Without the combination of condition monitoring technologies, the root of the problem may have gone undetected. Both techniques are required to control the root causes of machine failure. Often, one technique serves as the leading indicator of machine failure while the other serves as the confirming indicator. Oil analysis is generally stronger in detecting failures in gearboxes, hydraulic systems and reciprocating equipment. Vibration analysis is generally stronger in detecting failures in high-speed journal bearing systems.
Vibration analysis is often better at localizing the point of failure depending on the application.
Oil analysis is often stronger in determining which wear mechanism is inducing failure. Both techniques are required to effectively determine the root cause of failure. Correlation between oil analysis and vibration analysis is very good, but there are contrary instances. In conclusion, oil analysis and vibration analysis are natural allies in achieving machine reliability. They offer complementary strengths in controlling the root causes of machine failure and in identifying and understanding the nature of abnormal conditions.