On-Site Analytical Technology for Proactive Equipment Maintenance in the Petrochemical Industry

Petroleum refining and petrochemical manufacturing operations are increasingly incorporating methodology and technology to enable proactive maintenance of high value machinery. To prevent equipment breakdown, it is critical that key parts are properly lubricated in order to minimize metal-to-metal contact and subsequent wear. A new at-site analytical technology, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, is now able to monitor the condition of lubricants used in petroleum refining and petrochemical manufacturing operations and is an important new addition to proactive maintenance protocol for this industry.