CFM56-7B Chip Detector Material Identification
CFM56-7B Chip Detector Material Identification
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CFM56 Proprietary Information
CFM, CFM56, LEAP and the CFM logo are trademarks of CFM
International, a 50/50 joint company between Safran Aircraft
Engine (Safran group) and GE. The information in this document
is CFM Proprietary Information and is disclosed in confidence. It
is the property of CFM International and its parent companies,
and shall not be used, disclosed to others or reproduced without
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Table of contents
6 Introduction
8 Contact information
10 Handling, collection and inspection
15 Magnetic sensor quantification
17 Scavenge screen localization
21 Scavenge screen quantification
24 CFM MCD inspection guidelines
29 Debris identification
77 Definitions
Bearing cross-sections
79 Appendix
Turbine jet engine oil identification
Scale
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Introduction
This guide is intended exclusively for the owners and operators
of CFM56 aero turbo machinery. It has been prepared as a guide
for use in the analysis of debris collected from or generated by
the lubrication system of these engines. The purpose of this
guide is to enable quick and accurate identification of
contaminates and debris material.
The visual identification of debris is a valuable skill, but can not
substitute for laboratory analysis to confirm material
identification.
The data presented here does not supersede or replace any
EASA/FAA approved documents. This document and the
material within it are subordinate to Aircraft and Engine
Maintenance Manuals.
Hardware location
Hardware location is not included for all debris noted. This guide
is produced for multiple CFM engine lines and material from one
engine location may not correspond to a different engine.
Additionally, in the future hardware may be redesigned with
different materials.
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Introduction (cont.)
Debris acceptability/serviceability
Some debris may be acceptable to one engine model, but not to
another. Additionally, Engine and Aircraft Maintenance Manual
limits are subject to change. Refer to applicable AMM
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Contact information
GE Aviation
Regions covered: North America, South America, Asia Pacific and China
Toll-free in U.S.: +1 877-432-3272
Phone: +1 513-552-3272
China & Asia Pacific: +86 21-3877-7666
Email: aviation.fleetsupport@ge.com
Safran Aircraft Engines (formerly Snecma)
Regions covered: Africa, Middle East and Europe
Tel: +33 (0) 1 64 14 88 66
Email: snecma.csc@snecma.fr
A.O.G. Fax : 33 1 64 14 84 00
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Handling, collection and inspection
Debris can be difficult to locate and easy to misplace. In some
cases, oil may be toxic or dangerous. For these reasons, CFM56
recommends the use of specific tools to aid in the safe and
proper handling of debris. Included on the next few pages are
some examples of the tools and tips used by CFM56
professionals to handle, collect and inspect debris.
Note: Visually inspecting debris while it is in the filter is not
recommended. Back-flushing of filter or cutting open per
approved procedures to aid visual identification is preferred.
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Oil sampling guidelines
• Use a clean glass or plastic
container for oil samples.
• Label the container with the
name of the operator, engine mode,
engine serial number, the sample
date and the name of the oil
in use.
• If possible, take the sample within
30 minutes of shutdown.
• Clean dirt from the outside of the
sampling port prior to taking sample.
• Do not sample the initial 20 ml of oil. If
possible, take the sample from the middle, center of the tank.
• Preferable minimum sample quantity is 120 ml (which equals
4 oz or ½ cup).
• Do not use a funnel that is contaminated, unless it was
thoroughly cleaned with alcohol (or other solvent).
• Leave some air in the container for expansion of the sample
during shipping.
• Put strong tape over the gap between the container and its lid
to prevent spillage.
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Debris collection tools
Collection tools may include tweezers, petri dishes, dowels and
special one-sided tape. Utilization of sterile tools reduces the
likelihood of contamination and improves the accuracy of
laboratory analysis.
Note: Utilizing office, transparency or other tapes is not
recommended because laboratory analysis requires dissolving
the tape – which takes time and requires the use of stronger
chemicals. Specially designed carbon tabs are recommended.
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Debris inspection tools
10X (or higher) magnification is recommended, but not always
needed. This photograph shows three suitable examples of
magnifying devices that may be valuable to line maintenance
personnel.
A magnet may also be valuable for identifying the magnetic
properties of debris.
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Field magnetic sensor collection
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Magnetic sensor quantification
Shoulder wear
This relative scale can be utilized when communicating magnetic
sensor debris levels.
Note: These photographs depict one type of sensor. Different
engine models may have differently shaped sensors.
0 1 2
3 4 5
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Magnetic sensor quantification
Spall wear
This relative scale can be utilized when communicating magnetic
sensor debris levels.
Note: These photographs depict one type of sensor. Different
engine models may have differently shaped sensors.
0 1 2
3 4 5
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CFM56-2 Scavenge screen localization
Identify the sump origin of the debris.
Lubrication Unit
FWD
Forward
TGB
Sump
AGB AFT
Sump CFM International / 17
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CFM56-3 Scavenge screen localization
Identify the sump origin of the debris.
Lubrication Unit
FWD
Lubrication
Unit
Lubrication Unit
FWD
AGB/TGB
Forward
Rear Sump
Sump CFM International / 19
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CFM56-7B27A Scavenge screen
localization
Identify the sump origin of the debris.
See previous slide for sump localization.
Lubrication
Unit
TGB
0 1 2
3 4 5
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General characteristics and appearance
Debris identification
The following pages show a range of debris; some of which is
rarely found, but is included for comprehensiveness.
The first two pages of photos (which show debris from events)
are included to help illustrate differences between what may be
seen on the flight line versus what is extracted in a laboratory.
This is followed by photos of magnetic and then non-magnetic
debris.
Appearance descriptions are also provided. Each material is
described as metallic or non-metallic followed by the descriptors
that most readily identify the debris.
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Bearing information
The primary objective of debris identification is for the detection
of bearing distress prior to failure. Any bearing debris
identification, either visually or by laboratory analysis, is cause
for immediate concern. The following visual characteristics can
be helpful in distinguishing bearing material.
• Many chips of similar size and shape
• Magnetic material
• Smooth, reflective (silvery) surface on one or both sides
• Roughly circular or elliptical flakes, thinner around edges
• Material that is hard and brittle
• Metal chunks as small dark irregular particles
• Pieces of bearing cage material
• Chunks of silver plated steel
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CFM MCD inspection guidelines
The decision for action must be driven by key factors:
Debris Examination
• Visual aspect (shape, color, plated or not, laminated … )
• Nature (magnetic or non-magnetic)
• Size, quantity
• Oil sump source
Engine history
• Low time/cycle engine since new or overhaul
• Recent engine squawks
• Maintenance report (past MCD findings, oil circuit
contamination … )
• Engine trend shift (vibes, oil consumption … )
References
• Applicable Aircraft Maintenance Manual
• CFM56 Non-Destructive Test Manual
• Part 10 Chip Analysis (CFMI-TP-NT.11)
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CFM MCD guidelines
for magnetic particles
When particles are just collected, visual inspect per 10x
magnifying lens to identify the category
Satisfactory - Serviceable
Marginal - Means continue in services while debris are sent to Lab
Unsatisfactory - Immediate action is required
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CFM MCD guidelines
AMM satisfactory conditions
• Particles within this table, don’t need to be sent for analysis
• Machined chips are serviceable whatever the size
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CFM MCD guidelines
AMM marginal conditions
Note: For CFM56-7B, engine oil is shared with the starter.
Particles analysis is not sufficient to determine status on
engine/AGB/TGB serviceability. Starter troubleshooting and
engine history review is required to avoid unnecessary
engine/AGB/TGB removal
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CFM MCD guidelines
AMM unsatisfactory conditions
Note: For CFM56-7B, engine oil is shared with the starter.
Particles analysis is not sufficient to determine status on
engine/AGB/TGB serviceability. Starter troubleshooting and
engine history review is required to avoid unnecessary
engine/AGB/TGB removal
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Examples of Bearing shoulder
wear distress
mm mm
20 20
16 16
12 12
8 8
4 4
0 0
.25” .5” .75” 1” .25” .5” .75” 1”
mm mm
20 20
16 16
12 12
8 8
4 4
0 0
.25” .5” .75” 1” .25” .5” .75” 1”
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Examples of Bearing spall distress
mm mm
20 20
16 16
12 12
8 8
4 4
0 0
.25” .5” .75” 1” .25” .5” .75” 1”
mm mm
20 20
16 16
12 12
8 8
4 4
0 0
.25” .5” .75” 1” .25” .5” .75” 1”
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M50NiL
General characteristics
• Magnetic
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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M50
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Metallic • Small flakes and/or powder
• Dull • Dark color
1 mm
1 mm
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CFM56-7B M50 on Starter Magnetic Plug
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Note: This Magnetic Plug is limited to a CFM56-7B AGB only, not
all CFM models Representative photo - quantity and appearance may vary
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Bearing spall chips
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Metallic • Flakes • Smooth/reflective
• Flattened • Oval on one side, dull on
the other
• Ragged edges • Coined
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Bearing Cage
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Note: This finding is limited to a CFM56-3 TGB only, not all CFM
models
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Gearbox debris
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Metallic • Flakes • Sharp
• Reflective • Irregular
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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CFM56-3 TGB rivet
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Hollow rivet tail
5 mm
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CFM56-3 AGB Starter Pad Brg Cage Rivet
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Piece of rivet - 0.67 in (17mm)
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No. 2 Bearing nut spirolock
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Wire
1 mm
5 mm
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CFM56-3 AGB starter ball bearing cage
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Piece of rivet
1 mm
1 mm
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Forward sump air/oil separator
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Resin polyamide material (green or brown color)
1 mm
1 mm
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Forward sump abradable
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Phenolic or plastic material (greenish-white color)
1 mm
1 mm
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No. 3 Bearing
Forward Stationary Air Oil Seal
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• PTFE (Teflon®) 1 mm
1 mm
1 mm
1 mm
Representative photos - quantity and appearance may vary
40 mm
32 mm
24 mm
16 mm
8 mm
0
0 1/2” 1” 1-1/2” 2” 2-1/2”
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Epoxy bonding / bushing sleeve / Fwd
Air/Oil seal
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Brown/Reddish
View A-A
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CFM56-2/3 No. 3 Brg Aft Stationary
Air/Oil Seal - Abradable and Fiberglass
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Reddish-Brown Plastic and fibrous debris
• Glass fiber with polyamide
View A-A
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Bearing air/oil seal abradable
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Glass fiber with polyamide material with grooves
• Reddish brown non-metallic
1 mm
1 mm
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AGB or TGB keylock from insert
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Flat piece with castellated portion
1 mm
1 mm
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CFM56-3 TGB roller bearing
crimped retaining ring
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Black, flat curled with machining traces
1 mm 1 mm
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AGB bearing cage rivets
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Rivet heads
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CFM56-2A/B/C Bearing cage and Rivet
of N2 Alternator
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
Representative photo - quantity and appearance may vary
• Rivet heads
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AGB or TGB Sealol seal tangs
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Rectangular tang
• Approximate size: 0.12 x 0.16 x 0.06 in (3 x 4 x 1.5 mm)
1 mm
1 mm
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TGB oil nozzle
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Worn nozzle shown with debris
• Nozzle wear due to vespel nut contact
1 mm
1 mm
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CFM56-3 TGB Ball Bearing Vespel Nut
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Filiform, Brown Debris
• Resin Polyimide
Representative photo - quantity and appearance may vary
slice
TGB
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CFM56-3 TGB Input Bevel Gear Roller
Bearing Cage
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Rectangular Silver Plated
Representative photo - quantity and appearance may vary
1 mm 1 mm
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IGB shims
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Shiny metallic
1 mm
1 mm
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Pins used in Inlet Gear Box Oil Nozzles
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Tapered Hollow Pin
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CFM56-7B No. 3 Brg Support or ball
Bearing spanner nut locker
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Hexagonal nut 1/4 in.
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No. 4 Bearing Outer Race retaining nut
Snap Ring
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Wire
1 mm
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No. 4 Bearing cage crimp
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Flakes
1 mm
1 mm
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Aft air/oil separator honeycomb
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
• Hastelloy X
Appearance
• Pieces of honeycomb can be associated with small aluminum
1 mm
5 mm
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LPT Aft Sump Abradable Coating
Material from Air or Oil Seals
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Grey and Granular
Representative photo - quantity and appearance may vary
1 mm
5 mm
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Oil Inlet Cover Gasket Material
General characteristics
• Graphite Paper with metal lamination
Appearance
• Laminated
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Bearing cage
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
1 mm
1 mm
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Safety cable crimp sleeve/safety wire
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Wire
• Crimping sleeve
1 mm
1 mm
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Shotpeening media
General characteristics
• Magnetic
Appearance
• Spherical steel shotpeen balls
1 mm
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Machining debris
General characteristics
• Magnetic or non-magnetic
Appearance
• Metallic • Irregular
• Reflective • Chips with Anodizing
1 mm
1 mm
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Silver plate
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Metallic • Foil • Irregular
• Reflective • Malleable
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Oil inlet cover
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Metallic • Filiform • Silver shavings
• Reflective • Thread-like
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Carbon (coke)
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Non-metallic • Jagged edges • Oily smell
• Round • Usually black
• Solid • Brittle to hard
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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O-ring (seal or pre-formed packing)
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic, elastomer
Appearance
• Non-metallic • Ragged edges • Brittle to pliable
• Irregular • Dark
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Carbon seal
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Non-metallic • Irregular • Frayed
• Granular • Dark grey to black
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Grit blasting material
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Non-metallic • Quartz-like • Irregular
• Granular • Solid
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Tumbling media
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Non-metallic • Various colors • Size ranges from
• Rounded, triangular, • Hard, smooth a few millimeters
spherical surface to over an inch
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Tube cap
General characteristics
• Non-magnetic
Appearance
• Non-metallic • Various colors • Various
(yellow, red, etc.) deformations
16 mm
12 mm
8 mm
4 mm
0
0 0.25” 0.5” 0.75” 1”
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Definitions
Brittle Easily broken, cracked, or Machine Curl Material formed in a
snapped spiral or winding shape
Chunk A short thick piece or lump Machined Shaped as if by machine or
mill tools
Curls Pieces having a spiral or winding
form Malleable Capable of being extended
or shaped
Coined Stamped
Pliable Supple enough to bend
Dull Lacking brilliance, luster or
without breaking
lightness
Powder Matter in even and fine
Fibrous Capable of being separated particles
into fibers
Reflective Able to throw back light
Filiform Shaped like a filament or thread
Round Edges are roughly equidistant
Flake A thin flattened piece or layer
from the center
Flattened Thin versus length or width Sharp Having a thin edge or fine point
Fraying To wear or separate usually at Shiny Bright in appearance
the edges
Sliver A long slender piece cut or
Fuzz Very fine light particles or fibers torn off
Granular Consisting of uniform particles Solid Uniformly close and coherent
Hard Not easily penetrated texture
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Bearing cross-sections
1 Outer race 4 Rolling element - ball
2 Inner race 5 Cage
3 Rolling element - roller 6 Shoulder
6 4 5
6 5
3
2
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Appendix
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Safe handling of oil
Most lubricants are labeled as potentially harmful when absorbed
through the skin or swallowed. Follow your company’s hazardous
material procedures as well as Oil Manufacturer’s guidance.
CFM56 recommends wearing safety glasses, protective clothing
and gloves when handling oil. Latex, pvc, or rubber gloves should
be powder-free to avoid contamination when taking or preparing
samples for analysis.
Note: Cotton gloves are not recommended as they can
contaminate the sample and do not protect the hands from
contact with oil.
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Turbine jet engine oil identification
This photograph depicts the color of fresh oil for many commonly
used oils.
Note: Reference only. Oil color may change under different
environmental and/or storage conditions.
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Scales
40 mm
30 mm
20 mm
10 mm
0
0 10 mm 20 mm 30 mm 40 mm 50 mm 60 mm 70 mm
40 mm
30 mm
20 mm
10 mm
0
0 .5” 1” 1.5” 2” 2.5” 3”
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