ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES

LABORATORY INSTRUMENTATION

1. AE and FTIR Spectroscopy

The Atomic Emission (AE) Spectrometer determines the level of wear metals and contaminants in used lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectrometer is used to identify organic materials by measuring the absorption of various infrared light wavelengths by the material of interest.

2. Viscometry

The kinematic viscosity of a fluid is determined by measuring the time for a volume of liquid to flow under gravity through a calibrated Zeitfuchs cross arm glass capillary tube suspended in a water or oil bath, maintained at a constant temperature of 100C or 40C.

3. Moisture Titration

The volumetric water content of used lubricating oil is determined by Karl Fischer titration.

4. Acid and Base Titration

The Automatic Potentiometric Titrator (Karl Fischer) is used for the determination of the concentration of a liquid or solid by titration method. This allows for the measurement of acidic and basic constituents of the fluid. From this it can be determined whether the additive system is still capable of neutralizing acid residues.

5. Reserve Alkalinity Titration

The Automatic Potentiometric Titrator is also used for the determination of the effectiveness and remaining life of a coolant, based on additive degradation and contamination.

6. ISO Cleanliness

A fluid contamination comparitor is used to estimate the amount and type of solid contamination in a hydraulic oil or lubricating oil. ISO Cleanliness Codes are given using the revised ISO 4406 (FDIS) procedure for reporting fluid cleanliness measurements resulting from APC's calibrated with the new NIST traceable method.

7. LMOA Pentane Insolubles

A filtration procedure, in accordance with the LMOA Fuels, Lubricants and Environmental Committee Standard Insolubles Test Method Revision 3, is used for the determination of coagulated pentane insolubles in used lubricating oils.

THE OIL-PLUS™ SYSTEM

For an overview of the automated machinery oil analysis program click here.

EXPERT SYSTEM

To review the purpose and objectives of trend analysis click here.