Condition Monitoring Through LubeWatch Fluid Analysis
Chevron’s brand of lubricant products provides a way to manage lubricant and conditioning monitoring through our Fluid Analysis Program, LubeWatch. The main advantage of this unique offering is to give Chevron lubricant customers convenient ways to share data between the user and the labs to improve overall equipment reliability. The program offers convenient ways to manage fluid analysis such as sample submission, equipment management, reviewing test results, taking action on maintenance recommendations and more.
What is The LubeWatch Fluid Analysis Program?
The LubeWatch Fluid Analysis Program allows you to track the condition of your lubricants and equipment. This tool will alert you of any current issues with your equipment and guide you towards solutions before failures can occur. Frequently running routine diagnostic testing on the lubricant circulating through your equipment will increase profits, productivity and reliability.
When it comes to ensuring your equipment is in pristine condition, the best philosophy to follow is to take preemptive measures to avoid preventable operational failures. The more tools you possess for monitoring your equipment in their current condition, the better chance you have of extending the longevity of your machinery. The LubeWatch Fluid Analysis Program functions as a tool for catching issues within your equipment so you can address the problem with the recommended actions provided by the analysts at the lab. Benefits to the program include:
- Monitor Wear Trends – Naturally the use of your equipment will cause wear, but this could cause major complication in the future if left unchecked. The program monitors the amount of wear you accumulate so you can confront any build up before it causes considerable damage.
- Identify Contamination – As you use your equipment, the likelihood of your equipment attracting contamination increases. Routine fluid analysis tracks the contamination within your equipment to inform you of when attention should shift into preventing further issues.
- Maintain Equipment Health – Obtaining secure longevity is the goal for maintaining the health and condition of your equipment. By consistent monitoring, the costs required to constantly check and clean your equipment are significantly reduced.
How Does the LubeWatch Mobile App Work?
With so many benefits to participating in a fluid analysis program, you may find many of the functions and features to be convenient, even away from the shop. This is where the mobile app comes in handy for those that prefer to do their equipment monitoring in the field or on the move. Through the LubeWatch Mobile App, you can get all the same benefits just on a smaller screen, like a mobile phone or tablet.
What Are the Benefits of Submitting Samples Through the App or Online?
Submitting samples online or through the mobile app is just as simple and effective as anywhere else, but with additional features. The benefits of online and app-submitted samples include:
- Faster Results | As soon as the sample arrives to the laboratory for testing, it is immediately added to the lab que
- Accurate Information | Submitting information online reduces the chance of the sample being put on hold due to inaccurate/missing information, misinterpreting handwritten forms, and decreases the chance of mixing up samples/components/equipment in the system
- Fluid Changes | The costs of fluid changes can rack up as you continue performing the necessary changes with time. To reduce these costs, the program will let you know when the best time is to change out fluids rather than relying on scheduled drains
- Prevent Unexpected Downtime | Time is a valuable resource and receiving real-time equipment maintenance recommendations decreases the chances of costly, unexpected equipment downtime
No internet? No problem. The LubeWatch Mobile App is available offline, making sample submission a breeze, even when Wi-Fi is not reliable or not available.
What About QR Codes?
The usage of QR codes can make sending and receiving data quick and convenient, especially for those that use the Lubewatch Fluid Analysis Program through the mobile app. LubeWatch accounts are required for online access to be able to utilize QR codes for fluid analysis.
The use of QR codes provides additional benefits such as:
- QR-Code Only Sample Labels are provided with sample kits and come with a unique barcode number which fit precisely along the 3 oz. damage and leak-free sample jar. Eliminate paper use, improve carbon footprint, streamline sample submission and prevent processing errors.
- Speed up sample submissions in the field right from the component being sampled with QR Code Component ID Tags. Utilizing the Component ID tags with your equipment makes finding a unit quick and easy. A quick scan with a mobile device will save time and prevent costly mistakes.
- Using available QR code technology with the LubeWatch mobile app decreases sample turnaround time and negates the need for filling out a sample information form, making the submission process faster and more efficient.
How to Use QR-Code Sample Labels
Using the QR- code sample labels, fill out the QR code label with the corresponding Component ID and Sample Date. Attach the label to the sample jar and retain the other label for your records. Next, through a trackable shipping service, ship your package to an available laboratory on the included laboratory locations list. In case an online sample shipment cannot be completed, fill in the simple form on the right of the label, detach the form and submit it to the laboratory with the sample.
Fluid Analysis Program Management Made Easy
Creating and maintaining an effective fluid analysis program accessible from anywhere is essential to consistently monitor equipment and fluid conditions. The LubeWatch Fluid Analysis program aims to utilize technological advancements to make it seamless and easy to manage your program. Along with the online LubeWatch website and convenient mobile app, tools like QR codes create effective communication between maintenance techs, managers and the laboratories. For more information on the LubeWatch program or any of the services discussed here, contact your local Chevron distributor.