Are you measuring the results of implementing best practices for contamination control? Sometimes when best practices are implemented for contamination control (filtering top-off oil, installation of desiccant breathers, repairing oil leaks, etc.), the results of your efforts are difficult to quantify. Try using this method as a starting point: Take the last 6 results of oil analysis on the 10 most critical hydraulic systems in your facility. Look at the ISO cleanliness codes and decide which size particles (4, 6 or 14 micron) are the most important to exclude in these systems. 
 

In a spreadsheet, track the range of that size particle only and average all 10 to get a baseline number. Improvements in your systems will be evident as future samples are taken and the results averaged. Set a realistic goal of perhaps reducing the average range number by one whole cleanliness code. Post the results so that others may see the subtle, but important improvements of particle exclusion. (Submitted by Michael Lofald, Predictive Maintenance Manager, SAPPI Fine Paper)