Oil analysis term for a sample point in turbulent, flowing oil downstream of the parts being monitored and upstream of the filter, such as a return line before the reservoir. A live-zone sample shows what is happening inside the machine while it runs. Dead zones, like the bottom of a sump or the drain plug, collect settled debris and water and give misleading results.
Stop pulling samples off the drain plug, put a valve in the return line so we're sampling the live zone.
Also heard as
- live zone sampling
Related terms
Oil analysis
Lab testing of in-service oil samples to judge oil condition, contamination and machine wear.
Particle count
Count of solid particles per volume of oil, sorted by size, used to track dirt and wear debris.
Mag plug
Magnetic drain plug that collects ferrous wear debris and is checked at oil changes as a quick wear gauge.