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Technical Bulletin #1
What is the Meaning of the PQ Index?

“PQ” stands for Particle Quantification (not to be confused with Particle Counting which is a completely different test). The PQ Index
is a relative measurement of the total Ferrous (Iron) metal content of your oil regardless of the size or shape of the debris by means
of detection by a magnetic field. The higher the PQ index reading in a sample the higher the total concentration of ferrous material
generally associated with wear.

So why does ALS measure iron using two tests (PQ Index and Wear Metals - Iron)? This is done because these two tests provide
us with different information about your sample. The spectroscopic wear metal measurement of Iron only detects the iron that is
suspended in your oil with a particle size of 10 microns (micrometers) or less. The larger the size of the iron particle, the less total
mass that is detected. This test gives us a very accurate concentration measurement, in ppm (parts per million), of iron particles that
may be contributing to wear or the product of wear. The PQ Index gives a measurement of the total relative concentration of ferrous
material. This test will pick up the presence of larger iron particles, such as a gear tooth or slivers, which would not be completely
detected by a spectroscopic iron measurement.

PQ Index data can also help determine overall size concentration of iron particles. Low iron test results and a high PQI would indicate
overall particles are large (>20 micron). High iron test results and a low PQI would indicate overall particles are small (<10 micron). If
iron and PQI results are at relatively the same concentration then it usually indicates overall size range of particles is small. Seeing a
test report with low iron test results and a high PQI, indicating overall large particles, can also predict accelerated wear or impending
catastrophic wear, especially if there is a sudden upswing in the trend analysis.

The PQ Index is an excellent trending tool and can also be used to screen for samples that may require further, more detailed,
investigation. The amount of ferrous particles generated varies from component to component, depending on equipment design. As
an example, a compressor will have lower iron concentration in the oil, thus a lower limit PQ Index reading than a gearbox. Please
be aware that benchmark values for the PQ Index test are being continually reassessed for suitability and may change from time to
time.

If you require any assistance with instructions on taking your sample or understanding the analysis report that you receive from ALS
Tribology, feel free to contact the ALS Tribology laboratory site nearest you.

RIGHT SOLUTIONS | RIGHT PARTNER

FEB 2015
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Global Tribology Locations

Australia Chile United States
Brisbane—Laboratory Santiago—Laboratory Atlanta, Georgia—Laboratory
26 Shad Street Av. Américo Vespucio 2760-H Conchalí 3121 Presidential Drive
Stafford, Queensland 4053 Centro Empresas El Cortijo Altanta, GA 30340
+61 7 3326 6300 Santiago, Chile +1 770 454 8000
+ 56 2 24069770
Perth—Laboratory Cleveland Technical Center—Laboratory
109 Bannister Road Czech Republic 6180 Halle Drive, Suite D
Canning Vale Prague—Laboratory Valley View, OH 44125
Western Australia 6155 +1 216 674 4600
Na Harfe 336/9
+61 8 9232 0400
190 00 Prague 9,
Houston, Texas—Sales & Marketing
Sydney—Laboratory Prague, Czech Republic
10450 Stancliff Road, Suite 210
2/171-175 Newton Road +420 284 081 575
Houston, TX 77099
Wetherill Park
NSW 2164 Malaysia +1 281 599 1242
+61 2 8786 3150 Kuala Lumpur—Laboratory Kansas City, Kansas—Laboratory
9 Jalan Astaka, U8/84, Section U8, 935 Sunshine Road
Muswellbrook—Laboratory
Bukit Jelutong Kansas City, KS 66115
Unit 2, Lot 6 Industrial Close
Shah Alam
Muswellbrook +1 913 281 9881
Kuala Lumpur 40150
NSW 2333
+603 7845 8257 Phoenix, Arizona—Laboratory
+61 2 6542 2423
3319 West Earll Drive
Brazil New Zealand Phoenix, AZ 85017
Sao Paulo—Laboratory Wellington—Laboratory +1 602 253 6515
Rua Tupinambás, 918 74 Seaview Road
Lower Hutt Portland, Oregon—Laboratory
Vila Conceição - Diadema - SP
CEP: 09991-090 Wellington, New Zealand 4943 NW Front Avenue
+55 11 5070 1193 +64 04 586 6202 Portland, OR 97210
+1 503 286 9845
Canada
Singapore Reno, Nevada—Laboratory
Burlington, Ontario—Laboratory
Singapore—Laboratory 1375 Greg Street, Suite 104
1240 Burloak Drive, Unit 6
14 Little Road, #07-01 & #08-01 Sparks, NV 89431
Burlington, ON L7L 6B3
Tropical Industrial Building +1 775 358 3869
+1 905 332 9559
Singapore 536987
Edmonton, Alberta—Laboratory +65 6283 9268
10717-176 Street
Edmonton, AB T5S 1K1
+1 780 483 1036

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