Items filtered by date: Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Did you know? When you complete Mobius reliability solutions training courses at WearCheck, you can now earn CPD (continuing professional development) points – this was recently approved by the South African Institute for Mechanical Engineers (SAIMechE).

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), in agreement with international engineering bodies, stipulates that South African engineering professionals must undertake CPD activities to keep abreast of expert knowledge, to demonstrate competence and to renew professional registration.

WearCheck is an accredited training partner for the internationally-acclaimed Mobius Institute, and has run condition monitoring courses since 2015.

The SAIMechE has approved the following WearCheck courses for CPD points:

WearCheck’s Mobius trainer Dennis Swanepoel, who was among the first on the continent to complete his Vibration ISO CAT IV certification, is a qualified mechanical technician and has more than 20 years’ experience in the reliability improvement field.

Says Swanepoel, ‘For a plant to operate at maximum reliability, it takes competent and well-trained technicians who apply their world class knowledge and skills. WearCheck’s training courses can enhance staff competency to boost the bottom line of the business.’

Mobius training is internationally acclaimed as the standard for reliability solutions technicians, and the courses are run by WearCheck on demand.

To book a Mobius training course and get cost information, please contact Christene on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call WearCheck Johannesburg on (011) 392-6322. Please visit http://www.wearcheck.co.za/training/mobius-training for schedules.

QUESTION: How does a Group III engine oil compare to a Group IV in its cleaning ability?

I have read and understood the potential problems of switching a higher mileage engine from a conventional oil to a synthetic PAO, but is there less inherent risk with switching to a Group III? From my understanding esters act more like a solvent (more aggressive, I assume) and detergents and dispersants more or less attach themselves to sludge and other contaminants and carry it away in that form.

ANSWER: Most engine oils are now formulated with Group II (hydrotreated) or a mixture of Group I (conventional mineral oil) and Group II base oils to meet the latest API gasoline (SM) and diesel (CJ-4) performance designations. Because Group III and Group IV (PAO) base oils are both considered synthetics (since 1999), any oil labelled as a full synthetic, would contain either Group III or PAO, or both.

Any oil labelled as a partial synthetic or semi synthetic or synthetic blend would contain Group I or Group II (mineral oil) plus some amount of Group III or PAO (synthetic). There are no designations for us, as end-users, to know what specific base oils the oil formulator has used, so your question is a bit academic in nature. We would never know if we were purchasing a Group III engine oil vs. a Group IV (PAO) engine oil. But, from an academic point of view, I would expect the cleaning ability of a Group III and a PAO to be similar (generally poor). Again, academically, I would expect less risk of seal issues etc. when switching from a Group III (as opposed to a Group I) to a PAO, as the Group III and PAO are chemically similar. Ester synthetics have a higher degree of solvency than Group II, III or PAO base oils. This means they will dissolve additives and deposits more readily and may cause some seals to swell slightly (they also can remove some paints). These characteristics (not the paint removal) can be beneficial and some oil formulators will add some small amounts of ester base oils into their synthetic (Group III and PAO) formulations to improve these characteristics. - Courtesy of Noria Corporation

Do you understand the intricacies of PQI? Did you know that the test for illuminating paraffin contamination in diesel is quick and easy? and that you can now earn CPD points with WearCheck training?

The latest issue of Monitor has more details on these topical issues, as well as plenty more - such as WearCheck’s “greening” practices, a useful lube tip, the launch of a new laboratory, news of some amazing staff achievements including 2 million samples diagnosed by one person, and 40 years at the company.

To have a read of the latest issue of Monitor – simply click on this link: http://www.wearcheck.co.za/shared/WearCheck%20Monitor%2077.pdf

Calling all Electra Mining 2018 guests - would you like to win one of these awesome WearCheck hampers valued at over R1000? Of course you would! To stand a chance of winning, visit WearCheck at stand #K10, Hall 6 and pick up a free key. You then try your key in the padlock. If it unlocks the treasure chest, BINGO! You’re the lucky winner of the day, and you get to take your loot home with you.

We are giving away a treasure chest every day during Electra Mining, so head on over to the WearCheck stand to try your luck.

Join us at Electra Mining 2018.

Electra Mining – Africa’s largest mining, industrial, construction and electrical trade show takes place from 10 – 14 September 2018 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.

Come and learn more about oil analysis and the latest condition monitoring techniques, and how our services can provide you with an outstanding return on investment!

Our technical and sales teams will be on hand to offer you advice in Hall 6 Stand K10.

Click here to register online for your complimentary entrance http://www.tisevents.co.za/Event/EMA/Default.aspx?id=3620

WearCheck’s newest laboratory is officially open in southern Namibia, bringing to 16 the number of laboratories that we operate in nine countries around Africa and beyond.

Situated at Skorpion Zinc mine near Rosh Pinah, the new lab is strategically placed to answer a growing call for world class condition monitoring services in the region, particularly in the burgeoning mining and construction industries.

The lab is open to any industry requiring used oil analysis and other reliability solutions services.  It is fully equipped with the latest instruments and technology and is backed by its own uninterrupted power supply. To enable maintenance managers to make quick decisions, the lab offers 24-hour sample turnaround time.

A second Namibian WearCheck laboratory has provided condition monitoring services to the Husab Uranium Project since 2016.  Swakop Uranium, owners of the mining operation, awarded WearCheck a contract to supply and operate an on-site laboratory.

WearCheck MD Neil Robinson is determined to make world class condition monitoring services as accessible as possible to industrial operations on the African continent. ‘The learning curve for equipping and operating a remote laboratory has been a steep one, however every project is a learning experience and with each new laboratory, the implementation process is bettered.

‘As industry needs evolve, we are constantly redesigning our labs to present reliability solutions in areas which previously seemed almost impossible to imagine having a world-class laboratory present.’

Offering a wide range of condition monitoring services for the mining sector - including used oil analysis - WearCheck Namibia is available for use by other industries, such as quarrying, industrial, transport, power generation and shipping operations.

In addition to two in Namibia, WearCheck’s labs can be found in South Africa (six), Zambia (two) and one each in Zimbabwe, DRC, Mozambique, Ghana, Dubai and India.

WearCheck Namibia is situated at Skorpion Zinc mine site, about 25km north of the town of Rosh Pinah and can be contacted via email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone +264 81 229-6926.

WearCheck Namibia is open for business! Laboratory manager Leandra Smith is standing by to process used oil samples and other condition monitoring services for industrial operations in the southern Namibia region.

The instruments for WearCheck’s newest laboratory are carefully packed and secured before transportation from Durban to Namibia. Diagnostic manager John Evans (left) and laboratory manager Meshach Govender conduct a final inspection before the boxes left Durban.

Dennis Swanepoel of WearCheck’s reliability solutions division in Johannesburg was invited to present two papers to delegates in Antwerp, Belgium, who were attending the latest IMVAC (International Machine Vibration Analysis and Condition Monitoring Conference) this month.

WearCheck MD Neil Robinson says the company is proud of Dennis. ‘When our technicians gain international recognition in professional circles, it reinforces our position as global leaders in the condition monitoring arena.  It is a real honour for Dennis to have been invited to present at IMVAC – well done Dennis!’

Dennis’s first paper, titled ‘Tried and Tested Tube Mill Monitoring’, focused on tube mills used for coal milling in the power generation industry.

In a mill, the drive train typically consists of a motor (>2MW), a gearbox (>8ton) and a girth gear(>7meter), all driving a tube mill with a >70ton ball load. Power generation losses typically amount to 135MW if the mill is shut down unexpectedly.

With more than 10 years of experience in the field of tube milling applications, Dennis was able to discuss various special methods in the fields of oil analysis, vibration analysis, advanced signal processing, operational deflection shape analysis, thermal analysis and operational visual inspections.

Paper two was called ‘Is Video Amplification Real?’ The analysis of two case studies was discussed, where video amplification was used, and this data was then compared to traditional operational deflection shape analysis.

Examining the two cases, a correlation between the two technologies was evident, and the different merits of each technology was discussed.

Dennis elaborates, ‘I shared all my experience obtained during the data collection processes, to help other aspiring condition monitoring technicians know what to expect, and how to make an informed choice of technology to address specific condition monitoring problems. ‘

Caption: Dennis Swanepoel of WearCheck’s reliability solutions division was invited to present two papers to delegates at IMVAC in Belgium last week.

Customers in many corners of Africa have signed up for WearCheck training recently, to enhance their investment in their condition monitoring programme.

Technical manager Steven Lumley conducted training for engine manufacturer Cummins recently.

The training for Cummins, which took place at the Cummins South Africa training facility in Johannesburg, was customised especially for the customer.  Topics included an introduction to oils, additives, application storage, the tests performed and the relevance of each one, and well as the interpretation of test results.

Cummins develops engines for specialist applications such as on highway, off highway and marine. Engaging the best possible methods for keeping the engines running at optimum output is of great value, therefore WearCheck training is an important part of the maintenance strategy.

A team from engine manufacturers Cummins recently underwent condition monitoring training by WearCheck’s technical manager Steven Lumley (third from left)

You talk…we listen! WearCheck’s annual customer survey closes 31 August. We truly value your feedback - your answers and suggestions are used to improve our service offering to ensure we are meeting our customers’ needs.

This year the survey is very fast - it only takes two minutes to complete. All respondents will be entered into a lucky draw for a cash prize.*

The questionnaire is available at https://online.wearcheck.co.za/PRODUCTION/anon/survey.aspx/

*Terms and conditions apply. No WearCheck staff or their families may enter the competition. Only current WearCheck customers may win the prize. The judges’ decision is final. Winners will be notified during the first week of September 2018 after the survey closes.

WearCheck TCS Senior Laboratory Technician
Cape Town

Main Job Functions:

• Responsible for the Laboratory operation, focusing on efficiencies, to achieve the Company’s strategic and operational objectives.
• Responsible for ensuring that the branch meets its goals and objectives in a timely manner.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum Education – Completed tertiary qualification in Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Technology or similar.
• 5 years of professional experience in an Analytical Chemistry Laboratory or similar position, preferably in the diagnostic testing of insulating materials used in high-voltage electrical equipment.
• Working knowledge of SANAS 17025.
• Intermediate Microsoft skills.
• Knowledge and experience of IEC and related Standards for diagnostic reporting.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, must be a team player, and show proven leadership ability.
• Must have time and change management skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Calibration, operation and Primary maintenance on the following Analytical Chemistry Techniques, Gas and Liquid Chromatography, Coulometry, Electro Chemistry and Physical(Electrical) testing techniques of Insulating materials.
• Ensure all laboratory analytical testing and calibration is planned and performed accurately in accordance to work instructions as well as procedures
• Guarantee that the evaluation, reporting and interpretation of test results are accurately reported to customers according to the requirements by following recognised analytical standards, including the responsibilities of a technical signatory in accordance with SANAS 17025.
• Must be deemed competent and authorised to perform all calibration, test methods as well as utilization of all laboratory equipment.
• Manage consumables and ensuring that laboratory consumables are organised and stored according to safety instructions.
• Set daily/weekly/monthly objectives and communicate them to personnel.
• Manage the safe use of equipment and schedule regular maintenance in-line with the planned maintenance program.
• Train new employees on the safe use of laboratory equipment and accurately follow procedures.
• Manage the reliability and availability of all Laboratory equipment by checking processes and final output
• Sample registration and data capture in accordance with internal procedures.

Availability: The successful candidate must be available to start as soon as possible.

Only CV’s sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. will be considered.

Applications close on 10th August 2018. If you have not received a response by 17th August 2018, please consider your application as being unsuccessful.