Spectro Oil

Elemental Analysis ICP Spectrometry

Determination of additive elements, wear metals and contaminants in used lubricating oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Atomic Emission Spectrometry. This test provides a rapid screening of used oil for wear indications.

TAN Total Acid Number

This test describes the measurement of the acidic constituents in oils and is reported in milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram of sample.

Viscosity

This test determines the kinematic viscosities of liquid petroleum products and hydraulic fluids at 40°C and 100°C. The apparatus consists of four calibrated tubes mounted in an oil bath maintained at a constant temperature.

Water by Karl Fischer

This test is used to determine the water content in petroleum products by automatic coulometric Karl Fischer titration, using an oven.

SEM

Debris to be analysed is placed in the SEM and bombarded with electrons which release X rays characteristic of the element that they hit. These X-rays are used to determine the elemental composition of the alloy.

Insolubles by Centrifuge

This is a test for the determination of carbon, wear debris and other particulate matter insoluble in heptane, or toluene in lubricating oils.

NAS 1638 Particle Count

The sample is pumped through a sensor, which counts and sizes the particles. A 100ml of sample is counted and the particles are grouped into various size ranges. The results are assessed against NAS 1638 to give ratings which determine the cleanliness of the fluid.

RULER

This test measures the antioxidants in petroleum products for the determination of remaining useful life. The normal range is 0% - 100%.

Fuel Dilution by Gas Chromatography

This test is used to determine fuel dilution as percentage by weight in lubricating oil.

Neutralisation Number / Titration

This test is used to determine the acidic constituents by colour titration, in petroleum products that are soluble or nearly soluble in mixtures of toluene and isopropyl alcohol. It may also be used to determine basic constituents.

Density or Specific Gravity

The sample is injected into an oscillating tube, the change in its oscillation is directly proportional to the Density of the fluid.

TBN Total Base Number

This test measures the basic constituents in used engine oils and is reported in milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram of sample.

Lovibond Colour

This consists of the visual determination of colour in a variety of petroleum compounds such as lubricating oils, heating oils, diesel fuel oils etc. Results are reported as the colour of the sample and the designation of the glass producing a matching colour. ie 7.5 colour to ASTM 1500.

Oxidation, Nitration, Soot Insolubles, Glycol and Water by FTIR

This test using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) is designed specifically for the analysis of used lubricating oils, to detect the presence of degradation and contamination products, such as oxidation, and nitration products as well as H2O, fuel and Glycol assessment.

Cleveland Open Cup Flash Point

Oil is heated in an open cup and at regular intervals a test flame is applied, until a visible flash is noted. The temperature that the oil flashes at is noted.

PQ or Particle Quantifier

This test determines ferromagnetic debris in used oil samples and to screen samples for further analysis.

Demulsibility

This test measures the ability of oils to separate from a water/oil emulsion.

Water Separability

This test is used to determine the water separability of petroleum products as specified in DIN 51 589 which may come into contact with steam and hot condensation water and are required to separate from the water quickly.