Tips for Identifying Old or Worn Out Oilfield Components

The oilfield equipment for sale today is in pristine condition, but it won’t stay that way forever. No matter how well made a piece of oil and gas equipment is, after hours upon hours of heavy operation, components are going to wear out.

Heshka Oil uses rigorous quality control checks to ensure every piece of equipment we sell can withstand the job, but maintenance is up to the buyer. Operators that use preventative measures and predictive maintenance to look for wear before components are worn out stand to get the most from their machinery.

Read the Operator’s Manual

If you have the operator’s manual handy for a piece of oilfield equipment there may be information on what to look for in terms of wear. You can also get a better idea of what components are most likely to wear out first.

The operator’s manual is vital when you’re setting up the machinery as well. The guidelines provided help operators calibrate the parts correctly so that wear and tear is less likely. If a part does appear to need replacement the operator’s manual should describe how to troubleshoot the problem so you can save time out in the oilfield.

Look for Lubrication Problems

Lubricants reduce friction and help machinery work smoothly so that parts don’t wear out prematurely. They can also be an indicator that something isn’t quite right in the system. Excess oil build-up around the pistons and leaks can both indicate a larger problem with other parts.

A lubricant check can also reveal machinery wear. If there are particles present in the used oil it can indicate a part is experiencing wear and tear.

Pay Attention to High Temperatures

Operating temperatures that are higher than normal are another red flag. It can be an indication of wear, poor lubrication or excessive friction that causing the temperature to rise.

One issue that can lead to excessive operating temperatures goes back to the lubricants. If lubricant viscosity is too low or too high it can cause things to heat up and prematurely wear parts. For equipment like MS check valves that operate in high temperature environments using the correct seals is also vital for controlling heat.

Watch Out for Vibration

When you kick oilfield equipment on it will come to life. A little bit of movement is expected with multi-ton heavy machinery. However, a lot of vibration is a sign that parts are wearing out.

The vibration could come from a belt that’s gotten out of alignment or bolts that have loosened. In drilling chokes, vibration can also be a sign of unsupported or loose parts. Regardless, when you notice vibration it’s time to look for worn parts that aren’t sitting quite right.

Listen for Unusual Noises

High quality machinery that’s operating properly will hum along. When it starts to creak, moan, screech or scrape that’s when there are problems. Unusual sounds often come from pieces rubbing together after getting worn or knocked out of alignment.

The noise will lead you to the problem. If it comes from inside the engine you’ll likely need the help of the manufacturer.

The rule of thumb with oilfield equipment is to always replace a part as soon as you start to see wear. You can find affordable replacement parts for oil and gas equipment online at HeshkaOil.com. Order today to get your replacement parts shipped fast right to your door.