WearCheck expands onsite sampling team to improve testing accuracy

Accurate oil sampling plays a crucial role in condition monitoring, yet incorrect sampling techniques continue to compromise test results and maintenance decisions across multiple industrial sectors in South Africa.

The precise accuracy involved in taking an oil sample from a machine component is one of the most critically important aspects of scientific oil analysis within a condition monitoring programme.

According to condition monitoring specialist company WearCheck, sampling is often a highly specialised task; not all maintenance teams have the necessary training to perform it correctly. Samples that are incorrectly taken may contain external contamination and other foreign material which, even in extremely small quantities, can compromise the integrity and accuracy of the test results. “It is for this reason that we decided to expand our onsite sampling team, provide the technicians with additional training covering a broader range of fluids and allocate dedicated vehicles to the team,” says Juliane de Beer, WearCheck’s national sales manager.

“The WearCheck onsite sampling team now consists of eight highly skilled and technically certified professionals who collectively bring more than 40 years of industry experience,” she continues. “Their primary mission is simple – to make our customers’ lives easier through efficient, reliable and expert onsite sampling services.”

Focus on sample integrity

De Beer explains that by removing the burden of sample collection from customers, the team helps ensure that every sample is obtained using the correct procedures and recognised best practices. “This guarantees accuracy, consistency and sample integrity, all of which are essential for dependable analysis results,” she says.

The onsite sampling technicians travel to customer sites throughout South Africa and internationally to collect samples directly from equipment operating in a wide range of industrial environments. “Our onsite sampling technicians collect a broad range of fluids from industrial equipment, including oil, fuel, coolant, transformer oil, brake fluid, AdBlue and other specialised fluids,” says De Beer. “Whether operating in demanding industrial environments or routine maintenance settings, the team delivers precision and professionalism at every stage of the sampling process.”

Reducing the risk of contamination

WearCheck notes that one of the major benefits of onsite sampling is the reduction in contamination risks and human error that can occur when sampling procedures are not followed correctly. It says the service also saves customers time by eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to manage the sampling process themselves. Incorrect sampling can ultimately result in misleading analysis results, which may influence maintenance decisions unnecessarily, potentially increasing operational costs and downtime.