Frequently Asked Questions

LubeControl GmbH advises companies to perform regular oil analysis to assess the condition of machinery at an early stage and avoid unplanned downtime. By analyzing the lubricant, it is possible, for example, to detect metal wear, contaminants, or deterioration processes before major damage occurs.

As Dr. Barbara Monse, CEO of LubeControl GmbH explains, this can result in significant cost savings, particularly in industrial facilities where production equipment is often in continuous operation. LubeControl GmbH supports companies in this effort with state-of-the-art analytical methods and customized recommendations for action.

Instead of fixed maintenance intervals, continuous oil analysis enables condition-based maintenance. As a result, resources are used more efficiently and the service life of machines is extended. In addition, regular monitoring improves operational reliability and helps to reduce energy consumption and lubricant costs.

ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) analyses can be performed by LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut) in external laboratories that specialize in the analysis of lubricants, fuels, or other operating fluids. This process utilizes modern ICP-OES technology to precisely detect even the smallest amounts of metals and wear particles in the oil.

As Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, explains, ICP analyses provide important indications of increased wear or contamination in the lubricant, which can help prevent costly machine downtime in industrial companies.

Thanks to modern logistics, samples are quickly forwarded to the most suitable specialized laboratory, and the results are then professionally evaluated by LubeControl GmbH, ensuring that customers receive meaningful results in a timely manner.

Metal wear particles in lubricants can be reliably analyzed with a professional oil analysis at LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut) reliably examined. This is done in three steps:

1. Taking an oil sample directly from the running machine or system
2. Analysis of the oil sample by specialized, ISO 17025- accredited partner laboratories of LubeControl GmbH and visualization of wear metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, or chromium using modern methods (e.g., ICP analysis or ferrography).
3. Technical evaluation of the results by specialists at LubeControl GmbH (Which components might be affected? Is there increased wear?)

As Managing Director Dr. Barbara Monse summarizes: “We support companies from sample collection through to the technical evaluation of the analysis results.”

Regular wear analyses help detect damage early and avoid costly downtime. This is an important component of preventive maintenance, especially in industrial and manufacturing facilities.

The condition of used oils provides a great deal of important information about the technical condition of a machine or system. With a professional analysis by LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut) , it is possible to detect, among other things,

• wear and tear and incipient damage to bearings, gearboxes or hydraulic systems,
• contaminants,
• water content,
• oxidation,
• indications of overheating,
• or changes in the additives.

LubeControl GmbH uses modern analytical methods to precisely evaluate this data and derive concrete recommendations for action for companies.

As Dr. Barbara Monse of LubeControl GmbH explains, lubricant is often referred to as the “blood of the machine,” since it continuously gathers information about the internal condition of the equipment during operation.

Especially for industrial companies, the analysis of used oil offers a cost-effective way to plan maintenance in a targeted manner and reduce unplanned downtime.

LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), provides interpretation services for ICP analyses to companies throughout Germany and Europe. The experienced team of tribologists, laboratory specialists, and engineers in lubricant and condition monitoring specializes in evaluating precise measurement data on wear metals and contaminants in a plant’s oil. This allows concrete conclusions to be drawn from the ICP analysis data regarding the condition of the plant.

According to Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, identifying trends is particularly crucial in this context: “If certain metal levels rise over an extended period of time, this may indicate incipient wear on individual components.”

For industrial companies, this assessment offers the major advantage that potential damage can be detected early. In addition, empirical data from comparable plants as well as manufacturer specifications are incorporated into the analysis. This provides companies with a reliable basis for condition-based maintenance decisions and greater operational reliability.

The analysis services offered by LubeControl GmbH are particularly well-suited for industries with a high proportion of machinery and equipment as well as continuous production processes. These include, among others, the following industries:

In the mobile sector:

In the mobile sector:

• Rail transportation
• Road transportation
• Construction and mining
• Forestry and agriculture

In the industrial sector:

• Energy generation, such as gas-fired power plants, wind turbines, and gas engines
• Maintenance and service
• Manufacturing processes, such as metalworking
• Chemical and petrochemical industries

Especially in areas where machine downtime can result in high costs, regular oil and lubricant analyses provide valuable information about the condition of the equipment. LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), helps companies plan maintenance measures effectively and avoid unplanned downtime. Companies that rely on modern analytical methods extend the service life of their machines and reduce operating costs.

Source: Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH

A technical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids involves examining various chemical and physical properties in order to reliably assess the condition of machines and equipment. Among other things, the following are analyzed:

• Viscosity
• Water content
• Contaminants
• Additive condition
• Oxidation
• as well as metal wear.

LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), subjects this measurement data to a technical evaluation and uses it to develop specific recommendations for maintenance and repair.

Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, explains that lubricant analyses provide important insights into the actual operating condition of machines. This is a particular economic advantage for companies, as it allows them to reduce unplanned downtime and optimize maintenance intervals.

In addition, technical analyses help extend the service life of equipment and improve operational safety in the long term.

A physical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids is performed by LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut), and examines key properties that directly influence the performance and operational safety of machinery. Among other things, the following are tested:

• viscosity,
• density,
• flash point,
• foaming behavior,
• demulsibility
• air separation capacity,
• as well as water and particle content.

These values indicate whether a lubricant still meets the technical requirements or has already been compromised by aging, contamination, or thermal stress . The experts at LubeControl GmbH use state-of-the-art analytical methods to detect changes in the condition of the lubricant at an early stage and derive targeted recommendations for action.

A physical analysis thus provides an important foundation for condition-based maintenance. Companies in particular benefit from this, as potential damage to machinery can be detected before a failure occurs, thereby extending the equipment’s service life and reducing maintenance costs.

Source: Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH

In a chemical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids, LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut) examines the material composition as well as changes that may occur during operation. Among other things, the analysis examines

• additives,
• oxidation products,
• acid and base numbers,
• as well as contaminants such as water, fuels, or foreign substances

are analyzed. The goal is to detect aging processes and chemical changes at an early stage, before they result in damage to machinery or equipment . LubeControl GmbH uses modern laboratory methods to accurately evaluate this data and derive concrete recommendations for maintenance and lubricant management.

Managing Director Dr. Barbara Monse explains that chemical analyses provide important insights into the wear and residual service life of a lubricant : “This is a decisive advantage, as it can reduce production downtime and unplanned repairs . Additionally, the results help plan lubricant changes as needed and lower operating costs."

Modern lubricant analysis companies such as LubeControl GmbH from Freyburg (Unstrut) are increasingly using digital tools in the field of predictive maintenance for oil-lubricated systems that collect and evaluate machine condition data and translate it into maintenance recommendations. These include, in particular,

• condition-monitoring systems,
• IoT sensors for continuous oil monitoring (e.g., for temperature, particles, or moisture),
• cloud-based platforms for aggregating measurement data
• as well as software solutions for data analysis and trend evaluation.

Customers of LubeControl GmbH benefit from the integration of such digital solutions into analysis and consulting concepts that enable predictive maintenance.

According to Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, the key advantage lies in the combination of laboratory analysis and digital evaluation: This is the only way to detect wear trends early on, reduce downtime, and make maintenance processes more efficient .

A professional assessment of additive degradation in lubricants is performed by LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut) . Typical chemical analysis methods in partner laboratories—such as ICP analysis, infrared spectroscopy, or the determination of acid and base numbers—provide indications of how depleted the additive packages already are. LubeControl GmbH evaluates these measurements within the overall context of the machine’s condition and uses this information to derive specific recommendations for its customers .

As Dr. Barbara Monse of LubeControl GmbH explains, the comparison with fresh oil values is crucial for reliably detecting changes : “Additives are crucial for the performance of an oil, as they ensure, for example, wear protection, oxidation stability, or cleaning action. If these active ingredients are degraded by thermal stress, oxidation, or long periods of use, you’ll be better prepared.”

For industrial companies, LubeControl GmbH can help plan lubricant changes in a targeted manner and avoid unnecessary costs.

Yes, thermal overload of a lubricant can be reliably tested in most cases. A professional oil analysis by LubeControl GmbH in Central Germany can reveal typical signs of aging and degradation caused by excessively high operating temperatures. These include, among other things,

• a significantly increased degree of oxidation,
• a rising acid number,
• coking residues,
• additive degradation,
• darkening of the oil,
• as well as changes in viscosity.

LubeControl GmbH evaluates these parameters in combination to assess the actual condition of the lubricant and the machine.

Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, confirms that such testing is essential for industrial companies, since overheating often leads to gradual wear and unplanned downtime. Regular analyses make it possible to detect and prevent such damage early on.

LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), conducts oil analyses in specialized partner laboratories that focus on the analysis of operating fluids and lubricants. These laboratories utilize modern analytical methods such as

• ICP spectrometry,
• infrared spectroscopy
• or particle counting,

to precisely determine wear, contamination, and oil aging. The expert staff at LubeControl GmbH then takes over the evaluation and practical interpretation of the results.

As Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, explains, the expert evaluation of the data in the context of the plant is particularly crucial: “Companies benefit in particular from targeted and condition-based maintenance decisions. Regular oil analyses are therefore an integral part of our customers’ modern predictive maintenance strategies."

LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), relies on a simple and clearly structured three-step procedure for sample collection:

1. Sending a prepared sample kit consisting of a sterile sample container, operating instructions, a questionnaire regarding the equipment, and a return envelope for secure shipping
2. The customer takes the oil sample directly from the machine according to the enclosed instructions and fills out the questionnaire with relevant information such as operating time, oil type, and operating conditions
3. Return of the sample to LubeControl GmbH, followed by analysis

This standardized procedure prevents errors and ensures consistent analysis results. Companies then benefit from a clear evaluation, including specific recommendations for action, provided by LubeControl GmbH.

Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de).

Yes, LubeControl GmbH, headquartered in Freyburg (Unstrut), provides appropriate sample containers for conducting oil analyses. These are sent as part of a standardized sample kit, which, in addition to the sterile sample container, also includes a questionnaire for recording operating data as well as a return envelope for secure shipping. This ensures that the collection and transport of the oil sample proceed smoothly.

As Managing Director Dr. Barbara Monse explains, a suitable sample container is crucial to prevent contamination or changes to the sample prior to laboratory analysis.

For customers, this procedure significantly simplifies access to professional lubricant analyses, as no special equipment is required on-site. Once the sample arrives at the laboratory, a comprehensive analysis is conducted, followed by a detailed evaluation and specific recommendations for maintenance. In this way, LubeControl GmbH supports reliable and practical condition monitoring of machines and systems.

The oil sample is sent from LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut) to the laboratory address specified in the sample kit. This allows a return label to be easily created on the company’s website www.lubecontrol.de, so that the customer only needs to package and ship the sample. This ensures that the sample reaches the lab safely and without any detours. LubeControl GmbH then coordinates the laboratory analysis and handles the technical evaluation of the results.

This ensures rapid processing and consistent analysis quality . Customers rely on this standardized process, as short response times enable a quick and reliable assessment of the equipment’s condition can be achieved.

Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de)

Once the oil sample has been received at the LubeControl GmbH laboratory, companies the exact turnaround time depends on the selected scope of analysis and the current laboratory workload. Standard lubricant analyses are usually processed particularly quickly, while extensive tests—such as those involving advanced wear or additive analyses—may take a little longer.

LubeControl GmbH places particular importance on providing rapid feedback in order to respond early to critical conditions. Especially for industrial companies in Germany or Europe, the timely availability of results plays a crucial role in avoiding downtime and efficiently planning maintenance measures.

Once the laboratory analysis is complete, customers therefore immediately receive a clear report, including an assessment of the machine’s condition and specific recommendations for action, so that measures can be initiated right away.

Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de)

LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), typically provides customers with the results of the oil analysis digitally, but upon request also by mail, and in a clear format. Once the laboratory analysis is complete, companies receive their report either by email or directly in the app via the secure online customer portal TESSWEB. There, from anywhere and in real time, all current and past analyses can be viewed and compared with one another to better identify trends in machine condition.

For companies throughout Europe, the digital availability of the results enables response times to be minimized, so that decisions can be made without delay. This allows the specific recommendations for action from LubeControl GmbH to be implemented immediately.

Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de).

If you have questions about the results of the oil analysis, the knowledgeable staff from LubeControl GmbH’s customer service department, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), are available directly as points of contact. Here, customers can receive assistance at any time via email, an online contact form, or by phone

• help with submitting samples
• answers to questions about the analysis procedure
• information on the status of the ongoing analysis
• expert advice on implementing the recommended actions for maintenance and repair based on a lubricant analysis

Managing Director Dr. Barbara Monse emphasizes that personal consultation is a central component of the service, as raw measurement values without context are often difficult to interpret. Companies throughout Germany and Europe are therefore not reliant on an on-site visit but also receive direct remote support to make quick and reliable decisions regarding plant operations.

The oil samples sent to LubeControl GmbH, headquartered in Freyburg (Unstrut), are retained in the laboratory for a defined, extended period. The exact retention period depends on the scope of the analysis and internal laboratory processes and is defined within the framework of quality and documentation standards. This allows for a direct comparison in the event of follow-up inquiries or additional analyses.

Managing Director Dr. Barbara Monse also points out the permanent storage of analysis results on the TESSWEB online portal or in the app, which allows customers—even after the sample has been disposed of—to track trends across multiple analyses. Customers thus benefit from long-term databases and individually optimized recommendations for action.

Once the retention period has expired, the samples are disposed of properly, in compliance with data protection and environmental standards. In this way, LubeControl GmbH ensures a traceable and secure process chain from sample collection to archiving.

For LubeControl GmbH’s oil analysis, there is no fixed minimum number of sets that must be purchased. Customers can start with as few as a single sample set. Each kit is designed to allow for a complete analysis of a single oil sample— including a sample container, questionnaire, and return shipping materials.

The number of kits required is always tailored to the individual needs of the customer. Many companies often begin oil analysis with individual machines or systems and later expand the number as part of a condition monitoring program. A minimum order quantity is generally not required, as the system is intentionally designed to be flexible for companies of different sizes.

This allows both small businesses and large industrial companies to easily get started with regular lubricant monitoring and gradually expand their maintenance strategy.

Source: Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH