FAQ
Drop of Knowledge #3
26.03.2024
Laboratory? Only with accreditation
What entity accredits the oil laboratory?
In Poland, the only accreditation body is the Polish Center for Accreditation (PCA / https://www.pca.gov.pl/), which has the status of a state legal entity and is supervised by the minister responsible for economy.
Why is it worth using the services of an accredited oil laboratory?
Accreditation guarantees that the tests performed in the laboratory are in accordance with applicable standards.
As the PCA points out:
- you can use the obtained results in the area regulated by law,
- you receive reliable and consistent results,
- accreditation is an essential tool in the decision-making process and risk management,
- you can save time and money by choosing an accredited laboratory and therefore a competent service provider,
- you receive results that are honored, among others: by the Office of Technical Inspection and insurance companies.
Accreditation certificate vs. the scope of accreditation?
The scope of accreditation is an annex to the accreditation certificate. It describes in detail the areas covered by accreditation.
The scope of accreditation is specified in detail:
- for which objects/subjects of research (e.g. lubricating materials: industrial lubricating oils),
- what testing methods (e.g. chemical elements content according to ASTM D5185-18),
- in what research range (e.g. copper 2-160mg/kg) can a given laboratory publish accredited results.
Interestingly, a research laboratory can be accredited even if it has one accredited parameter. Therefore, it is so important to verify not only the possession of an accreditation certificate, but also the scope of accredited parameters offered by the selected laboratory!
Is accreditation valid “forever”?
The laboratory receives PCA accreditation for 4 years. Once a year, an audit is carried out to check the maintenance of the quality management system, and after four years, a recertification audit is carried out.
In April you can meet us:
- 9-10 April 2024: 15th Failures Conference. Monitoring. Construction and Modernization of the Water and Sewage Networks, Wisła
- 10 April 2024: Reliability and Maintenance in production plants, Bydgoszcz
- 10-12 April 2024: 21st Conference “RAIL ROLLING STOCK – PURCHASE, MODERNIZATION, MAINTENANCE”, Ustka
- 23-25 April 2024: XXXI Sympozjum Naukowo-Techniczne Wiosenne Spotkanie Ciepłowników, Zakopane
Training 2024: SAVE THE DATE
Book your time for our training:
May 15-17, 2024 – “Oil diagnostics in practice”, Karpacz
During the training you will expand your knowledge about:
- basics of lubrication technology,
- ISO, DIN, API classification of lubricants,
- additives and the role of additives,
- sampling (lubricating oils, greases, electrical insulating liquids),
- oil degradation mechanisms,
- basic physicochemical parameters in oil/grease diagnostics,
- research scopes,
- reading research reports.
Do you want to take part? Write to warsztaty@ecol.com.pl
or fill out the application form: https://forms.gle/kDbja5EcJZzjDjVy7
Chemical element of the month
Tin (Sn, latin: Stannum) is known primarily for its anti-corrosion properties, which enable the creation of a coating that effectively protects against the formation of a destructive oxidation layer on the surface of various metals.
In the field of oil diagnostics, tin is classified as a wear metal, so its increased content may indicate progressive wear processes in the device.
The origin of tin, in relation to wear, can be closely linked to the metallurgy of the device:
- it is the main ingredient in plain bearing covers,
- commonly occurs in main engine bearings,
- is used for the production of radiator pipes.
An interesting fact is that tin, apart from its typical wear origin, can also be used as an additive to some fire-resistant liquids.
Thank you for your presence.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Katarzyna Paryż, Head of sales