Direct Reading Ferrograph

Direct Reading Ferrograph – QualiFG™ DRF Applications

• Machine system wear monitoring: QualiFG™ DRF is suitable for trend-based wear monitoring where the goal is to establish a baseline and track changes in wear intensity over time. This supports faster decisions around inspection timing, filtration issues, abnormal operating conditions, and maintenance planning.
• Lubricating oil evaluation: this Direct Reading Ferrograph can be used for quantitative evaluation of lubricating oil in machine systems after oil changes, repairs, or operating-condition shifts. The numeric reading provides a quick screening result without requiring full microscopic review for every sample.
• Gearbox ferromagnetic wear evaluation: QualiFG™ DRF is also suited for gearbox wear screening, especially when rising ferrous debris may indicate tooth distress, bearing wear, or abnormal abrasive conditions. A sharp increase in direct-reading values can be used as the trigger for follow-up analytical ferrography and microscopy.
• Residual assessment of bearing and gearbox oils: The instrument can also support post-maintenance verification by checking whether residual ferromagnetic debris is stabilizing after corrective action. This makes it useful for confirming whether a repair has reduced active wear.

Standards

Direct reading ferrography is typically used within broader condition monitoring and wear debris analysis programs. These international references are commonly used to structure reporting and follow-up analysis:

• ISO 17359: General guidelines for setting up a condition monitoring program, including tribology and contamination parameters.
• ASTM D7690: Practice for microscopic characterization of particles on ferrograms by analytical ferrography, often used when DR results indicate abnormal wear.
• ASTM D7684: Guide for classification and reporting of particulate debris by microscopy, supporting consistent terminology and interpretation.