OIL ANALYSIS TESTS

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.

The Total Base Number (TBN) is a measure of the alkalinity of the oil. It is a measure of the effective additive content and thus reflects the oil’s detergent, dispersant, and anti-rust properties. The engine manufacturer normally specifies the minimum acceptable TBN. A significant decrease may be caused by excessive degradation, a change in the Sulphur content of the fuel or by top-up with a different oil. The TBN is measured using potentiometric titration.

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