Oil Analysis consists of a number of tests to monitor the rates of wear, contaminants, and additives in used oil. Contaminants include dirt, water, glycol, and fuel.

Oil Analysis not only provides a window into the mechanical condition of the component, but also determines the condition of the oil itself to help optimize drain periods.

It helps to determine maintenance strategies such as filter quality and efficiency. 

Maintenance Strategies

Predictive (Condition Based) Maintenance

• Provides early warning signs of failure.
• Monitors condition of equipment and lubricant, reduces unscheduled downtime, and can be used to determine optimum oil drain periods.
• Is beneficial in reducing insurance costs.

Proactive Maintenance

• Identifies root causes of failures, monitors contaminants and identifies possible sources.
• Eliminating the source of contamination results in longer equipment life and identifies minor problems before they become major failures.
• Protects warranties by identifying problems prior to warranty expiration.

Standard Tests Used (ASTM Methods)

• Element Detection - using ICP (Inductive Coupled Plasma) 24 elements are scanned and identified.
• Viscosity - determined at 40 degrees Celcius and 100 degrees Celcius.
• Glycol Detection - determined by elemental analysis and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red Analysis).
• Water Detection - Crackle Test, Karl Fischer, and FTIR.
• Fuel Dilution - Viscosity, FTIR, Flash Point, GC.
• Soot Levels - FTIR.
• Oil Degradation - FTIR, BN (Base Number) and AN (Acid Number) and RPVOT.
• Particle Size Distribution of Contaminants - I.S.O. Particle Count in both 4406:1999 and 11171:2000.

 Analyzing oil samples is done to monitor three conditions in lubricated machinery:

• To monitor the condition of the machine itself by analyzing the source and type of the wear particles in the oil sample.
• To compare the chemical and physical properties of the oil (or grease), such as oxidation and additive levels, viscosity, acid number and others with appropriate specifications, in order to determine if the lubricant quality remains satisfactory for continued service.
• To monitor the levels of contaminants in the oil, such as unwanted process fluids, fuel or coolant dilution, water or dirt, which may be detrimental to the oil itself, or to the reliable operation of the machinery.