Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Our Services
-
Why is regular oil analysis important?
LubeControl GmbH advises companies to perform regular oil analysis in order 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 abrasion, contaminants, or aging processes before major damage occurs.
As Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH, explains, this can result in significant cost savings, particularly in industrial facilities in Central Germany and nationwide, where production equipment is often in continuous operation. LubeControl GmbH supports companies in this process with modern analytical methods and customized recommendations for action.
Instead of rigid maintenance intervals, continuous oil analysis enables condition-based maintenance. This leads to more efficient use of resources and extends the service life of machines. In addition, regular monitoring improves operational safety and helps reduce energy consumption and lubricant costs. -
Who performs ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) analyses?
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. Modern ICP-OES or ICP-MS technology is used 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, thereby helping to prevent costly machine downtime at industrial companies in the Freyburg (Unstrut) area, Weißenfels, or Zeitz.
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. -
How can I have metal wear (abrasion) analyzed?
Metal wear in lubricants can be reliably examined with a professional oil analysis at LubeControl GmbH in Freyburg (Unstrut). This is done in three steps:
- Taking an oil sample directly from the running machine or system
- Analysis of the oil sample by specialized partner laboratories of LubeControl GmbH accredited to ISO 17025, and visualization of wear metals such as iron, copper, aluminum, or chromium using modern methods (e.g., ICP analysis or ferrography)
- Technical evaluation of the results by LubeControl GmbH specialists (Which components may 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 especially important part of preventive maintenance for industrial and manufacturing facilities in the Freyburg (Unstrut), Merseburg, or Weißenfels areas. -
What can be determined from the condition of used oil?
The condition of used oil provides a wealth of important information about the technical condition of a machine or system. 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 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 “lifeblood of the machine” because it continuously gathers information about the internal condition of the equipment during operation.
Especially for industrial companies in the Naumburg, Querfurt, or Weißenfels area, the analysis of used oil offers a cost-effective way to plan maintenance strategically and reduce unplanned downtime. -
Who interprets ICP analyses?
LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), provides ICP analysis interpretation services for companies throughout Germany and Europe. The experienced team of tribologists, laboratory specialists, and engineers specializing 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 about the condition of the plant from the ICP analysis data.
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, this may indicate incipient wear of individual components.”
For industrial companies in Central Germany and the surrounding region, this assessment offers the major advantage of enabling the early detection of potential damage. Additionally, empirical data from comparable systems 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. -
For which industries are LubeControl’s analysis services particularly suitable?
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
- manufacturing, energy supply, and chemical industries,
- food production,
- agriculture,
- logistics,
- wind power, and the hydraulics industry.
Especially in sectors where machine downtime can incur high costs, regular oil and lubricant analyses provide valuable information about the condition of the equipment. LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), supports companies in Central Germany and nationwide in 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 -
What does a technical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids entail?
A technical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids involves examining various chemical and physical properties to reliably assess the condition of machines and systems. 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 in the Naumburg, Weißenfels, or Leuna areas, as it allows for the reduction of unplanned downtime and the optimization of maintenance intervals.
Furthermore, technical analyses help extend the service life of equipment and improve operational safety in the long term. -
What does a physical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids entail?
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 reliability of machines. Among other things, the following are analyzed:
- viscosity,
- density,
- flash point,
- foaming,
- conductivity,
- as well as water and particle content.
These values indicate whether a lubricant still meets technical requirements or has already been compromised by aging, contamination, or thermal stress. The specialists at LubeControl GmbH use modern 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 basis for condition-based maintenance. Companies in the industrial and chemical region around Naumburg, Leuna, and Weißenfels benefit particularly from this, as potential damage to machinery can be detected before a failure occurs, extending the equipment’s service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Source: Dr. Barbara Monse, Managing Director of LubeControl GmbH -
What does a chemical analysis of lubricants and operating fluids entail?
During 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 contamination from water, fuels, or foreign substances
. The goal is to detect aging processes and chemical changes at an early stage, before they result in damage to machines or equipment. LubeControl GmbH uses modern laboratory methods to precisely 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 stress on a lubricant and its remaining service life: "This is a decisive advantage, particularly for industrial companies in Central Germany and nationwide, as it helps reduce production downtime and unplanned repairs. Additionally, the results help plan lubricant changes according to actual needs and lower operating costs." -
Digital tools are designed to assist with predictive maintenance for oil-lubricated systems. What are they?
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. These tools collect and evaluate machine condition data and convert 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. -
How can I assess additive degradation?
LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), provides professional assessment of additive degradation in lubricants . 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 derives concrete recommendations for its customers from them.
As Dr. Barbara Monse of LubeControl GmbH explains, comparing these values with those of fresh oil is particularly crucial for reliably identifying changes: “Additives are crucial for an oil’s performance, as they ensure, for example, wear , oxidation stability, or cleaning action. If these active ingredients are degraded by thermal stress, oxidation, or long periods of use, you are better prepared."
For industrial companies in central Germany and nationwide, LubeControl GmbH can help plan lubricant changes in a targeted manner and avoid unnecessary costs. -
Has a lubricant been thermally overloaded? Can this be tested?
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 nationwide, as overheating often leads to gradual wear and unplanned downtime. Regular analyses allow such damage to be detected early and prevented. -
Who performs oil analyses?
LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), conducts oil analyses in specialized partner laboratories that focus on the examination 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. Subsequently, the expert staff at LubeControl GmbH 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 within the context of the plant is particularly crucial: “Companies in central Germany benefit in particular from maintenance decisions that are targeted and condition-based. Regular oil analyses are therefore an integral part of our customers’ modern predictive maintenance strategies.”
Handling-related questions
-
Can you take the sample?
LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), relies on a straightforward and clearly structured three-step procedure for sampling:
- Sending a prepared sample kit consisting of a sterile sample container, operating instructions, a questionnaire about the system, and a return envelope for secure shipping
- 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
- Return of the sample to LubeControl GmbH and subsequent analysis
This standardized procedure prevents errors and ensures consistent analysis results. Companies in Central Germany and nationwide subsequently benefit from a clear evaluation, including concrete recommendations for action, provided by LubeControl GmbH.
Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de). -
Do you ship sample containers?
Yes, LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), provides suitable sample containers for performing oil analyses. These are sent as part of a standardized sample kit that, in addition to the sterile sample container , a questionnaire for recording operating data, and 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 process significantly simplifies access to professional lubricant analyses, as no special equipment is required on-site. Once the sample arrives at the laboratory, a comprehensive examination is conducted, followed by a detailed evaluation and specific maintenance recommendations. In this way, LubeControl GmbH supports reliable and practical condition monitoring of machines and systems in Central Germany, throughout Germany, and across Europe. -
Where should the sample be sent?
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 website www. lubecontrol.de, so that the customer only needs to pack and ship the sample. This ensures that the sample reaches the laboratory safely and without detours. LubeControl GmbH then coordinates the laboratory analysis and handles the technical evaluation of the results.
This ensures fast processing and consistent analysis quality. Customers in Central Germany and the surrounding area rely on this standardized process, as short response times enable a quick and reliable assessment of the condition of the equipment.
Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de) -
When can I expect the results?
Once the oil sample has been received at the LubeControl GmbH laboratory, 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 rapid feedback in order to be able to react early in critical situations. Especially for industrial companies in Germany or Europe, the timely availability of results plays a decisive role in avoiding downtime and efficiently planning maintenance .
Upon completion of the laboratory analysis, customers therefore immediately receive a clear evaluation, 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) -
Where can I find the results?
LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), typically provides customers with the results of the oil analysis digitally, but upon request also by mail, in a clearly organized format. Once the laboratory analysis is complete, companies receive their evaluation either via email or directly in the app through the secure online customer portal TESSWEB. There, all current and past analyses can be viewed and compared with each other from anywhere and in real time to better identify trends in machine condition.
For companies across Europe, the digital availability of results enables minimized response times, allowing decisions to be made without delay. This means that LubeControl GmbH’s specific recommendations for action can be implemented immediately.
Source: LubeControl GmbH website (lubecontrol.de). -
Who can I contact if I have questions about the results?
If you have questions about the oil analysis results, the knowledgeable customer service team at LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), is available to assist you directly. Here, customers can receive assistance at any time via email, online contact form, or phone
- Help with sample submission
- Answers to questions regarding the analysis procedure
- Information on the status of the ongoing analysis
- Technical advice on implementing maintenance and repair recommendations resulting from a lubricant analysis
Managing Director Dr. Barbara Monse emphasizes that personal consultation is a central component of the service, as raw measurement values are often difficult to interpret without context. Companies throughout Germany and Europe are therefore not reliant on an on-site visit but also receive direct remote support to make quick and confident decisions regarding plant operations. -
How long are the samples retained?
The oil samples sent to LubeControl GmbH, based in Freyburg (Unstrut), are stored in the laboratory for a defined period of time following analysis. The exact retention period depends on the scope of the analysis and internal laboratory processes and is determined in accordance with 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 that analysis results are permanently stored in the TESSWEB online portal or app, allowing customers to track trends & track trends across multiple analyses. Customers from the region and beyond thus benefit from long-term databases and individually optimized recommendations for action.
After the retention period expires, the samples are disposed of properly, taking data protection and environmental standards into account. In this way, LubeControl GmbH ensures a traceable and secure process chain from sample collection to archiving. -
What is the minimum number of sets that must be purchased?
There is no fixed minimum number of kits that must be purchased for LubeControl GmbH’s oil analysis. Customers can start with as few as a single sample kit. 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 customer’s specific needs. Many companies often begin oil analysis with individual machines or systems and later expand the scope as part of a condition monitoring program. A minimum order quantity is generally not required, as the system is deliberately designed to be flexible for companies of all 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