433 Digitalization and lubricant analyses - an efficient partnership Stefan Mitterer OELCHECK GmbH, Brannenburg Michael Linnerer OELCHECK GmbH, Brannenburg 1. Introduction Oil analyses are quite rightly a central topic in condition monitoring of the lubricating oil and the machine. They provide reliable values for setting an ideal oil change interval, contamination control and show abnormal wear situations at an early stage. Rapid technological progress sets significantly higher demands on lubrication, which can only be met by new special lubricants, which increasingly developed for particular applications. 1.1 Big Data Big Data represents another central point in the field of industrial development. Thanks to newer and faster systems and algorithms, the data will hardly be detectable by humans. Nevertheless, Big Data will permanently change many areas, as the algorithms can often react and act within a few seconds due to the sheer volume of data. With Big Data, one gains insights from the abundance of data. The mountain of data is getting bigger and bigger. As much as possible is being stored in the search for benefit and advantage. The bigger the mountain, the more difficult it is to derive connections and statements from it. However, the bigger the mass of data, the richer the data, the greater the benefit that can be derived from it. For this, however, it is also a prerequisite to have new and powerful IT systems available with which to process the information. 1.2 Significance for lubricant analysis Various tests are available for the analysis of lubricants and operating fluids. It is essential to define the appropriate tests for the respective fluids and the corresponding application. This selection of analyses is used to check whether there are any abnormalities in the fluid which also allow conclusions to be drawn about the condition of the machine. Thus, in addition to element analysis, viscosity measurement or FTIR spectroscopy for a hydraulic application, particle counting can also provide important information. In an engine, on the other hand, conclusions about the acid number (AN) or base number (BN) are decisive for the customer. The topics of data analysis are also becoming increasingly important for the analyses of lubricants and operating fluids. A large and sustainable database is an important prerequisite for obtaining detailed information from the data. The demands on analytics now go far beyond the assessment of individual samples. In addition to monitoring individual machines and their trendlines, customers often want to draw more information content from the analyses carried out. The monitoring of both the individual machine and the operating lubricant are only one reason. Questions arise such as: Do the analysis values in several identical machines with different load profiles behave identically or where are differences and why? Are deviations evident in different regions in relation to an entire fleet of machines and why do they occur? These are just two of countless questions that indicate what expectations are placed on the large amounts of data generated in lubricant analysis. 2. Possibilities of data collection In order to be able to assign the data to the lubricant samples, a correct transfer of the information is the basic prerequisite. There are various options available for this purpose: 1. Filling out the paper sample form 2. Entering the data electronically in the customer portal 3. Sending the information via app 4. Importing the data via a connection of the systems from the customer to the laboratory After the analysis kits have been ordered, they are delivered to the customer. The customer takes the samples and sends them back to the laboratory with the corresponding information. After the analysis has been carried out, the analysis values and thus the laboratory report are passed on to the customer. 2.1 Information path from the client to the laboratory First of all, the information path from the customer to the laboratory. Here, electronic data collection offers decisive advantages compared to the paper version of the sample information form: 434 23rd International Colloquium Tribology - January 2022 Digitalization and lubricant analyses - an efficient partnership - Basic data already implemented - Avoiding data input errors - Plausibility checks (operation time) - Definition of mandatory fields - Automated allocation of sample to machine There are therefore no ambiguities as can occur with illegible handwriting. In addition, a lot of information about the machines and the lubricant is already implemented and makes data collection much easier, faster and thus more efficient for the customer. 2.2 Information path from the laboratory to the customer After the analysis in the laboratory has been completed and the values have been evaluated, the data and laboratory reports are to be sent back to the customer. There are now also various options for sending the laboratory report and its data: - In paper form by post - or electronically - As a PDF file via E-mail - Export of the sample data in various formats - Storage of the data on a FTP server - Retrieval of analysis data via API connection Diagram 1: Options for sending lab data When looking at individual samples or trendlines, it is sufficient to summarize the respective analysis data in a laboratory report. However, considering that a single laboratory report can contain up to 40 individual values, the preparation of the analysis data for a larger number of laboratory reports is a challenge. Consequently, the complete path of data transmission from the customer to the laboratory and back again must be optimized accordingly. This is where specially set up data exports or linking the IT systems come into play. With a data export, the analysis results can be transmitted in the desired form and thus processed directly at the customer’s site in their software. The export of data can be carried out in the customer portal of the laboratory by the customer himself. Another possibility is to send a daily, automated export to the customer. This can be done in the form of e-mails, but also by making the analysis data available on an FTP server. FTP stands for “File Transfer Protocol”, which is a way of transferring data. It is a communication protocol that allows different systems to communicate with each other. In this way, the analysis data from the laboratory are made available to the customer at a defined point in time and the customer can pick them up and process them accordingly. A direct connection between the customer’s and the laboratory’s systems is even more elegant. A direct system coupling can take place via so-called API interfaces. An API (Application Programming Interface) is used to exchange information between an application and individual programs in a standardized manner. The transfer of data and commands is structured according to a previously defined syntax. This makes it possible to access all data at any time. In addition to current analysis data, analyses from the history can also be used, as the interface allows a permanent and continuous exchange of information. In summary, the API interface offers the following advantages for the customer: • Digital data transfer (Input/ Output) • Full integration of lab systems into customer systems • Improvement of the data quality The presentation will show the possibilities of digital data transfer and the advantages for the operator. The whole chain of transferring data is described and how the analysis parameters can be prepared. Using the example of some applications, the benefit of digital significance is represented and which technical and thus financial advantages can be derived from it.