Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my oil analysis results?
We aim to process oil samples in 1-3 business days in order for you to make time-critical decisions. However, we aim to analyse all oil samples as soon as possible.
Urgent samples can be processed in the same day with prior agreement/communication with the lab.
What is included in the oil sample kit?
Oil sampling kits include pre-paid return envelope, bottle, bottle label, component information ticket, sample tubing and small zip plastic bag. We can provide a sample pump at a cost of £25 per pump.
How do I take my sample?
Before taking any samples make sure the bottle, tubing and syringe/pump are free from any source of contamination. This is essential in ensuring a representative sample of the oil to provide you with the most accurate results possible.
You must also:
- Sample the agitated oil / after running component at least 10 minutes.
- Sample the oil at operating temperatures.
- Do not allow external contamination, e.g. dirt / water to enter the sample.
- Check remaining oil level and top up as required.
How do I get my oil analysis results?
You will be notified by email when your results are ready. We can issue a PDF report or exception report as required.
You will also have access to our free web-based reporting platform, OMEGA, where you can view results, history, export reports and trend data.
To find out more about OMEGA click here: https://pcmseng.co.uk/services/oil-analysis/omega/
How much does oil analysis cost?
The cost per sample for the kit and analysis would depend on the volume and type of samples including carriage cost for delivery of the kits.
To request a quote visit: https://pcmseng.co.uk/services/oil-analysis/request-oil-sampling-kit/
Are you ISO accredited?
Our oil laboratory is accredited to ISO 9001:2015 quality standards which means our tests meet the highest quality and lubricant analysis management systems and procedures.
What other service do you provide?
PCMS Engineering takes customer support to a higher level from routine analysis and reporting. By combining efforts, we can offer support on:
- Component fault type identification and commonalities analysis
- Lubricant optimisation
- Oil sensors and on-site equipment
- Application of supporting CM technologies
- Ferrography and wear debris analysis
- Failure and metallurgical investigations
- Advanced analysis and troubleshooting
- Root cause analysis
- Lubricant recommendation, supply and trial programmes
What analytical test types can you perform?
We can carry out the following test suites:
- Visual inspection
- Elemental Analysis
- Viscosity
- Water Determination
- Total Acid Number (TAN)
- Coolant Analysis
- Total Base Number (TBN)
- Infrared Spectroscopy
- Particle Count
- Total Insoluble Matter (TIM)
- Flash Point
- Microbial Analysis
For more information on our test types, visit https://pcmseng.co.uk/services/oil-analysis/test-types/
What type of oil can you analyse?
Test suites are determined based on component type, environmental considerations and customer requirements. In addition to standard lubricant analysis, bespoke analyses can be produced for:
- Coolant
- Diesel Fluid
- Transformer Oil
- Grease
What industries do you serve?
Our oil analysis service can be applied across many different industries. We process over 50,000 oil samples each year for clients in the following industries:
- Industrial Plants
- Rail
- Land-based
- Marine
- Mining
- Manufacturing
- Manufacturing
- Transport
- Construction
- Aviation