18. OUTLINES OF SERVICE 18.1.5 CARRYING OUT KOWA (Komatsu Oil Wear Analysis) KOWA is a maintenance service that makes it possible to prevent machine failures and down-time. With KOWA, the oil is periodically sampled and analyzed. This enables early detection of wear of the machine drive parts and other abnormalities. Periodic use of KOWA makes the following possible: It enables abnormalities to be detected early, leading to reduc- tion of repair costs and machine downtime. It enables repair schedules to be planned, leading to improved machine availability.
KOWA analysis items Analysis of metal wear particles This uses an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) analyzer to meas- ure the density of metal wear particles in the oil. Measurement of particle quantity This uses a PQI (Particle Quantifier Index) measurer to measure the quantity of large iron particles in the oil. Others Measurements are made of items such as the ratio of water or fuel in the oil, and the dynamic viscosity. Oil sampling Sampling interval 250 hours: Engine 500 hours: Other components Precautions when sampling Make sure that the oil is well mixed before sampling. Carry out sampling regularly at fixed intervals.
Do not carry out sampling on rainy or windy days when water or dust can get into the oil. For further details of KOWA, please contact your Komatsu dis- tributor. 3-7