lab next to File name. Choose Open.
4. Choose the blue arrow button to import the data into your database. If needed, the data
import creates the hierarchy items that are needed to match the location selected in
Lube Link.
The newly imported data is tagged and appended to the current list if any other
measurements are tagged. Tagging the measurements makes it easy to quickly check
the data.

Setting Up Automatic Import

You can schedule the import task to happen automatically.
1. In Enlube PM, choose Oil Lab Import from the Tools menu.
In EMONITOR Odyssey or Enshare, choose Data Import from the Tools menu.
The following dialog box appears.
2. Make sure the correct file type is set for import. For Lube Link files, the file type is .lab.
3. Choose the Schedule button.
4. Select the settings for the frequency that you want to import data automatically. Press
F1 for more information about this dialog box.
5. Choose OK. The import will occur at the next scheduled time.
Exporting Data to Excel

You can also export the data to Excel 97. Currently, Excel 97 is the only version of Excel
that you can export data to. Follow these steps to do so.
1. Select the measurement or machine that you want to export to Excel. Right-click and
choose Export to Excel 97.
2. Lube Link launches Excel 97 and places the data into a spreadsheet, then graphs it in a
plot. You can export individual measurements or the entire machine.
Note that you can also view the exported data in table format by choosing the dCA tab.


Appendix
Appendix
The Appendix contains two sections. The first explains the data
collector INI file, which contains various default values for use with the
Enpac Oil. The second section addresses common questions that may
arise when using the Enpac Oil with the host software.
Data Collector INI File Options ....................................................... 190
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers ........................................ 192

Appendix
Data Collector INI File Options

The INI file options control the default settings for the Enpac Oil when communicating with
host software. There are two separate INI files for the dCA and the dVA. The file name for
the dCA is DCA.INI, and the file name for the dVA is DVA.INI.
Caution: Modifying the INI file affects how the Enpac Oil communicates with host software. Do
not change the settings in the INI file unless you are sure you know the effect of your
changes. Always back up the INI file before making any changes.
Changes from the INI files that worked with the PCM
If you previously used a PCM 9000 to load and unload dCA and dVA routes, the INI file is
slightly modified in order to work with the Enpac Oil. There are four entries in the INI file
that are necessary for the Enpac Oil to work. These additions go under the
[Communications] section:
DsrTimeout=4000
ReadIntervalTimeout=32000
DTRControl=Enable
RTSControl=Enable
The Entek installation program will modify the INI files for you when you install the Enpac
Oil driver files.
Communication timing
The following options are in the [Flags] section of the INI file and define the default values
EMONITOR Odyssey, Enshare, and Enlube PM use for communication timing. Time
values are in milliseconds.
Option Function
Attempts Number of times to retry communication after error.
WriteWait Length of time to wait before writing each packet.
ReadTimeout Length of time for reading packets and receiving
acknowledgment from data collector for writing packets.
Unscheduled measurements for the dCA

Unscheduled measurements taken with the Enpac Oil are processed into individual
measurement points when you unload the data collector. The host software can create and
store up to 18 points for each unscheduled measurement you collect with the dCA, and up to
20 points with the dCA - fCA combination. The default line in the DCA.INI file (as
shipped) includes all measurement units. These default values can be changed in the
DCA.INI file. The following options are in the [Flags] section of the INI file and define the
default values the host software uses when unloading unscheduled measurements.

Data Collector INI File Options
Each character corresponds to a specific measurement type, as shown in the following chart.
Character Measurement Default
1 PC>=2 Y
2 PC>=5 Y
3 PC>=10 Y
4 PC>=15 Y
5 PC>=20 Y
6 PC>=25 Y
7 PC>=30 Y
8 PC>=40 Y
9 PC>=50 Y
10 PC>=100 Y
11 ISO - 2 Y
12 ISO - 5 Y
13 ISO - 15 Y
14 NAS 5-15 Y
15 NAS 15-25 Y
16 NAS 25-50 Y
17 NAS 50-100 Y
18 NAS > 100 Y
19 FP > 10um Y
20 %Ferrous Y
For example, if you want PC>=10 as your only measurement type for unscheduled
measurements, you would change other particle count settings to N but leave a Y in the third
position. You can leave the last two for the ferrous particle count, which is only unloaded
when there is unscheduled ferrous data. You would modify the Unscheduled line in the
DCA.INI file to look like:
Unscheduled=NNYNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNYY
Unscheduled measurements for the dVA

For unscheduled data, the host software creates measurements with units of either
centistokes (cSt@40C) or centipoise (cP@25C) per single test from the dVA. You have the
option to create either one measurement in a particular unit or two measurements of each
unit. By default, the INI file is configured to create both measurements with each unit. To
change the default, modify the line in the DVA.INI file.
Character Measurement Default
1 cSt@40C Y
2 cP@25C Y

Appendix
For example, if you want cST@40C as your only measurement type for unscheduled
measurements, you would change the second position to an N but leave a Y in the first
position. You would modify the Unscheduled line in the DVA.INI file to look like:
Unscheduled=YN
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

This section contains the most frequently asked questions about using the Enpac Oil with
the host software.
Setting Up Measurement Definitions in the Host Software
Q: Why don’t the oil analysis units or Collection Specifications

appear?
If you do not have an updated database which includes the oil analysis units and collection
specifications, these units will not appear in the measurement definition pane in the host
software. In order to use these units, your database must be updated. Contact Customer
Support if your database does not contain the oil analysis units.
Q: Why do unsupported measurement definitions appear in the

host software?
Each data collector supports only certain selections in the drop down lists in the
measurement definition pane. The host software automatically displays the correct
selections when you select one or more active collectors. You select the active data collector
with the Set Active Collectors command in the Tools menu in the host software. If you do
not set the dCA or dVA as the active collector, you may not be able to select Process as your
measurement definition type. The selections are affected in either of these two ways:
z If you do not select any collectors, the host software displays all possible selections, not
just those for the dCA or dVA.
z If you select two or more different collectors, the host software displays only the
selections that are available for both collectors.
Q: Why can’t I edit the measurement definition units?

The host software does not allow you to change some of the information for a measurement
definition after you collect data for that measurement definition. This prevents you from
comparing data with different measurement definition selections or collecting data that will
not be easily comparable. You cannot edit the following columns in the Measurement
Definition pane after you collect data for the following:
z Data Type
z Units
You can, however, change the Collection and Storage columns for a measurement definition
after collecting data. You must create a new measurement definition if you wish to store
data with different units. Because the Enpac Oil collects only process measurements, the
Filter options do not affect your data.

Loading Lists to the Enpac Oil
Q: Why won’t the host software load a list to the data collector?
First, check the communication cable between the host software and the data collector. If
the communication link between them is correct, there may be other reasons why the host
software will not load a list into the Enpac Oil.
z The baud rate settings do not match in both the host software and the Enpac Oil. See
“Selecting the Correct Communication Settings in the Enpac Oil” on page 111 and “To
select the correct communication settings in the host software” on page 110 to correct
this. Note that after you reset the data collector, the baud rate defaults to 19200. The
host software defaults to 38400.
z The data collector still has a list loaded in it. The Enpac Oil requires that you unload or
delete the list before loading another list. See “Deleting or Resetting Lists in the Data
Collector” on page 113 for more details.
z The Microsoft ActiveSync settings are preventing the host software from connecting.
See “Connecting to the Enpac Oil using ActiveSync” on page 119.
Q: Why does the host software rebuild the Quickload files?

the host software rebuilds a Quickload file before loading it to the data collector when any
one of the following change for the list:
z Measurement definitions in that list
z Locations in that list
z Hierarchy level of items in the Hierarchy Tree that affect measurement definitions in
the list
z Collection specification of a measurement definition in that list
Q: How can I load more than one list at a time?

You can only load one list at a time. But, the host software can combine lists for you into
one larger list. Select more than one list in the host software in the Load/Unload dialog box.
When you choose the Load button, the host software asks you to save the combined lists
under a new list name, then it proceeds with the loading process. The lists are combined in
the order you select them. Note that you cannot combine dCA and dVA measurements into
the same list.
Note: Only one dCA or one dVA list can be loaded at one time. However, a dCA list and a dVA
list can both be stored on the Enpac Oil at one time.

Appendix
Q: How do I tell when loading and unloading is complete?

The Enpac Oil returns to the previous menu when loading and unloading is complete. If you
need additional troubleshooting information, there are several considerations for
establishing communications. Check for these items.
z Communication settings (baud rate and protocol) between the host software and the
Enpac Oil are the same. Note that after you reset the data collector, the baud rate
defaults to 19200. The host software defaults to 38400.
z The Enpac Oil is displaying the Communicate with PC screen.
z You select the Load/Unload command from the Tools menu in the host software and
choose the list.
This communication link remains until you do one of the following to break
communication:
z Close the Load/Unload dialog box.
z Disconnect the cable between computer and Enpac Oil.
z Abort the communication process by pressing <F2> to abort communications and exit
the Communicate with PC screen on the Enpac Oil.
Q: What do I do when the Enpac Oil locks up?

On rare occasions, the data collector may lock up and become inoperable. If this happens,
try turning it off and on again. If this does not work, you must reset the data collector by
removing the battery plate and using a paperclip to press the reset button. See “Resetting the
Data Collector” on page 19.
Caution: Resetting the data collector is like rebooting your computer. Use this function when
the data collector is “locked up” and not responding to key presses. You will delete any
unloaded lists using this method.
Note: If the data collector locks up repeatedly, please note the conditions that cause it to lock up
and contact Customer Support. See “Customer Support” on page 5.
Collecting Data with the Enpac Oil
Q: Why are the alarms not showing up as target values?

Alarms in the host software are represented as target values in the Enpac Oil. First, check
the Trigger column in your Alarm pane in the host software. You select the alarms you
want to load with a measurement definition in the host software by setting the Trigger
column to Yes for the alarm. If you select an alarm that the data collector can handle, that
alarm is loaded into the data collector when you load the list. The Enpac Oil can handle only
a single Above alarm for each measurement definition. There are two cases when the host
software does not load the same alarms you selected:
z The data collector cannot support the alarm you selected.
z You selected two or more alarms for the measurement definition.

In both these cases, the host software combines and simplifies the alarms you selected. It
creates an alarm that the data collector can handle. The simplified alarm is often more
conservative, which means that a measurement may appear to be in alarm in the data
collector. After unloading the data, the host software checks the measurement against the
actual alarms you created for the measurement definition. For more information on alarms,
see “Alarms and the Data Collector” on page 104.
Q: What if my dCA results are inconsistent?

Inconsistent results are defined as differing by more than 10% low or high. There are several
procedures to try to correct inconsistent results.
z Clean your sensor screens. See “Cleaning dCA Sensor Screens” on page 36.
z Check all the settings in the Enpac Oil to make sure that they are consistent with the
data you wish to collect. See “Configuring the dCA” on page 31.
z Visually inspect the sensor screen with a microscope or magnifying glass to look for
holes, tears, or stretched areas on the screen.
z Inspect internal o-rings for tears, cracks, or splits, and to make sure an o-ring is not
missing.
z Check your test pressure. Pressure should be constant. The recommended pressure is
60 psi.
Q: What if I continually get an Invalid Test message?

There are several procedures to try if your Enpac Oil displays “Invalid Test” after every test.
z Reset the Enpac Oil by removing the battery back and pressing the reset button with a
paperclip.
z Check the dCA sensor connector for missing or bent pins, and to ensure that you have a
firm connection.
z Inspect the cables from the dCA to Enpac Oil and the Oil Sensor Interface for cuts or
crimps.
z Grasp the cable just above the rubber connector from the dCA, and gently pull outward.
Significant movement could signify a problem. Contact Customer Support for
assistance.
z Slowly pull the black backflush knob out to its full extension. Make sure the piston
moves tightly and smoothly. Jumps, knocks, or pulling could signify misalignment.
z Hold the box-like section of the dCA sensor to your ear and shake gently. Rattling or
clinking could signify loose parts or broken glass. Contact Customer Support for
assistance. Do not open the dCA transducer.
z Inspect internal o-rings for tears, cracks, or splits, and to make sure an o-ring is not
missing.
Q: How can I see more sizes in the particle count distributions?

The Enpac Oil can display up to seven particle sizes of the distribution at a time. If you need
to see higher particle sizes such as PC>100, you can modify the particle size display. See
“Configuring the dCA” on page 31 for instructions.

Appendix
Unloading Data from the Enpac Oil
Q: How do I delete a list from the Enpac Oil after unloading it?
The data collector can automatically delete the list. When the unload is complete, the Enpac
Oil displays Status: COMPLETE and the progress bar closes in the host software. The
Enpac Oil asks that you confirm that the data unload was successful so that it can delete the
data file. Press <Y> if you can confirm that the data was successfully unloaded, and the
Enpac Oil will delete the list.
If a list already exists in the Enpac Oil you will have to manually delete it before loading
another. See “Deleting or Resetting Lists in the Data Collector” on page 113.
Q: How do I print reports after unloading data?

the host software allows you to print reports to a printer immediately after unloading the
data from the Enpac Oil to your database. This allows you to view the results of the data just
unloaded. To do so, select Auto Reports on Unload in the Unload Options dialog box and
highlight the desired reports.For more information see “Automatically Printing Reports
after Unloading” on page 117.

Glossary
Glossary
The Glossary contains definitions of many of the terms used with oil analysis systems.
Boldface type indicates terms that are defined elsewhere in the glossary.
abrasion – A general wearing away of a surface by constant scratching, usually due to the
presence of foreign matter such as dirt, grit, or metallic particles in the lubricant. It may
also cause a break down of the material (such as the tooth surfaces of gears). Lack of
proper lubrication may result in abrasion.
abrasive wear – (or cutting wear) comes about when hard surface asperities or hard particles
that have embedded themselves into a soft surface and plough grooves into the opposing
harder surface, e.g., a journal.
absolute filtration rating – The diameter of the largest hard spherical particle that will pass
through a filter under specified test conditions. This is an indication of the largest opening
in the filter elements.
absolute viscosity – A term used interchangeably with viscosity to distinguish it from either
kinematic viscosity or commercial viscosity. Absolute viscosity is the ratio of shear stress
to shear rate. It is a fluid's internal resistance to flow. The common unit of absolute vis-
cosity is the poise or centipoise (1/100th of a poise). It is occasionally referred to as dy-
namic viscosity. Absolute viscosity and kinematic viscosity are expressed in fundamental
units. Commercial viscosity such as Saybolt viscosity is expressed in arbitrary units of
time, usually seconds. Absolute viscosity divided by fluid density equals kinematic vis-
cosity.
active data collector – The active data collector(s) determine the valid options for setting up
measurement definitions. For example, if you have two active data collectors:
DC1 can measure velocity in both in/sec and mm/sec
DC2 can measure velocity only in in/sec
The only available velocity units are in/sec, because that is common to both data collec-
tors. Note that this is different from the current data collector.
absorbent filter – A filter medium that holds contaminant by mechanical means.
absorption – The assimilation of one material into another; in petroleum refining, the use of
an absorptive liquid to selectively remove components from a process stream.
AC Fine Test Dust (ACFTD) – A test contaminant used to assess both filters and the con-
taminant sensitivity of all types of tribological mechanisms.
accumulator – A container in which fluid is stored under pressure as a source of fluid power.
acid – In a restricted sense, an acid is any substance containing hydrogen in combination with
a nonmetal or nonmetallic radical and capable of producing hydrogen ions in solution.
acidity – In lubricants, acidity denotes the presence of acid-type constituents whose concen-
tration is usually defined in terms of total acid number. The constituents vary in nature
and may or may not markedly influence the behavior of the lubricant.
additive – A compound that enhances some property of, or imparts some new property to,

the base fluid. In some hydraulic fluid formulations, the additive volume may constitute
as much as 20 percent of the final composition. The more important types of additives
include anti-oxidants, anti-wear additives, corrosion inhibitors, viscosity index improv-
ers, and foam suppressants.
additive stability – The ability of additives in the fluid to resist changes in their performance
during storage or use.
adhesion – The property of a lubricant that causes it to cling or adhere to a solid surface.
adhesive wear – This is often referred to as galling, scuffing, scoring, or seizing. It happens
when sliding surfaces contact one another, causing fragments to be pulled from one sur-
face and to adhere to the other.
adsorbent filter – A filter medium primarily intended to hold soluble and insoluble contam-
inants on its surface by molecular adhesion.
adsorption – Adhesion of the molecules of gases, liquids, or dissolved substances to a solid
surface, resulting in relatively high concentration of the molecules at the place of contact;
e.g. the plating out of an anti-wear additive on metal surfaces.
adsorptive filtration – The attraction to, and retention of particles in, a filter medium by
electrostatic forces, or by molecular attraction between the particles and the medium.
aeration – The state of air being suspended in a liquid such as a lubricant or hydraulic fluid.
A.G.M.A. – Abbreviation for “American Gear Manufacturers Associations,” an organization
serving the gear industry.
agglomeration – The potential of the system for particle attraction and adhesion.
air, compressed – Air at any pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
air breather – A device permitting air movement between atmosphere and the component
in/on which it is installed.
alarms – You set alarms in the host software to alert you to a change in the measurement.
Alarms are called target values in the Enpac Oil.
alkali – Any substance having basic (as opposed to acidic) properties. In a restricted sense it
is applied to the hydroxides of ammonium, lithium, potassium and sodium. Alkaline ma-
terials in lubricating oils neutralize acids to prevent acidic and corrosive wear in internal
combustion engines.
analytical ferrography – The magnetic precipitation and subsequent analysis of wear debris
from a fluid sample This approach involves passing a volume of fluid over a chemically
treated microscope slide which is supported over a magnetic field. Permanent magnets
are arranged in such a way as to create a varying field strength over the length of the sub-
strate. This varying strength causes wear debris to precipitate in a distribution with re-
spect to size and mass over the Ferrogram. Once rinsed and fixed to the substrate, this
debris deposit serves as an excellent media for optical analysis of the composite wear par-
ticulates.
anhydrous – Devoid of water.
anti-foam agent – One of two types of additives used to reduce foaming in petroleum prod-
ucts: silicone oil to break up large surface bubbles, and various kinds of polymers that de-
crease the amount of small bubbles entrained in the oils.

anti-friction bearing – A rolling contact type bearing in which the rotating or moving mem-
ber is supported or guided by means of ball or roller elements. Does not mean without
friction.
anti-oxidants – Prolong the induction period of a base oil in the presence of oxidizing con-
ditions and catalyst metals at elevated temperatures. The additive is consumed and deg-
radation products increase not only with increasing and sustained temperature, but also
with increases in mechanical agitation or turbulence and contamination – air, water, me-
tallic particles, and dust.
antistatic additive – An additive that increases the conductivity of a hydrocarbon fuel to has-
ten the dissipation of electrostatic charges during high-speed dispensing, thereby reduc-
ing the fire/explosion hazard.
antiwear additives – Improve the service life of tribological elements operating in the
boundary lubrication regime. Antiwear compounds (for example, ZDDP and TCP) start
decomposing at 90° to 100°C and even at a lower temperature if water (25 to 50 ppm) is
present.
API engine service categories – Gasoline and diesel engine oil quality levels established
jointly by API, SAE, and ASTM, and sometimes called SAE or API/SAE categories; for-
merly called API Engine Service Classifications.
API gravity – A gravity scale established by the American Petroleum Institute and in general
use in the petroleum industry, the unit being called “the A.P.I. degree.” This unit is de-
fined in terms of specific gravity as follows:
Degrees API ={ 141.5 }- 131.5
{Specific gravity 60° F/60° F }
archive data – The measurement data that you store in host software is called archive data.
It includes all the process measurements that you have collected and unloaded or en-
tered into the program.
ash – A measure of the amount of inorganic material in lubricating oil. Determined by burn-
ing the oil and weighing the residue. Results expressed as percent by weight.
asperities – Microscopic projections on metal surfaces resulting from normal surface-finish-
ing processes. Interference between opposing asperities in sliding or rolling applications
is a source of friction, and can lead to metal welding and scoring. Ideally, the lubricating
film between two moving surfaces should be thicker than the combined height of the op-
posing asperities.
A.S.T.M. = American Society for Testing Materials – A society for developing standards
for materials and test methods.
atomic absorption spectroscopy – Measures the radiation absorbed by chemically unbound
atoms by analyzing the transmitted energy relative to the incident energy at each frequen-
cy. The procedure consists of diluting the fluid sample with methyl isobutyl ketone
(MIBK) and directly aspirating the solution. The actual process of atomization involves
reducing the solution to a fine spray, dissolving it, and finally vaporizing it with a flame.
The vaporization of the metal particles depends upon their time in the flame, the flame
temperature, and the composition of the flame gas. The spectrum occurs because atoms
in the vapor state can absorb radiation at certain well-defined characteristic wavelengths.
The wavelength bands absorbed are very narrow and differ for each element. In addition,
the absorption of radiant energy by electronic transitions from ground to excited state is

essentially and absolute measure of the number of atoms in the flame and is, therefore,
the concentration of the element in a sample.
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) – Fluid for automatic, hydraulic transmissions in
motor vehicles.
axial-load bearing – A bearing in which the load acts in the direction of the axis of rotation.
backflush – The method of expelling fluid from the dCA sensor when you finish collecting
data. Backflushing the sensor clears the dCA sensor screen of built-up hard particle con-
tamination. You can backflush either manually or using the laboratory apparatus.
backwash – The method of expelling remaining fluid by loosening the screen housing from
the dCA sensor once you have backflushed it. Merely backwashing the fluid will not
completely clear the screen.
babbitt – A soft, white, non-ferrous alloy bearing material composed principally of copper,
antimony, tin and lead.
bactericide – Additive included in the formulations of water-mixed cutting fluids to inhibit
the growth of bacteria promoted by the presence of water, thus preventing odors that
can result from bacterial action.
ball bearing – An antifriction rolling type bearing containing rolling elements in the form
of balls.
barrel – A unit of liquid volume of petroleum oils equal to 42 U.S. gallons or
approximately 35 Imperial gallons.
base – A material which neutralizes acids. An oil additive containing colloidally dispersed
metal carbonate, used to reduce corrosive wear.
base stock – The base fluid, usually a refined petroleum fraction or a selected synthetic
material, into which additives are blended to produce finished lubricants.
baseline measurement – A reference measurement you identify from the archive data for a
measurement definition. It indicates the proper or ideal operating condition for a piece of
equipment. You can use it as a comparison to other measurements and in alarms.
bearing – A support or guide by means of which a moving part such as a shaft or axle is po-
sitioned with respect to the other parts of a mechanism.
bench-top apparatus – This device is used for testing bottle samples with the dCA sensor.
The apparatus includes two pressure chambers and a backflush tower and it uses an air
supply to provide pressure.
beta rating – The method of comparing filter performance based on efficiency. This is done
using the Multi-Pass Test which counts the number of particles of a given size before and
after fluid passes through a filter.
beta-ratio (ß-Ratio) – The ratio of the number of particles greater than a given size in the
influent fluid to the number of particles greater than the same size in the effluent fluid,
under specified test conditions (see “Multi-Pass Test”).
bitumen – Also called asphalt or tar, bitumen is the brown or black viscous residue from the
vacuum distillation of crude petroleum. It also occurs in nature as asphalt “lakes” and “tar
sands.” It consists of high molecular weight hydrocarbons and minor amounts of sulfur
and nitrogen compounds.
black oils – Lubricants containing asphaltic materials, which impart extra adhesiveness, that

are used for open gears and steel cables.
blow-by – Passage of unburned fuel and combustion gases past the piston rings of internal
combustion engines, resulting in fuel dilution and contamination of the crankcase oil.
boundary lubrication – Form of lubrication between two rubbing surfaces without devel-
opment of a full-fluid lubricating film. Boundary lubrication can be made more effective
by including additives in the lubricating oil that provide a stronger oil film, thus prevent-
ing excessive friction and possible scoring. There are varying degrees of boundary lubri-
cation, depending on the severity of service. For mild conditions, oiliness agents may be
used; by plating out on metal surfaces in a thin but durable film, oiliness agents prevent
scoring under some conditions that are too severe for a straight mineral oil. Compounded
oils, which are formulated with polar fatty oils, are sometimes used for this purpose. Anti-
wear additives are commonly used in more severe boundary lubrication applications. The
more severe cases of boundary lubrication are defined as extreme pressure conditions;
they are met with lubricants containing EP additives that prevent sliding surfaces from
fusing together at high local temperatures and pressures.
breakdown maintenance – Any maintenance performed after a machine has failed to return
it to an operating state.
bridging – A condition of filter element loading in which contaminant spans the space be-
tween adjacent sections of a filter element, thus blocking a portion of the useful filtration.
bright stock – A heavy residual lubricant stock with low pour point, used in finished blends
to provide good bearing film strength, prevent scuffing, and reduce oil consumption. Usu-
ally identified by its viscosity, SUS at 210°F or cSt at 100°C.
brinelling – Permanent deformation of the bearing surfaces where the rollers (or balls) con-
tact the races. Brinelling results from excessive load or impact on stationary bearings. It
is a form of mechanical damage in which metal is displaced or upset without attrition.
Brookfield viscosity – Apparent viscosity in cP determined by Brookfield viscometer, which
measures the torque required to rotate a spindle at constant speed in oil of a given tem-
perature. Basis for ASTM Method D 2983; used for measuring low temperature viscosity
of lubricants.
BTU – British thermal unit. The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound
of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.
bubble point – The differential gas pressure at which the first steady stream of gas bubbles
is emitted from a wetted filter element under specified test conditions.
built-in-dirt – Material passed into the effluent stream composed of foreign materials incor-
porated into the filter medium.
bulk modulus (of elasticity) – A ratio of normal stress to a change in volume. A term used
in determining the compressibility of a fluid. Data for petroleum products can be found
in the International Critical Tables.
burst pressure rating – The maximum specified inside-out differential pressure that can be
applied to a filter element without outward structural or filter-medium failure.
bushing – A short, externally threaded connector with a smaller size internal thread.
bypass filtration – A system of filtration in which only a portion of the total flow of a circu-
lating fluid system passes through a filter at any instant or in which a filter having its own
circulating pump operates in parallel to the main flow.

bypass valve (relief valve) – A valve mechanism that assures system fluid flow when a pre-
selected differential pressure across the filter element is exceeded; the valve allows all or
part of the flow to bypass the filter element.
calibration number – The number located on the sensor screen or dVA sensor tube, which
can be changed using the calibration validation program.
calibration validation program – The dCA screen validation program to ensure accurate
results with the sensor screen. CVP fluid is used for this procedure.
cams – Eccentric shafts used in most internal combustion engines to open and close valves.
capacity – The amount of contaminants a filter will hold before an excessive pressure drop
is caused. Most filters have bypass valves which open when a filter reaches its rated ca-
pacity.
capillarity – A property of a solid-liquid system manifested by the tendency of the liquid in
contact with the solid to rise above or fall below the level of the surrounding liquid; this
phenomenon is seen in a smallbore (capillary) tube.
carbon – A non-metallic element, number 6 in the periodic table. Diamonds and graphite are
pure forms of carbon. Carbon is a constituent of all organic compounds. It also occurs in
combined form in many inorganic substances; i.e., carbon dioxide, limestone, etc.
carbon residue – Coked material remaining after an oil has been exposed to high tempera-
tures under controlled conditions.
carbonyl iron powder – A contaminant which consists of up to 99.5% pure iron spheres.
case drain filter – A filter located in a line conducting fluid from a pump or motor housing
to reservoir.
catalyst – A substance which speeds a chemical action without undergoing a chemical
change itself during the process. Now used in catalytic converters to control amount of
unburned hydrocarbons and CO in automobile exhaust.
catalytic converter – An integral part of vehicle emission control systems since 1975. Oxi-
dizing converters remove hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (CO) from exhaust gases,
while reducing converters control nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. Both use noble metal
(platinum, palladium or rhodium) catalysts that can be "poisoned" by lead compounds in
the fuel or lubricant.
catastrophic failure – Sudden, unexpected failure of a machine resulting in considerable
cost and downtime.
category – A grouping of similar equipment used for setting alarms. For example, you can
group all water pumps into a category called Water Pumps. For each combination of units
(g’s, ips, mm, …) and measurement filter defined in the category, you can also define:
z Category variables such as warning and danger alarms.
z Band variables such as alarms or percentage change for each band in the band set
for the category.
category variable – A value that you can apply in alarms across all equipment in a category.
Category variables allow you to change alarm levels for all equipment in a category with-
out having to change each alarm individually. Note that the host software does not create
an alarm if you do not define the value of a category variable for the combination of units
and measurement filter in the measurement definition.

cavitation – Formation of an air or vapor pocket (or bubble) due to lowering of pressure in
a liquid, often as a result of a solid body, such as a propeller or piston, moving through
the liquid; also, the pitting or wearing away of a solid surface as a result of the collapse
of a vapor bubble. Cavitation can occur in a hydraulic system as a result of low fluid lev-
els that draw air into the system, producing tiny bubbles that expand explosively at the
pump outlet, causing metal erosion and eventual pump destruction.
cavitation erosion – Material-damaging process which occurs as a result of vaporous cavi-
tation. "Cavitation" refers to the occurrence or formation of gas- or vapor- filled pockets
in flowing liquids due to the hydrodynamic generation of low pressure (below atmospher-
ic pressure). This damage results from the hammering action when cavitation bubbles im-
plode in the flow stream. Ultra-high pressures caused by the collapse of the vapor bubbles
produce deformation, material failure and, finally, erosion of the surfaces.
cellulose media – A filter material made from plant fibers. Because cellulose is a natural ma-
terial, its fibers are rough in texture and vary in size and shape. Compared to synthetic
media, these characteristics create a higher restriction to the flow of fluids
centipoise – (cP) The standard unit of absolute viscosity in the centimeter-gram-second sys-
tem. It is the ration of the shearing stress to the shear rate of a fluid and is expressed in
dyne seconds per square centimeter. One centipoise equals 0.01 poise.
centistokes – (cSt) The standard unit of kinematic viscosity in the centimeter-gram-second
system. It is expressed in square centimeters per second. One centistoke equals
0.01 stoke.
centralized lubrication – A system of lubrication in which a metered amount of lubricant or
lubricants for the bearing surfaces of a machine or group of machines are supplied from
a central location.
centrifugal separator – A separator that removes immiscible fluid and solid contaminants
that have a different specific gravity than the fluid being purified by accelerating the fluid
mechanically in a circular path and using the radial acceleration component to isolate
these contaminants.
chemical stability – The tendency of a substance or mixture to resist chemical change.
chip control (grit control, last-chance) filter – A filter intended to prevent only large par-
ticles from entering a component immediately downstream.
circulating lubrication – A system of lubrication in which the lubricant, after having passed
through a bearing or group of bearings, is recirculated by means of a pump.
clean – A cleanliness definition for fluids defined as having fewer than 100 particles greater
than 10 microns per milliliter. A clean fluid is used to complete the calibration validation
program.
clean room – A facility or enclosure in which air content and other conditions (such as tem-
perature, humidity, and pressure) are controlled and maintained at a specific level by spe-
cial facilities and operating processes and by trained personnel.
Cleanliness Level (CL) – A measure of relative freedom from contaminants.
clearance bearing – A journal bearing in which the radius of the bearing surface is greater
than the radius of the journal surface.
cloud point – The temperature at which waxy crystals in an oil or fuel form a cloudy appear-
ance.

coalescor – A separator that divides a mixture or emulsion of two immiscible liquids using
the interfacial tension between the two liquids and the difference in wetting of the two
liquids on a particular porous medium.
coefficient of friction – The number obtained by dividing the friction force resisting motion
between two bodies by the normal force pressing the bodies together.
cohesion – That property of a substance that causes it to resist being pulled apart by mechan-
ical means.
cold cranking simulator (CCS) – An intermediate shear rate viscometer that predicts the
ability of an oil to permit a satisfactory cranking speed to be developed in a cold engine.
collapse – An inward structural failure of a filter element which can occur due to abnormally
high pressure drop (differential pressure) or resistance to flow.
collapse pressure – The minimum differential pressure that an element is designed to with-
stand without permanent deformation.
compound – (1) Chemically speaking, a distinct substance formed by the combination of
two or more elements in definite proportions by weight and possessing physical and
chemical properties different from those of the combining elements. (2) in petroleum pro-
cessing, generally connotes fatty oils and similar materials foreign to petroleum added to
lubricants to impart special properties.
compounded oil – A petroleum oil to which has been added other chemical substances.
compressibility – The change in volume of a unit volume of a fluid when subjected to a unit
change of pressure.
compression ratio – In an internal combustion engine, the ratio of the volume of combustion
space at bottom dead center to that at top dead center.
compressor – A device which converts mechanical force and motion into pneumatic fluid
power.
consistency – The degree to which a semisolid material such as grease resists deformation.
(See ASTM designation D 217.) Sometimes used qualitatively to denote viscosity of liq-
uids.
contaminant – Any foreign or unwanted substance that can have a negative effect on system
operation, life or reliability.
contaminant (Dirt, ACFTD) capacity – The weight of a specified artificial contaminant
that must be added to the influent to produce a given differential pressure across a filter
at specified conditions. Used as an indication of relative service life.
contaminant failure – Any loss of performance due to the presence of contamination. Two
basic types of contamination failure are: Perceptible – gradual loss of efficiency or per-
formance, and Catastrophic – dramatic, unexpected failure.
contaminant lock – A particle or fiber-induced jam caused by solid contaminants.
contamination control – A broad subject which applies to all types of material systems (in-
cluding both biological and engineering). It is concerned with planning, organizing, man-
aging, and implementing all activities required to determine, achieve and maintain a
specified contamination level.
coolant – A fluid used to remove heat. See Cutting fluid.

copper strip corrosion – A qualitative measure of the tendency of a petroleum product to
corrode pure copper.
core – The internal duct and filter media support.
% correl – The percentage of peaks in the used oil infrared spectrum which match those in
the reference oil. A sudden decrease in this value usually means that the oil was mixed
with a different type.
corrosion – The decay and loss of a metal due to a chemical reaction between the metal and
its environment. It is a transformation process in which the metal passes from its elemen-
tal form to a combined (or compound) form.
corrosion inhibitor – Additive for protecting lubricated metal surfaces against chemical at-
tack by water or other contaminants. There are several types of corrosion inhibitors. Polar
compounds wet the metal surface preferentially, protecting it with a film of oil. Other
compounds may absorb water by incorporating it in a water-in-oil emulsion so that only
the oil touches the metal surface. Another type of corrosion inhibitor combines chemical-
ly with the metal to present a non-reactive surface.
coupling, quick disconnect – A coupling which can quickly join or separate lines.
coupling – A straight connector for fluid lines.
cracking – The process whereby large molecules are broken down by the application of heat
and pressure to form smaller molecules.
crown – The top of the piston in an internal combustion engine above the fire ring, exposed
to direct flame impingement.
cryogenics – The branch of physics relating to the production and effects of very low tem-
peratures.
cutting fluid – Any fluid applied to a cutting tool to assist in the cutting operation by cooling,
lubricating or other means.
current data collector – The data collector selected in host software for communication dur-
ing load and unload operations. Note that this is different from the active data collector.
current list – The most recently recalled or created list of measurement definitions held in
the computer’s memory or saved on the computer’s hard disk. You can also view plots
or create a report from the data associated with the current list.
cycle – A single complete operation consisting of progressive phases starting and ending at
the neutral position.
cylinder – A device which converts fluid power into linear mechanical force and motion. It
usually consists of a moveable element such as a piston and piston rod, plunger rod,
plunger or ram, operating with in a cylindrical bore.
data collector – A data collector is a device that measures and stores vibration and other data.
Oil analysis data may include process measurements in particle counts. In other data col-
lectors, vibration data may include magnitude, spectrum, time waveform, and phase data.
database – One or more related files that contain information on a common topic. The host
software database contains both the hierarchical setup for the machinery as well as the
data collected from the machinery.
Database window – The Database window contains one or more displays of information

from the database. The Database window can be split into two or more parts, called
panes. The different panes in the Database window are: Hierarchy, Location, Measure-
ment Definition, Alarms, and Archive data.
dCA sensor – The digital CONTAM-ALERT sensor assembly used with the Portable Con-
dition Monitor (PCM) to measure particle counts. Contains the sensor screen.
deaerator – A separator that removes air from the system fluid through the application of
bubble dynamics.
degas – Removing air from a liquid, usually by ultrasonic and/or vacuum methods.
degradation – The progressive failure of a machine or lubricant.
dehydrator – A separator that removes water from the system fluid.
delamination wear – A complex wear process where a machine surface is peeled away or
otherwise removed by forces of another surface acting on it in a sliding motion.
demulsibility – The ability of a fluid that is insoluble in water to separate from water with
which it may be mixed in the form of an emulsion.
density – The mass of a unit volume of a substance. Its numerical value varies with the units
used.
deposits – Oil-insoluble materials that result from oxidation and decomposition of lube oil
and contamination from external sources and engine blow-by. These can settle out on ma-
chine or engine parts. Examples are sludge, varnish, lacquer and carbon.
depth filter – A filter medium that retains contaminants primarily within tortuous passages.
desorption – Opposite of absorption or adsorption. In filtration, it relates to the downstream
release of particles previously retained by the filter.
detergent – In lubrication, either an additive or a compounded lubricant having the property
of keeping insoluble matter in suspension thus preventing its deposition where it would
be harmful. A detergent may also redisperse deposits already formed.
dialog box – A dialog box contains the options and settings for a command. Dialog boxes
allow you to enter information, as well as to review and change existing settings, before
you execute the command.
dielectric strength – A measure of the ability of an insulating material to withstand electric
stress (voltage) without failure. Fluids with high dielectric strength (usually expressed in
volts or kilovolts) are good electrical insulators. (ASTM Designation D 877.)
differential pressure indicator – An indicator which signals the difference in pressure be-
tween any two points of a system or a component.
digital CONTAM-ALERT – The brand name for the portable particle count sensor, referred
to as the dCA or dCA sensor in this manual.
digital VISC-ALERT – The brand name for the portable viscosity sensor, referred to as the
dVA or dVA sensor in this manual.
dirt capacity (dust capacity) (contaminant capacity) – The weight of a specified artificial
contaminant which must be added to the influent to produce a given differential pressure
across a filter at specified conditions. Used as an indication of relative service life.
dispersant – In lubrication, a term usually used interchangeably with detergent. An additive,

usually nonmetallic ("ashless"), which keeps fine particles of insoluble materials in a ho-
mogeneous solution. Hence, particles are not permitted to settle out and accumulate.
disposable – A filter element intended to be discarded and replaced after one service cycle.
dissolved gases – Those gases that enter into solution with a fluid and are neither free nor
entrained gases.
distillation method (ASTM D-95) – A method involving distilling the fluid sample in the
presence of a solvent that is miscible in the sample but immiscible in water. The water
distilled from the fluid is condensed and segregated in a specially-designed receiving tube
or tray graduated to directly indicate the volume of water distilled.
drum – A container with a capacity of 55 U.S. gallons.
duplex filter – An assembly of two filters with valving for selection of either or both filters.
dVA sensor – The digital VISC-ALERT sensor that allows you to obtain viscosity informa-
tion in either centipoise or centistokes.
effluent – The fluid leaving a component.
elastohydrodynamic lubrication – In rolling element bearings, the elastic deformation of
the bearing (flattening) as it rolls, under load, in the bearing race. This momentary flat-
tening improves the hydrodynamic lubrication properties by converting point or line con-
tact to surface-to-surface contact.
electrostatic separator – A separator that removes contaminant from dielectric fluids by ap-
plying an electrical charge to the contaminant that is then attracted to a collection device
of different electrical charge.
element (Cartridge) – The porous device that performs the actual process of filtration.
emission spectrometer – Works on the basis that atoms of metallic and other particular ele-
ments emit light at characteristic wavelengths when they are excited in a flame, arc, or
spark. Excited light is directed through an entrance slit in the spectrometer. This light pen-
etrates the slit, falls on a grate, and is dispersed and reflected. The spectrometer is cali-
brated by a series of standard samples containing known amounts of the elements of
interest. By exciting these standard samples, an analytical curve can be established which
gives the relationship between the light intensity and its concentration in the fluid.
emulsibility – The ability of a non-water-soluble fluid to form an emulsion with water.
emulsifier – Additive that promotes the formation of a stable mixture, or emulsion, of oil and
water. Common emulsifiers are: metallic soaps, certain animal and vegetable oils, and
various polar compounds.
emulsion – Intimate mixture of oil and water, generally of a milky or cloudy appearance.
Emulsions may be of two types: oil-in water (where water is the continuous phase) and
water-in-oil (where water is the discontinuous phase).
end cap – A ported or closed cover for the end of a filter element.
engine deposits – Hard or persistent accumulation of sludge, varnish and carbonaceous res-
idues due to blow-by of unburned and partially burned fuel, or the partial breakdown of
the crankcase lubricant. Water from the condensation of combustion products, carbon,
residues from fuel or lubricating oil additives, dust and metal particles also contribute.
environmental contaminant – All material and energy present in and around an operating

system, such as dust, air moisture, chemicals, and thermal energy.
EP (Extreme Pressure) lubricants – Lubricants that impart to rubbing surfaces the ability
to carry appreciably greater loads than would be possible with ordinary lubricants without
excessive wear or damage.
erosion – The progressive removal of a machine surface by cavitation or by particle impinge-
ment at high velocities.
extreme pressure (EP) additive – Lubricant additive that prevents sliding metal surfaces
from seizing under conditions of extreme pressure. At the high local temperatures asso-
ciated with metal-to-metal contact, an EP additive combines chemically with the metal to
form a surface film that prevents the welding of opposing asperities, and the consequent
scoring that is destructive to sliding surfaces under high loads. Reactive compounds of
sulfur, chlorine, or phosphorus are used to form these inorganic films.
fabrication integrity point – The differential gas pressure at which the first stream of gas
bubbles are emitted from a wetted filter element under standard test conditions.
false brinelling – False brinelling of needle roller bearings is actually a fretting corrosion of
the surface since the rollers are the I.D. of the bearing. Although its appearance is similar
to that of brinelling, false brinelling is characterized by attrition of the steel, and the load
on the bearing is less than that required to produce the resulting impression. It is the result
of a combination of mechanical and chemical action that is not completely understood,
and occurs when a small relative motion or vibration is accompanied by some loading, in
the presence of oxygen.
fatigue chunks – Thick three-dimensional particles exceeding 50 microns indicating severe
wear of gear teeth.
fatigue platelets – Normal particles between 20 and 40 microns found in gear box and rolling
element bearing oil samples observed by analytical ferrography. A sudden increase in the
size and quantity of these particles indicates excessive wear.
fatigued – A structural failure of the filter medium due to flexing caused by cyclic differen-
tial pressure.
fCA sensor – The attachment to the dCA that allows you to obtain a ferrous particle count.
ferrous CONTAM-ALERT – The brand name for the portable ferrous particle count sensor,
referred to as the fCA or fCA sensor in this manual.
ferrogram – A filter that has ferrous particles trapped on it which can be viewed under a mi-
croscope for wear debris analysis.
ferrography – An analytical method of assessing machine health by quantifying and exam-
ining ferrous wear particles suspended in the lubricant or hydraulic fluid.
film strength – Property of a lubricant that acts to prevent scuffing or scoring of metal parts.
filter – Any device or porous substance used as a strainer for cleaning fluids by removing
suspended matter.
filter efficiency – Method of expressing a filter's ability to trap and retain contaminants of a
given size.
filter element – The porous device which performs the actual process of filtration.
filter head – An end closure for the filter case or bowl that contains one or more ports.

filter housing – A ported enclosure that directs the flow of fluid through the filter element.
filter life test – A type of filter capacity test in which a clogging contaminant is added to the
influent of a filter, under specified test conditions, to produce a given rise in pressure drop
across the filter or until a specified reduction of flow is reached. Filter life may be ex-
pressed as test time required to reach terminal conditions at a specified contaminant ad-
dition rate.
filter media, depth – Porous materials which primarily retain contaminants within a tortuous
path, performing the actual process of filtration.
filter media, surface – Porous materials which primarily retain contaminants on the influent
face, performing the actual process of filtration.
filtration (Beta) ratio – The ratio of the number of particles greater than a given size in the
influent fluid to the number of particles greater than the same size in the effluent fluid.
filtration – The physical or mechanical process of separating insoluble particulate matter
from a fluid, such as air or liquid, by passing the fluid through a filter medium that will
not allow the particulates to pass through it.
fire point (Clevelend Open Cup) – The temperature to which a combustible liquid must be
heated so that the released vapor will burn continuously when ignited under specified
conditions.
fire-resistant fluid – Lubricant used especially in high-temperature or hazardous hydraulic
applications. Three common types of fire-resistant fluids are: (1) water-petroleum oil
emulsions, in which the water prevents burning of the petroleum constituent; (2) water-
glycol fluids; and (3) non-aqueous fluids of low volatility, such as phosphate esters, sili-
cones, and halogenated hydrocarbon-type fluids.
flash point (Cleveland Open Cup) – The temperature to which a combustible liquid must be
heated to give off sufficient vapor to form momentarily a flammable mixture with air
when a small flame is applied under specified conditions. (ASTM Designation D 92.)
flow, laminar – A flow situation in which fluid moves in parallel lamina or layers.
flow, turbulent – A flow situation in which the fluid particles move in a random manner.
flow fatigue rating – The ability of a filter element to resist a structural failure of the filter
medium due to flexing caused by cyclic differential pressure.
flow rate – The volume, mass, or weight of a fluid passing through any conductor per unit
of time.
flowmeter – A device which indicates either flow rate, total flow, or a combination of both.
fluid – A general classification including liquids and gases.
fluid analysis – See oil analysis.
fluid, fire resistant – A fluid difficult to ignite which shows little tendency to propagate
flame.
fluid compatibility – The suitability of filtration medium and seal materials for service with
the fluid involved.
fluid friction – Friction due to the viscosity of fluids.
fluid opacity – Related to the ability of a fluid to pass light.

fluid power – Energy transmitted and controlled through use of a pressurized fluid.
flushing – The act of preparing a test port for testing by expelling a small amount of the test
fluid through the test port, clearing it of residue and contaminants.
force feed lubrication – A system of lubrication in which the lubricant is supplied to the
bearing surface under pressure.
fretting – Wear phenomena taking place between two surfaces having oscillatory relative
motion of small amplitude.
fretting corrosion – Can take place when two metals are held in contact and subjected to re-
peated small sliding, relative motions. Other names for this type of corrosion include
wear oxidation, friction oxidation, chafing, and brinelling.
friction – The resisting force encountered at the common boundary between two bodies
when, under the action of an external force, one body, moves or tends to move relative to
the surface of the other.
FTIR = Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy – A test where infrared light absorp-
tion is used for assessing levels of soot, sulfates, oxidation, nitro-oxidation, glycol, fuel,
and water contaminants.
full flow filter – A filter that, under specified conditions, filters all influent flow.
full-flow filtration – A system of filtration in which the total flow of a circulating fluid sys-
tem passes through a filter.
full-fluid-film lubrication – Presence of a continuous lubricating film sufficient to com-
pletely separate two surfaces, as distinct from boundary lubrication. Full-fluid-film lubri-
cation is normally hydrodynamic lubrication, whereby the oil adheres to the moving part
and is drawn into the area between the sliding surfaces, where it forms a pressure – or hy-
drodynamic – wedge.
gage – An instrument or device for measuring, indicating or comparing a physical character-
istic.
galling – A form of wear in which seizing or tearing of the gear or bearing surface occurs.
gasohol – A blend of 10% anhydrous ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and 90% gasoline, by volume.
Used as a motor fuel.
generated contaminant – Caused by a deterioration of critical wetted surfaces and materials
or by a breakdown of the fluid itself.
graphite – A crystalline form of carbon having a laminar structure, which is used as a lubri-
cant. It may be of natural or synthetic origin.
gravimetric analysis – A method of analysis whereby the dry weight of contaminant per unit
volume of fluid can be measured showing the degree of contamination in terms of milli-
grams of contaminant per litre of fluid.
gravity – See Specific Gravity; API Gravity.
grease – A lubricant composed of an oil or oils thickened with a soap, soaps or other thick-
ener to a semisolid or solid consistency.
hardness – The resistance of a substance to surface abrasion.
head – An end closure for the filter case or bowl which contains one or more ports.

heat exchanger – A device which transfers heat through a conducting wall from one fluid to
another.
High Pressure Sampler II – (HPS II) The device used with the dCA sensor for testing par-
ticle counts on-line where system pressure is between 150 and 3500 psi.
housing – A ported enclosure which directs the flow of fluid through the filter element.
hydraulic fluid – Fluid serving as the power transmission medium in a hydraulic system.
The most commonly used fluids are petroleum oils, synthetic lubricants, oil-water emul-
sions, and water-glycol mixtures. The principal requirements of a premium hydraulic flu-
id are proper viscosity, high viscosity index, anti-wear protection (if needed), good
oxidation stability, adequate pour point, good demulsibility, rust inhibition, resistance to
foaming, and compatibility with seal materials. Anti-wear oils are frequently used in
compact, high-pressure, and capacity pumps that require extra lubrication protection.
hydraulic oil – An oil specially suited for use as either the specific gravity or the API gravity
of a liquid.
hydraulics – Engineering science pertaining to liquid pressure and flow.
hydrocarbons – Compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen. Petroleum consists
chiefly of hydrocarbons.
hydrodynamic lubrication – A system of lubrication in which the shape and relative motion
of the sliding surfaces causes the formation of a fluid film having sufficient pressure to
separate the surfaces.
hydrofinishing – A process for treating raw extracted base stocks with hydrogen to saturate
them for improved stability.
hydrolysis – Breakdown process that occurs in anhydrous hydraulic fluids as a result of heat,
water, and metal catalysts (iron, steel, copper, etc.)
hydrolytic stability – Ability of additives and certain synthetic lubricants to resist chemical
decomposition (hydrolysis) in the presence of water.
hydrometer – An instrument for determining either the specific gravity of a liquid or the API
gravity.
hydrostatic lubrication – A system of lubrication in which the lubricant is supplied under
sufficient external pressure to separate the opposing surfaces by a fluid film.
hypertext link – A connection between two topics in the Online Help System. There are two
types of hypertext links. The first is a hypertext jump, indicated by green text with a solid
underline. The second is a hypertext pop up, indicated by green text with a dashed under-
line. Clicking on a hypertext jump displays the underlined help topic. Clicking on a hy-
pertext pop up displays a window containing a definition of the underlined term.
hypoid gear lubricant – A gear lubricant having extreme pressure characteristics for use
with a hypoid type of gear as in the differential of an automobile.
image analyzer – A sophisticated microscopic system involving a microscope, a television
camera, a dedicated computer, and a viewing monitor similar to a television screen.
immiscible – Incapable of being mixed without separation of phases. Water and petroleum
oil are immiscible under most conditions, although they can be made miscible with the
addition of an emulsifier.

in-line filter – A filter assembly in which the inlet, outlet and filter element axes are in a
straight line.
indicator – A device which provides external evidence of sensed phenomena.
indicator, pressure – An indicator that signals pressure conditions.
indicator, differential pressure – An indicator which signals the difference in pressure be-
tween two points, typically between the upstream and downstream sides of a filter ele-
ment.
influent – The fluid entering a component.
infrared spectroscopy – An analytical method using infrared absorption for assessing the
properties of used oil and certain contaminants suspended therein. See FTIR.
infrared spectra – A graph of infrared energy absorbed at various frequencies in the additive
region of the infrared spectrum. The current sample, the reference oil and the previous
samples are usually compared.
ingested contaminants – Environmental contaminant that ingresses due to the action of the
system or machine.
ingression level – Particles added per unit of circulating fluid volume.
inhibitor – Any substance that slows or prevents such chemical reactions as corrosion or ox-
idation.
insolubles – Particles of carbon or agglomerates of carbon and other material. Indicates dep-
osition or dispersant drop-out in an engine. Not serious in a compressor or gearbox unless
there has been a rapid increase in these particles.
intensifier – A device which converts low pressure fluid power into higher pressure fluid
power.
interfacial tension (IFT) – The energy per unit area present at the boundary of two immis-
cible liquids. It is usually expressed in dynes/cm (ASTM Designation D 971.)
inspection codes – Some data collectors allow you to store an inspection code with a mea-
surement. Inspection codes are entered as comments in the Enpac Oil, and can be used
to indicate the operating condition of a piece of equipment, or the condition of an oil sam-
ple. They can also be assigned directly to an item in the Hierarchy Tree or a location, or
by importing data.
ISO Solid Contaminant Code (ISO 4406) – The International Standards Organization’s
system of indexing particle count information to represent certain contaminant levels. A
code assigned on the basis of the number of particles per unit volume greater than 5 and
15 micrometers in size. Range numbers identify each increment in the particle population
throughout the spectrum of levels.
ISO Standard 4021 – The accepted procedure for extracting samples from dynamic fluid
lines.
ISO viscosity grade – A number indicating the nominal viscosity of an industrial fluid lubri-
cant at 40°C (104°F) as defined by ASTM Standard Viscosity System for Industrial Fluid
Lubricants D 2422. Essentially identical to ISO Standard 3448.
journal – That part of a shaft or axle that rotates or angularly oscillates in or against a bearing
or about which a bearing rotates or angularly oscillates.

journal bearing – A sliding type of bearing having either rotating or oscillatory motion and
in conjunction with which a journal operates. In a full or sleeve type journal bearing, the
bearing surface is 360° in extent. In a partial bearing, the bearing surface is less than 360°
in extent, i.e., 150°, 120°, etc.
Karl Fischer Reagent Method (ASTM D-1744-64) – The standard laboratory test to mea-
sure the water content of mineral base fluids. In this method, water reacts quantitatively
with the Karl Fischer reagent. This reagent is a mixture of iodine, sulfur dioxide, pyridine,
and methanol. When excess iodine exists, electric current can pass between two platinum
electrodes or plates. The water in the sample reacts with the iodine. When the water is no
longer free to react with iodine, an excess of iodine depolarizes the electrodes, signaling
the end of the test.
kinematic viscosity – The absolute viscosity in centipoise divided by the specific gravity of
a fluid, when both are at the same temperature. The unit of kinematic viscosity is the stoke
or centistoke (1/100 of a stoke).
lacquer – A deposit resulting from the oxidation and polymerization of fuels and lubricants
when exposed to high temperatures. Similar to, but harder, than varnish.
laminar particles – Particles generated in rolling element bearings which have been flat-
tened out by a rolling contact.
lands – The circumferential areas between the grooves of a piston.
lead naphthenate – A lead soap of naphthenic acids, the latter occurring naturally in petro-
leum.
light obscuration – The degree of light blockage as reflected in the transmitted light imping-
ing on the photodiode.
liquid – Any substance that flows readily or changes in response to the smallest influence.
More generally, any substance in which the force required to produce a deformation de-
pends on the rate of deformation rather than on the magnitude of the deformation.
list – A set of measurement definitions. You can create a list from individual measurement
definitions or from other lists. A list can be saved in, and recalled from, the database. The
most recently recalled or created list is called the current list. You can load one or more
lists into a data collector, and you can plot or report on the data from the items in a list.
List window – A window that contains a display of locations in the current list. A list is a
set of measurement definitions. You can open only one List window, and the List win-
dow cannot be split into panes.
load-carrying capacity – Property of a lubricant to form a film on the lubricated surface,
which resists rupture under given load conditions. Expressed as maximum load the lubri-
cated system can support without failure or excessive wear.
location – A location can be a physical point in a plant, in an area, on an equipment train, or
on a machine. For vibration measurements, a location is a combination of a physical
point and a direction for the measurement. For oil analysis data, a location is a position
on your machinery where you collect oil samples. Each location is attached to an item in
the Hierarchy Tree.
Lube Link software – Lube Link is a Windows-based software application that provides an
interface with the oil sensors to make it easy to collect particle counts or viscosity data
using the dCA, fCA, or dVA using your computer.

lubricant – Any substance interposed between two surfaces in relative motion for the pur-
pose of reducing the friction and/or the wear between them.
lubricity – Ability of an oil or grease to lubricate; also called film strength.
magnetic – A separator that uses a magnetic field to attract and hold ferromagnetic particles.
magnetic filter – A filter element that, in addition to its filter medium, has a magnet or mag-
nets incorporated into its structure to attract and hold ferromagnetic particles.
magnetic plug – Strategically located in the flow stream to collect a representative sample
of wear debris circulating in the system: for example, engine swarf, bearing flakes, and
fatigue chunks. The rate of buildup of wear debris reflects degradation of critical surfaces.
manifold – A filter assembly containing multiple ports and integral relating components
which services more than one fluid circuit.
manifold filter – A filter in which the inlet and outlet port axes are at right angles, and the
filter element axis is parallel to either port axis.
measurement – A measurement is a single reading collected from a location and controlled
by a measurement definition. Measurements are usually collected with a data collector,
and stored in the database.
measurement definition – A measurement definition is a set of parameters that controls the
collection of a measurement. It defines the type of measurement (magnitude, process,
spectrum, time, …). It also includes the collection, measurement filter, and storage spec-
ifications. Each measurement definition is attached to a location.
media migration – Material passed into the effluent stream composed of the materials mak-
ing up the filter medium.
medium – The porous material that performs the actual process of filtration. The plural of
this word is "media".
metal oxides – Oxidized ferrous particles which are very old or have been recently produced
by conditions of inadequate lubrication. Trend is important.
micrometre (µm) – See micron.
micron – The unit of measure representing one millionth of a meter, approximately 0.000394
of an inch. Relatively speaking, a grain of salt is about 60 microns and the eye can see
particles to about 40 microns.
microscope method – A method of particle counting which measures or sizes particles using
an optical microscope.
mineral oil – Oil derived from a mineral source, such as petroleum, as opposed to oils de-
rived from plants and animals.
miscible – Capable of being mixed in any concentration without separation of phases; e.g.,
water and ethyl alcohol are miscible.
moly – Molybdenum disulfide, a solid lubricant and friction reducer, colloidally dispersed in
some oils and greases.
motor – A device which converts fluid power into mechanical force and motion. It usually
provides rotary mechanical motion.
multigrade oil – An oil meeting the requirements of more than one SAE viscosity grade clas-

sification, and may therefore be suitable for use over a wider temperature range than a
single-grade oil.
multipass or recirculation test – Filter performance tests in which the contaminated fluid is
allowed to recirculate through the filter for the duration of the test. Contaminant is usually
added to the test fluid during the test. The test is used to determine the Beta-Ratio (q.v.)
of an element.
naphthenic – A type of petroleum fluid derived from naphthenic crude oil, containing a high
proportion of closed-ring methylene groups.
NAS Code – The National Aerospace Society cleanliness code used for particle count in-
formation to represent certain contaminant levels.
needle bearing – A rolling type of bearing containing rolling elements that are relatively
long compared to their diameter.
neutralization number – A measure of the total acidity or basicity of an oil; this includes
organic or inorganic acids or bases or a combination thereof (ASTM Designation D974-
58T)
newtonian fluid – A fluid with a constant viscosity at a given temperature regardless of the
rate of shear. Single-grade oils are Newtonian fluids. Multigrade oils are NON-Newto-
nian fluids because viscosity varies with shear rate.
nitration – Nitration products are formed during the fuel combustion process in internal
combustion engines. Most nitration products are formed when an excess of oxygen is
present. These products are highly acidic, form deposits in combustion areas and rapidly
accelerate oxidation.
nominal filtration rating – An arbitrary micrometer value indicated by a filter manufactur-
er. Due to lack of reproducibility this rating is deprecated.
non-Newtonian fluid – Fluid, such as a grease or a polymer-containing oil (e.g., multi-grade
oil), in which shear stress is not proportional to shear rate.
nonwoven medium – A filter medium composed of a mat of fibers.
obliteration – A synergistic phenomenon of both particle silting and polar adhesion. When
water and silt particles co-exist in a fluid containing long-chain molecules, the tendency
for valves to undergo obliteration increases.
oil – A greasy, unctuous liquid of vegetable, animal, mineral or synthetic origin.
oil analysis – Oil analysis or fluid analysis is the process of determining the condition of lu-
bricated equipment by examining the concentration of particles or other contaminants in
a sample of the lubricant. Typically, increased particle concentration indicates increased
wear on the equipment.
oil sensor interface – The connector box used to interface your computer with a dCA, fCA,
or dVA, and collect data using the Lube Link software. It must be plugged in to a power
supply and connected to the computer.
oiliness – That property of a lubricant that produces low friction under conditions of bound-
ary lubrication. The lower the friction, the greater the oiliness.
oil ring – A loose ring, the inner surface of which rides a shaft or journal and dips into a res-
ervoir of lubricant from which it carries the lubricant to the top of a bearing by its rotation
with the shaft.

open bubble point (boil point) – The differential gas pressure at which gas bubbles are pro-
fusely emitted from the entire surface of a wetted filter element under specified test con-
ditions.
oxidation – Occurs when oxygen attacks petroleum fluids. The process is accelerated by
heat, light, metal catalysts and the presence of water, acids, or solid contaminants. It leads
to increased viscosity and deposit formation.
oxidation inhibitor – Substance added in small quantities to a petroleum product to increase
its oxidation resistance, thereby lengthening its service or storage life; also called anti-
oxidant. An oxidation inhibitor may work in one of these ways: (1) by combining with
and modifying peroxides (initial oxidation products) to render them harmless, (2) by de-
composing the peroxides, or (3) by rendering an oxidation catalyst inert.
oxidation stability – Ability of a lubricant to resist natural degradation upon contact with ox-
ygen.
paper chromatography – A method which involves placing a drop of fluid on a permeable
piece of paper and noting the development and nature of the halos, or rings, surrounding
the drop through time. The roots of this test can be traced to the 1940s, when railroads
used the "blotter spot" tests.
paraffinic – A type of petroleum fluid derived from paraffinic crude oil and containing a
high proportion of straight chain saturated hydrocarbons. Often susceptible to cold flow
problems.
particle count – The number of particles present greater than a particular micron size per unit
volume of fluid often stated as particles > 10 microns per milliliter.
particle density – An important parameter in establishing an entrained particle's potential to
impinge on control surfaces and cause erosion.
particle erosion – Occurs when fluid-entrained particles moving at high velocity pass
through orifices or impinge on metering surfaces or sharp angle turns.
particle impingement erosion – A particulate wear process where high velocity, fluid-en-
trained particles are directed at target surfaces.
patch test – A method by which a specified volume of fluid is filtered through a membrane
filter of known pore structure. All particulate matter in excess of an "average size," deter-
mined by the membrane characteristics, is retained on its surface. Thus, the membrane is
discolored by an amount proportional to the particulate level of the fluid sample. Visually
comparing the test filter with standard patches of known contamination levels determines
acceptability for a given fluid.
pane – A pane is a part of a window. There are two types of panes: plot and database. A plot
pane contains a graphical display of data, like a trend plot. A database pane contains ei-
ther the Hierarchy Tree or a spreadsheet showing the information saved in the database.
particle count – The number of particles present at or greater than a particular micron size,
typically stated in particles greater than 10 microns per milliliter.
Enpac Oil – The Portable Condition Monitor is a hand held computer used with the dCA,
fCA, or dVA sensor for particle count analysis.
permeability – The relationship of flow per unit area to differential pressure across a filter
medium.

pH – Measure of alkalinity or acidity in water and water-containing fluids. pH can be used
to determine the corrosion-inhibiting characteristic in water-based fluids. Typically, pH
> 8.0 is required to inhibit corrosion of iron and ferrous alloys in water-based fluids.
pinion – The smaller of two mating or meshing gears; can be either the driving or the driven
gear.
pitting – A form of extremely localized attack characterized by holes in the metal. Pitting is
one of the most destructive and insidious forms of corrosion. Depending on the environ-
ment and the material, a pit may take months, or even years, to become visible.
pleated filter – A filter element whose medium consists of a series of uniform folds and has
the geometric form of a cylinder, cone, disc, plate, etc. Synonymous with "convoluted"
and "corrugated".
plot – A plot is a graphical display of data. Examples include trend and time plots.
Plot window – A Plot window contains one or more graphical displays of data. Plot windows
can be split into two or more parts, called panes. Note that minimizing a plot window un-
links the window from the Database window.
Portable Condition Monitor – (PCM) The hand held computer used with the dCA, fCA, or
dVA sensor for particle count analysis.
pneumatics – Engineering science pertaining to gaseous pressure and flow.
poise (absolute viscosity) – A measure of viscosity numerically equal to the force required
to move a plane surface of one square centimeter per second when the surfaces are sepa-
rated by a layer of fluid one centimeter in thickness. It is the ratio of the shearing stress
to the shear rate of a fluid and is expressed in dyne seconds per square centimeter (DYNE
SEC/CM2); 1 centipoise equals .01 poise.
polar compound – A chemical compound whose molecules exhibit electrically positive
characteristics at one extremity and negative characteristics at the other. Polar com-
pounds are used as additives in many petroleum products. Polarity gives certain mole-
cules a strong affinity for solid surfaces; as lubricant additives (oiliness agents), such
molecules plate out to form a tenacious, friction-reducing film. Some polar molecules are
oil-soluble at one end and water-soluble at the other end; in lubricants, they act as emul-
sifiers, helping to form stable oil-water emulsions. Such lubricants are said to have good
metal-wetting properties. Polar compounds with a strong attraction for solid contami-
nants act as detergents in engine oils by keeping contaminants finely dispersed.
polishing (bore) – Excessive smoothing of the surface finish of the cylinder bore or cylinder
liner in an engine to a mirror-like appearance, resulting in depreciation of ring sealing and
oil consumption performance.
polymerization – The chemical combination of similar-type molecules to form larger mol-
ecules.
pore – A small channel or opening in a filter medium which allows passage of fluid.
pore size distribution – The ratio of the number of effective holes of a given size to the total
number of effective holes per unit area expressed as a percent and as a function of hole
size.
porosity – The ratio of pore volume to total volume of a filter medium expressed as a percent.
positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) – System for removing blow-by gases from the crank-

case and returning them through the carburetor intake manifold to the combustion cham-
ber where the recirculated hydrocarbons are burned. A PC valve controls the flow of
gases from the crankcase to reduce hydrocarbon emissions.
pour point – Lowest temperature at which an oil or distillate fuel is observed to flow, when
cooled under conditions prescribed by test method ASTM D 97. The pour point is 3°C
(5°F) above the temperature at which the oil in a test vessel shows no movement when
the container is held horizontally for five seconds.
pour point depressant – An additive which retards the adverse effects of wax crystalliza-
tion, and lowers the pour point.
power unit – A combination of pump, pump drive, reservoir, controls and conditioning com-
ponents which may be required for its application.
predictive maintenance – Predictive maintenance is the process of predicting when a ma-
chine will fail based on examining data over a period of time. Predictive maintenance
techniques include vibration monitoring and oil analysis.
pressure – Force per unit area, usually expressed in pounds per square inch.
pressure, absolute – The sum of atmospheric and gage pressures.
pressure, atmospheric – Pressure exerted by the atmosphere at any specific location. (Sea
level pressure is approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute.)
pressure, back – The pressure encountered on the return side of a system.
pressure, cracking – The pressure at which a pressure operated valve begins to pass fluid.
pressure, rated – The qualified operating pressure which is recommended for a component
or a system by the manufacturer.
pressure, system – The pressure which overcomes the total resistances in a system. It in-
cludes all losses as well as useful work.
pressure chamber – The test chamber used for bottle samples of lubricating or hydraulic flu-
id, allowing them to be pressurized for sampling.
pressure drop – Resistance to flow created by the element (media) in a filter. Defined as the
difference in pressure upstream (inlet side of the filter) and downstream (outlet side of the
filter).
pressure gage – Pressure differential above or below atmospheric pressure.
pressure line filter – A filter located in a line conducting working fluid to a working device
or devices.
preventive maintenance – Maintenance performed according to a fixed schedule involving
the routine repair and replacement of machine parts and components.
proactive maintenance – A type of condition-based maintenance emphasizing the routine
detection and correction of root cause conditions that would otherwise lead to failure.
Such root causes as high lubricant contaminant, alignment and balance are among the
most critical.
priming – The act of wetting the internal surfaces of the sensor with the test fluid prior to
testing.
probing on – The method used for attaching the dCA, fCA, or dVA sensor or Samplyzer bot-

tle to a test port valve for testing or fluid sampling.
process measurement – Also called process point. A single value that indicates the general
condition of a process or equipment.
PSIA – Pounds per Square Inch Absolute. (PSIG + 14.696)
PSID – Pounds per Square Inch Differential.
PSIG – Pounds per Square Inch Gauge (PSIA - 14.696)
pump – A device which converts mechanical force and motion into hydraulic fluid power.
pumpability – The low temperature, low shear stress-shear rate viscosity characteristics of
an oil that permit satisfactory flow to and from the engine oil pump and subsequent lubri-
cation of moving components.
pump, fixed displacement – A pump in which the displacement per cycle cannot be varied.
pump, variable displacement – A pump in which the displacement per cycle can be varied.
rate of shear – The difference between the velocities along the parallel faces of a fluid ele-
ment divided by the distance between the faces.
reducer – A connector having a smaller line size at one end than the other.
refraction – The change of direction or speed of light as it passes from one medium to an-
other.
rerefining – A process of reclaiming used lubricant oils and restoring them to a condition
similar to that of virgin stocks by filtration, clay adsorption or more elaborate methods.
reservoir – A container for storage of liquid in a fluid power system.
reservoir (sump) filter – A filter installed in a reservoir in series with a suction or return line.
residual dirt capacity – The dirt capacity remaining in a service loaded filter element after
use, but before cleaning, measured under the same conditions as the dirt capacity of a new
filter element.
return line – A location in a line conducting fluid from working device to reservoir.
return line filtration – Filters located upstream of the reservoir but after fluid has passed
through the system's output components (cylinders, motors, etc.).
ring lubrication – A system of lubrication in which the lubricant is supplied to the bearing
by an oil ring.
rings – Circular metallic elements that ride in the grooves of a piston and provide compres-
sion sealing during combustion. Also used to spread oil for lubrication.
ring sticking – Freezing of a piston ring in its groove in a piston engine or reciprocating com-
pressor due to heavy deposits in the piston ring zone.
roll-off cleanliness – The fluid system contamination level at the time of release from an as-
sembly or overhaul line. Fluid system life can be shortened significantly by full-load op-
eration under a high fluid contamination condition for just a few hours. Contaminant
implanted and generated during the break-in period can devastate critical components un-
less removed under controlled operating and high performance filtering conditions.
roller bearing – An antifriction bearing comprising rolling elements in the form of rollers.

rust prevention test (turbine oils) – A test for determining the ability of an oil to aid in pre-
venting the rusting of ferrous parts in the presence of water.
sample preparation – Fluid factors that can enhance the accuracy of the particulate analysis.
Such factors include particle dispersion, particle settling, and sample dilution.
Samplyzer bottle – The brand name of all bottles stocked for resale by Entek IRD that in-
cludes a probe tip for collecting samples on-line.
saturation level – The amount of water that can dissolve in a fluid.
Saybolt Universal Viscosity (SUV) or Saybolt Universal Seconds, (SUS) – The time in
seconds required for 60 cubic centimeters of a fluid to flow through the orifice of the
Standard Saybolt Universal Viscometer at a given temperature under specified condi-
tions. (ASTM Designation D 88.)
scuffing – Abnormal engine wear due to localized welding and fracture. It can be prevented
through the use of antiwear, extreme-pressure and friction modifier additives.
scuffing particles – Large twisted and discolored metallic particles resulting from adhesive
wear due to complete lubricant film breakdown.
semisolid – Any substance having the attributes of both a solid and a liquid. Similar to semi-
liquid but being more closely related to a solid than a liquid. More generally, any sub-
stance in which the force required to produce a deformation depends both on the
magnitude and on the rate of the deformation.
sensor screen – The calibrated screen used with the dCA sensor that comes in 5, 10, or 15
micron increments.
shear rate – Tate at which adjacent layers of fluid move with respect to each other, usually
expressed as reciprocal seconds.
shear stress – Frictional force overcome in sliding one "layer" of fluid along another, as in
any fluid flow. The shear stress of a petroleum oil or other Newtonian fluid at a given tem-
perature varies directly with shear rate (velocity). The ratio between shear stress and shear
rate is constant; this ratio is termed viscosity of a Newtonian fluid, the greater the shear
stress as a function of rate of shear. In a non-Newtonian fluid – such as a grease or a poly-
mer-containing oil (e.g. multi-grade oil) – shear stress is not proportional to the rate of
shear. A non-Newtonian fluid may be said to have an apparent viscosity, a viscosity that
holds only for the shear rate (and temperature) at which the viscosity is determined.
silt – Contaminant particles 5 µm and less in size.
silting – A failure generally associated with a valve which movements are restricted due to
small particles that have wedged in between critical clearances (e.g., the spool and bore.)
single-pass test – Filter performance tests in which contaminant which passes through a test
filter is not allowed to recirculate back to the test filter.
sintered medium – A metallic or nonmetallic filter medium processed to cause diffusion
bonds at all contacting points.
sleeve bearing – A journal bearing, usually a full journal bearing.
sludge – Insoluble material formed as a result either of deterioration reactions in an oil or of
contamination of an oil, or both.
solid – Any substance having a definite shape which it does not readily relinquish. More gen-

erally, any substance in which the force required to produce a deformation depends upon
the magnitude of the deformation rather than upon the rate of deformation.
solvency – Ability of a fluid to dissolve inorganic materials and polymers, which is a function
of aromaticity.
specific gravity (liquid) – The ratio of the weight of a given volume of liquid to the weight
of an equal volume of water.
specific gravity – The ratio of the weight of a given volume of material to the weight of an
equal volume of water. Used to convert absolute viscosity to kinematic viscosity.
spectrographic analysis – Determines the concentration of elements represented in the en-
trained fluid contaminant.
Spectrographic Oil Analysis Program (SOAP) – Procedures for extracting fluid samples
from operating systems and analyzing them spectrographically for the presence of key el-
ements.
spin-on filter – A throw-away type bowl and element assembly that mates with a permanent-
ly installed head.
spindle oil – A light-bodied oil used principally for lubricating textile spindles and for light,
high-speed machinery.
splash lubrication – A system of lubrication in which parts of a mechanism dip into and
splash the lubricant onto themselves and/or other parts of the mechanism.
static friction – The force just sufficient to initiate relative motion between two bodies under
load. The value of the static friction at the instant relative motion begins is termed break-
away friction.
stoke (St) – Kinematic measurement of a fluid's resistance to flow defined by the ratio of the
fluid's dynamic viscosity to its density.
strainer – A coarse filter element (pore size over approximately 40 µm)
suction filter – A pump intake-line filter in which the fluid is below atmospheric pressure.
sulfated ash – The ash content of fresh, compounded lubricating oil as determined by ASTM
Method D 874. Indicates level of metallic additives in the oil.
sulfurized oil – Oil to which sulfur or sulfur compounds have been added.
superclean – A cleanliness definition for fluids defined as having fewer than 10 particles
greater than 10 microns per milliliter.
surface fatigue wear – The formation of surface or subsurface cracks and fatigue crack prop-
agation. It results from cyclic loading of a surface.
surface filtration – Filtration which primarily retains contaminant on the influent surface.
surface tension – The contractile surface force of a liquid by which it tends to assume a
spherical form and to present the least possible surface. It is expressed in dynes/cm or
ergs/cm2.
surfactant – Surface-active agent that reduces interfacial tension of a liquid. A surfactant
used in a petroleum oil may increase the oil's affinity for metals and other materials.
surge – A momentary rise of pressure in a circuit.

swarf – The cuttings, and grinding fines that result from metal working operations.
switch, pressure – An electric switch operated by fluid pressure.
synthetic lubricant – A lubricant produced by chemical synthesis rather than by extraction
or refinement of petroleum to produce a compound with planned and predictable proper-
ties.
synthetic hydrocarbon – Oil molecule with superior oxidation quality tailored primarily out
of paraffinic materials.
test port valve – The sampling valve used for on-line sampling and testing. You can attach
the dCA, fCA, or dVA sensor directly to a test port valve.
thermography – The use of infrared thermography whereby temperatures of a wide variety
of targets can be measured remotely and without contact. This is accomplished by mea-
suring the infrared energy radiating from the surface of the target and converting this
measurement to an equivalent surface temperature.
thermal conductivity – Measure of the ability of a solid or liquid to transfer heat.
thermal stability – Ability of a fuel or lubricant to resist oxidation under high temperature
operating conditions.
thin film lubrication – A condition of lubrication in which the film thickness of the lubricant
is such that the friction between the surfaces is determined by the properties of the sur-
faces as well as by the viscosity of the lubricant.
thixotropy – That property of a lubricating grease which is manifested by a softening in con-
sistency as a result of shearing followed by a hardening in consistency starting immedi-
ately after the shearing is stopped.
three-body abrasion – A particulate wear process by which particles are pressed between
two sliding surfaces.
thrust bearing – An axial-load bearing.
Timken OK Load – The heaviest load that a test lubricant will sustain without scoring the
test block in the Timken Test procedures, ASTM Methods D 2509 (greases) and D 2782
(oils).
Total Acid Number (TAN) – The quantity of base, expressed in milligrams of potassium
hydroxide, that is required to neutralize all acidic constituents present in 1 gram of sam-
ple. (ASTM Designation D 974.)
Total Base Number (TBN) – The quantity of acid, expressed in terms of the equivalent num-
ber of milligrams of potassium hydroxide that is required to neutralize all basic constitu-
ents present in 1 gram of sample. (ASTM Designation D 974.)
tribology – The science and technology of interacting surfaces in relative motion, including
the study of lubrication, friction and wear. Tribological wear is wear that occurs as a re-
sult of relative motion at the surface.
turbidity – The degree of opacity of a fluid.
turbulent flow sampler – A sampler that contains a flow path in which turbulence is induced
in the main stream by abruptly changing the direction of the fluid.
unloading – The release of contaminant that was initially captured by the filter medium.

vacuum separator – A separator that utilizes subatmospheric pressure to remove certain
gases and liquids from another liquid because of their difference in vapor pressure.
valve, by-pass – A valve whose primary function is to provide an alternate flow path.
valve, directional control – A valve whose primary function is to direct or prevent flow
through selected passages.
valve, directional control, servo – A directional control valve which modulates flow or
pressure as a function of its input signal.
valve, flow control – A valve whose primary function is to control flow rate.
valve, pressure control, relief – A pressure control valve whose primary function is to limit
system pressure.
valve, relief, differential pressure – A valve whose primary function is to limit differential
pressure.
valve – A device which controls fluid flow direction, pressure, or flow rate.
valve lifter – Sometimes called a "cam follower," a component in engine designs that use a
linkage system between a cam and the valve it operates. The lifter typically translates the
rotational motion of the cam to a reciprocating linear motion in the linkage system.
vapor pressure – Pressure of a confined vapor in equilibrium with its liquid at specified tem-
perature thus, a measure of a liquid's volatility.
Vapor Pressure-Reid (RVP) – Measure of the pressure of vapor accumulated above a sam-
ple of gasoline or other volatile fuel in a standard bomb at 100°F (37.8°C). Used to predict
the vapor locking tendencies of the fuel in a vehicle's fuel system. Controlled by law in
some areas to limit air pollution from hydrocarbon evaporation while dispensing.
varnish – When applied to lubrication, a thin, insoluble, nonwipeable film deposit occurring
on interior parts, resulting from the oxidation and polymerization of fuels and lubricants.
Can cause sticking and malfunction of close-clearance moving parts. Similar to, but soft-
er, than lacquer.
viscometer or viscosimeter – An apparatus for determining the viscosity of a fluid.
viscosity – Measurement of a fluid's resistance to flow. The common metric unit of absolute
viscosity is the poise, which is defined as the force in dynes required to move a surface
one square centimeter in area past a parallel surface at a speed of one centimeter per sec-
ond, with the surfaces separated by a fluid film one centimeter thick. In addition to kine-
matic viscosity, there are other methods for determining viscosity, including Saybolt
Universal Viscosity (SUV), Saybolt Furol viscosity, Engier viscosity, and Redwood vis-
cosity. Since viscosity varies in inversely with temperature, its value is meaningless until
the temperature at which it is determined is reported.
viscosity, absolute – The ratio of the shearing stress to the shear rate of a fluid. It is usually
expressed in centipoise.
viscosity, kinematic – The absolute viscosity divided by the density of the fluid. It is usually
expressed in centistokes.
viscosity, SUS – Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS), which is the time in seconds for 60 mil-
liliters of oil to flow through a standard orifice at a given temperature. (ASTM Designa-
tion D88-56.)

viscosity grade – Any of a number of systems which characterize lubricants according to vis-
cosity for particular applications, such as industrial oils, gear oils, automotive engine oils,
automotive gear oils, and aircraft piston engine oils.
Viscosity Index (VI) – A commonly used measure of a fluid's change of viscosity with tem-
perature. The higher the viscosity index, the smaller the relative change in viscosity with
temperature.
viscosity index improvers – Additives that increase the viscosity of the fluid throughout its
useful temperature range. Such additives are polymers that possess thickening power as
a result of their high molecular weight and are necessary for formulation of multi-grade
engine oils.
viscosity modifier – Lubricant additive, usually a high molecular weight polymer, that re-
duces the tendency of an oil's viscosity to change with temperature.
viscous – Possessing viscosity. Frequently used to imply high viscosity.
volatility – This property describes the degree and rate at which a liquid will vaporize under
given conditions of temperature and pressure. When liquid stability changes, this proper-
ty is often reduced in value.
wear – The attrition or rubbing away of the surface of a material as a result of mechanical
action.
wicking – The vertical absorption of a liquid into a porous material by capillary forces.
ZDDP – An antiwear additive found in many types of hydraulic and lubricating fluids. Zinc
dialkyldithiophosphate.
Abbreviations, Prefixes, and Letter Symbols

amp – ampere
ARP – Aeronautical Recommended Practice
ASLE – American Society of Lubrication Engineers. Changed now to Society of Tribologist
and Lubrication Engineers (STLE).
ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM – American Society for Testing Materials
ANSI – American National Standards Institute
atm – atmosphere
BTU – British thermal unit
C or cent. – centigrade
cc – cubic centimeter
cm – centimeter
cfm – cubic feet per minute
GPM – gallons per minute
hp or HP – horsepower
HVI – High Viscosity Index, typically from 80 to 110 VI units.

Hz – Hertz (cycles per second)
ISO – International Standards Organization, sets viscosity reference scales.
JIC – Joint Industry Conference
kg – kilograms
km – kilometer
kHz – thousand Hertz (cycles per second)
log – logarithm (common)
LVI – Low Viscosity Index, typically below 40 VI units.
MIL – military
M – meter
µm – micron (micro-meter)
NFPA – National Fluid Power Association
NEMA – National Electrical Manufacturers Association
NEC – National Electrical Code
NAS – National Aerospace Standard
NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration
psi – pounds per square inch
psia – pounds per square inch absolute
rpm – revolutions per minute
SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers, an organization serving the automotive industry.
SSU – Saybolt Universal Seconds (or SUS), a unit of measure used to indicate viscosity, e.g.,
SSU @ 100° F
STLE – Society of Tribologist and Lubrication Engineers, formerly ASLE, American Soci-
ety of Lubrication Engineers.
P – pressure - psi
PPM – parts per million (1/ppm = 0.000001). Generally by weight. 100 ppm = 0.01%; 10,000
ppm = 1%
Q – flow rate - GPM
t – time in seconds
DP – pressure drop psid
DT – temperature change, Fahrenheit
V – total volume (gals)
PREFIXES -U.S. TERM
kilo – Thousand
mega – Million

centi – Hundredth
milli – Thousandth
micro – Millionth
Cleanliness Definitions
A cleanliness level for sample bottles having less than:
Clean– 100 particles >10 micron per milliliter
Superclean–10 particles >10 micron per milliliter
Ultraclean–1 particle >10 micron per milliliter

Index
Index
<.> key 13 Bootloader Configuration window
9-way D connector 14 loading operating system 21
overview 20
bottled sample
A agitating 87
collecting from a 500–3500 psi line 85
agitating 87
collecting from a from a 5–500 psi line 84
alarms
using with bench-top apparatus 89
category variables 100
using with portable pressure chamber 88
category variables, setting values 101
exceeding target level 128
loading in Enlube PM 105
multiple in Enlube PM 105 C
overview in Enlube PM 104 cable
statistics, regenerating 101 RS-232-C 112
trigger in Enlube PM 105 serial 112
approval specification 10 calibration file 118
arrow keys overview 13 calibration number
assigning inspection codes calculating for dVA 41
See inspection codes, assigning setting for dCA 32
auto reports on unload 117 setting for the dVA 60
Calibration Validation Program 32, 39
categories 101
B Category command 101
category variables 101
backflushing
CE Services 118
fCA sensor 51
certification specification 10
lab apparatus for dCA 36
changing screen sizes or fluids 38
lab apparatus for dVA 68
clean fluid 39
manually for dCA 36
collecting data
manually for dVA 68
bottled sample 83, 84, 85
backwashing 36, 68
checking settings 125
See also backflushing
Enpac Oil use 126, 132
ball valve type 81
ensuring accuracy 127, 134, 138, 143
battery
ferrogram 52
capacity 16
inspection codes 134
checking 13, 16
list data 126
inserting 17
lists 126, 135
overview 15
skipping points 136
removing 17
unscheduled 136
replacing the fCA battery 50
viewing 144
safety switch 17
collecting samples
specifications 9
bottled sample 83, 84
baud rate
directly from a test port 83
setting in host software 110
fluid 81
setting in the Enpac Oil 111
from a 500–3500 psi line 85
bench-top apparatus 151
from a 5–500 psi line 84
FLUSH knob 36, 68
overview 83
RETRACT 36, 68
test port valves 81
using 88
Collection command 102

Index
collection specification 102 deleting lists 113

COM1 port 109 diagram
comment field 134 battery 17
comments bottled samples 83
entering 134 communication 112
inspection codes 106 data collector 12
communication direct sampling 83
cable 112 hardware connection 13
device 109 hardware reset 19
diagram 112 RS-232 pin assignments 14
overview 109 security key 112
setting up Enpac Oil 111 diluting high viscosity fluids 44, 54
setting up host software 109 display screens, overview 24
communications specification 10 <DOWN> arrow key 13
connecting dVA sensor
bottle to test port valve 84 assembling 59
dCA sensor to Enpac Oil 30, 58 backflushing 68
dCA sensor to test port valve 33 calibrating probe 61, 63
dVA sensor to test port valve 59 calibration file transfer 118
hardware to data collector 13 configuring with Lube Link 154
HPS II to test port valve 87 entering probe serial number 60
connector panel specification 9 entering serial number with Lube Link 154
control count 41 how it works 57
current data collector, selecting 109 new oil specifications 72
Customer Support 5 new oil specifications in Lube Link 168
operating specifications 57
probing on 59
D replacing sensor seals 70
safety 56
data collector
seal and fluid compatibility 69
choosing current 110
setting default units 65
driver version number 115
operating system version number 19
resetting 19
Windows CE operating system 21 E
date, setting 23 enclosure specification 8
dCA MAIN MENU 24 environmental specification 10
dCA sensor ESAFE Agreement 5
assembling 35 exporting data using Lube Link 147
backflushing 36
calibration with Lube Link 153
collecting data 126 F
configuring with Lube Link 151
<F1> through <F4> overview 12
how it works 30
fCA sensor
if dropped 28
cleaning 50
Lube Link particle size distribution 153
collecting data 129
operating specifications 29
connecting 49
overview 28
ferrogram 52
priming 34, 59
flushing 51
probing on 33
how it works 48
replacing sensor seals 43
ferrogram 52
safety 28
filling a sample bottle 84
screens 35
fluid sampling
seal and fluid compatibility 42
dynamic 81
decimal key 13
static 81
default viscosity units in Lube Link 158

Index
fluid type lists

hydraulic 32 collecting data 126
lubrication 32 deleting 105, 113
entering comments 134
loading 113, 114
G loading in Enlube PM 105
moving through 135, 136
Good Lab Practices 32
overview in Enlube 105
overview in Enlube PM 104
Quickload 114
H selecting 114
hardware connection, diagram 13, 112 selecting multiple 114
help storage capacity 105
Customer Support 5 unloading 116
online help in host software 4 loading 21
safety 28 alarms in Enlube PM 105
High Pressure Sampler II lists in Enlube PM 105
safety 28, 87 more than one list in Enlube PM 105
using 87 operating system 21
using to collect a bottled sample 85 overview 108
host software, online help system 4 preparing the Enpac Oil 113, 116
HPS II locked up 19
See High Pressure Sampler II lube library 158
Lube Link
calibrating dCA 153
I calibrating low/high viscosity limits 154
I/O specification 10 comparing viscosity to new oil specifica-
INI file options 190 tions 168
inspection codes configuring dCA 151
assigning 106 configuring dVA 154
entering 134 default directory 147
overview in Enlube PM 104 default viscosity units 158
IrDA entering dVA probe serial number 154
interface 14 entering new oil specifications 158
ISO code export location 147
Enlube PM units 95 inserting new machines 148
result settings 127, 137 lab stand 151
setting Enpac Oil 32 overview 146
set up 146
setting up data 146
Lube link
K particle size distribution 153
keys
arrow 13
decimal (<.>) 13
function keys overview 12
M
on/off 13 measurement definitions
overview 12 options 94
process 94
setting up 101
measurement types, Enlube PM 94
L measurement unit
LA-200 Enlube PM particle counts 96
See bench-top apparatus Enlube PM table 96
lab stand 151 unscheduled defaults 190

Index
memory card probe-on valve type 81

formatting 26 probing on
inserting and removing 26 dCA sensor 33
overview 25 dVA sensor 59
types used with enpac 26 process measurement, Enlube PM 94
menus product specifications 8
overview 24 approval/certification 10
monitoring battery/power 9
component 81 connector panel 9
pump effluent 81 enclosure 8
return line 81 environmental 10
I/O and communications 10
performance 9
N system 10
protocol
“No dCA Route” message 127, 130
setting in host software 110
N81
setting in the Enpac Oil 111
See Protocol
NAS code
Enlube PM units 95
result settings 127, 137 Q
setting Enpac Oil for 32 questions and answers 192
Quickload files 114
O
oil specifications 158 R
<On/Off> key 13 <READ/OK> key 12
online help system reinitialize Windows CE 20
host software 4 reports
hypertext links 5 print automatically after unload 117
topics 5 resetting data collector 19
operating system 21 result codes, setting 32
reviewing data 144
<RIGHT> arrow key 13
P route
See lists
particle count
route sample in Enlube PM 105
result codes 32
RS-232 interface
setting 32, 127, 137
cable 14
PCMCIA card
pin assignments 14
See memory card 25
RS-232-C cable 112
performance specification 9
power specification 9
powering down 17
powering up 17 S
predictive maintenance 2 safety
preparing samples dCA sensor 28
agitating bottle 88, 91 dVA sensor 56
portable pressure chamber 88 HPS II 28
preventing contamination 89 Samplyzer bottle 84
pressure chamber security key, diagram 112
bench-top apparatus 90
portable 88
priming dCA sensor 34, 59
probe calibration for dVA 60
probe serial number 154

Index
sensor screen
calibration number 32, 35, 39
U
Calibration Validation 39 units 32
changing from larger to smaller pore size 38 unloading
cleaning 36, 37 inspection codes 106
cleaning solvent 37 lists 116
color code 31, 35, 152 lists using host software 116
inserting 35 overview 108
setting calibration 32 unscheduled data 117
setting fluid type 32 unscheduled data
setting size 31, 66 collecting 136
sensor seals default measurement units 190
compatibility 69 storing in host software 143
fluid compatibility 42 unloading 117
replacing 43 <UP> arrow key 13
serial number
data collector 19
set unscheduled destination 143 V
Set Up Computer button 109 version number
setting date and time 23 data collector driver 115
settings data collector operating system 19
checking sensor on Enpac Oil 125 viewing data 144
hydraulic 32 viscosity
lubrication 32 dVA sensor 57
particle size distribution 33, 153 low/high limits 61, 166
screen size 31 low/high limits in Lube Link 154
viscosity default units 65 measurement definitions 103
skipping points 136 units 103
specific gravity 133
Status message 25
storage capacity 105
superclean fluid 37
W
system specification 10 Windows CE operating system
bootloader 20
reinitialize 20
T
target value 128
Technical Support
See Customer Support
test port valves
locating 81
preparing 81
time/date
display 23
setting 23
transfer settings
Enpac Oil 111
host software 110
trigger alarms in Enlube PM 105
turning off 17
turning on 17

Index

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Enpac Oil

Your manual for using the

Entek IRD International Corporation

2. The Enpac Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Enpac Oil User’s Guide iii

3. The digital CONTAM-ALERT (dCA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4. The ferrous CONTAM-ALERT (fCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

5. The digital VISC-ALERT (dVA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

iv Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Connecting the dVA Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

6. Equipment for Sampling and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Enpac Oil User’s Guide v

Setting Up Measurement Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

8. Loading and Unloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

9. Collecting Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

vi Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Collecting Unscheduled Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .136

10. Using Lube Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Enpac Oil User’s Guide vii

Exporting and Importing Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183

viii Enpac Oil User’s Guide

ENTEK IRD INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

Enpac Oil User’s Guide ix

x Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide xi

ENTEK IRD INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

xii Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide xiii

xiv Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide xv

xvi Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 1

Overview of the Host Software and the Oil Analysis System

Using this Manual

2 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 3

WARNING: A warning indicates potential bodily harm or damage to equipment.

Caution: A caution indicates potential loss of data.

Note: A note indicates additional information which may be helpful.

Using the Online Help System

4 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 5

6 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 7

Overview of the Enpac Oil

Size 8 in. x 5 in. x 2 in. (200mm x 130mm x 50mm)

8 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

PC Comms RS232 – 9-way D Type (Plug)

Battery option Rechargeable Lithium Ion Pack

Operating System Windows CE V2.x

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 9

Sealing IP65 standard (with PC card slot)

I/O and Communications

Serial Comms RS-232 serial port; up to 115k baud

10 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 11

Parts of the Enpac Oil

Data Collector Diagram and Key Definitions

Decimal +/- Key

12 Enpac Oil User’s Guide

Data Collector Hardware Connectors

PIN POWER/TRIG PIN RS232

Enpac Oil User’s Guide 13

Pin Signal I/O

Enpac Oil User's Guide

Enpac Oil User's Guide