Spectro Oil
Condition Monitoring Excellence
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HYDRAULIC FLUID ANALYSIS TESTS
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 measures 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.
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.
Conductivity
This test determines electrical conductivity of hydraulic or similar fluids using a null indicating potentiometer.
Water test by Crackle
This test determines the presence of water in new or used oils. Confirmation of the amount of water may be determined by other methods.
Visual Appearance
This test is used to describe the visual appearance of petroleum products in terms of clarity, brightness and free water.
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.
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.
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.
Particle Count ISO 4406 - 1999 - 3 codes
The sample is pumped through a sensor, using a syringe attached to a Screw Thread Device (STD) which counts and sizes the particles. One ml of sample is counted repetively until stable results are achieved. The results are assessed against NAS 1638 or ISO 4406 to give ratings which determine the cleanliness of the fluid.
Oxidation and Water by FTIR
This test using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, (FTIR), is designed specifically for the analysis of used oils, to detect the presence of degradation and contamination products, such as oxidation and water.
Pentane Insolubles
This test measures pentane insolubles in used fuels. The results are reported as % weight pentane insolubles at x microns (where x = pore size of filter used).
