Filter debris analysis as a first-line condition monitoring tool

Filter debris analysis (FDA) is a technique whereby diagnostic information about the wear state of mechanism system components is obtained by examinat ion of particulates trapped on scavenge lube oil filters. FDA has been util ized as a condition monitoring tool for approximately two decades. Traditio nally this usage has been as a second-line condition monitoring technique. That is, FDA has primarily been used when other first-line condition monito ring techniques have indicated potential problems. The advent of fine lube oil filtration has rendered the results of some first-line condition monito ring techniques, such as spectrometric oil analysis (SOA) and ferrography s uspect. There has therefore been pressure to begin to use FDA as a first-li ne technique. This paper discusses some of the problems that need to be ove rcome for such an approach to be feasible. As well, the initial stages of a program to use FDA as a first-line condition monitoring tool for some Cana dian military, helicopter transmissions will be discussed.