OIL ANALYSIS TESTS

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.

The combustion process can form various oxides and nitrogen products. These build up in the oil and can be determined by superimposing the new and used oil from reference spectra, using Fourier Transformed Infrared. These measurements determine the suitability of the oil for continued service and can give an indication of combustion efficiency in the engine. Oxidation: Oil can combine with oxygen to form aggressive by-products. Heat, pressure and wear metals can accelerate this process leading to deposits, corrosion, lacquering or thickening of the oil. Nitration: This test measures the products of combustion combining with the lubrication oil during normal operation or through blow-by. These products can be acidic. Soot Insolubles:Soot or carbon particles can change viscosity and choke filters. Increase in soot can indicate poor filtering or combustion.

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