Oil contamination is a leading cause of industrial equipment failure, driving wear, downtime, and maintenance costs. Cleanliness is defined by particle levels and measured using ISO 4406 standards. Contamination originates from both external sources (dirt, dust) and internal wear. Effective control requires accurate sampling, setting target cleanliness levels based on the most sensitive components, and applying proper filtration strategies. Best practices include controlled storage, sealed handling, filtered dispensing, and regular oil analysis. A structured lubrication program that minimizes contamination ingress significantly improves equipment life, reduces costs, and enhances operational reliability.

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