How Oil Analysis Can Save You Money

By Kevin Thompson, CLS & OMA-1 (STLE), MLT-1 (ICML)

Taking care of high value assets in a manufacturing operation is like taking care of our own bodies. When the systems break down, we break down and cannot perform at our peak levels.  We go to the doctor and the first thing they do is poke us and take a blood sample. Why? Because our blood provides 90% of the data needed to accurately diagnose and prevent downtime in our bodies.

Oil sampling is the same thing. When was the last time you remember sampling your oil? Was it recent, or do you need to scratch your head for a minute? If it took you a minute or two, you are not alone. Many manufacturing, industrial and processing facilities are constantly looking at ways to lower costs, cut expenses and reduce downtime, all while keeping output and performance at peak efficiency. Many decision makers assume the race to efficiency and reliability is a sprint, but, it is truly a marathon. Short term vs. Long term, up-front costs vs. Cost of ownership as the old sayings go. Your company isn’t in a race that is over in a day, so why treat your Reliability program that way…?

The best way to start is with small steps and simple tasks. Plant reliability begins by taking samples of critical machines that drive performance in your operation. Your team can do this, or you can have a partner skilled in Plant Reliability perform these services. The sample data will give you the information needed to diagnose and prevent non-catastrophic failure events inside your operations. Why treat the flu if you have data that says you have another ailment? Same holds true for your equipment – why change the oil, for example, when the issue might be controllable with less expensive measures?

If you want to take full advantage of the programs and expertise available with a partner like Parman Energy Group, contact us today.

Engine Technology is Changing

By David Howard, Installed Specialist

Over the last few years there have been many changes in the oil industry. Let’s dive into changes in technology.


Think about how much vehicles have changed in the past few years. What may come to mind are all the new electronics, smart sensors, assisted driving features and more, but what’s less noticeable are the significant changes taking place under the hood.

Engine technology is evolving rapidly in response to three factors:

  • Legislated and social pressure to reduce carbon emissions
  • Consumers’ desire for lower fuel consumption which leads to cost savings
  • Demand for more engine power while still fulfilling numbers one and two.

By 2025, U.S. federal mandates call for a Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) of 54.5 miles per gallon. That doesn’t mean every car has to meet that standard, but that every manufacturer must meet that as an average across their entire fleet, which may span a range of vehicles from large SUVs and pickups to small hybrids and electric cars. (For comparison, the average today is 35.5 mpg.)

Author: David Lee, Chevron Corporation

What does this mean for you? There are a couple takeaways worth noting:

  • The growth of hybrid vehicle manufacturing will most assuredly impact the formulation of motor oils in the future.
  • The demand for full synthetic lubricants will continue to increase over the next 5 years and beyond.

Parman is dedicated to providing you with the products your customers need. If you have any questions or would like to request a quote contact us today.

Getting Your Fleet Prepared for Winter

The extreme conditions your fleet faces during the winter months can cause significant wear and hurt your bottom line. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect equipment and reduce downtime.

Coolant

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you don’t have to worry about the cooling system. In addition to checking radiators, belts, and hoses, make sure the coolant itself is up to the task. Parman can help you find the right coolant for your application.

DEF

DEF begins to freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you need to operate vehicles to keep it circulating and prevent freezing. Avoid letting equipment sit unused for extended periods of time.

Additives

If left untreated, diesel fuel can gel when in very cold temperatures. There are additives that prevent this, but you need the correct blend for your fleet. Our experts can help you determine what will work best for you.

Washer Fluid

With cold weather, comes snow, ice, and freezing rain. Prepare for the worst weather with a windshield washer fluid that will reduce icing and increase visibility.

The most important thing you can do is make sure that you’re performing all of the necessary preventative maintenance. With the experts at Parman on your team, you can keep running even during the coldest temperatures.