Condition Monitoring Tests and Protocols

Lubricant, Fuel and Coolant Testing

• Wear Metals - analysed to detect abnormal wear in any lubricated compartment. Routine wear metals are iron, lead, copper, chromium, aluminium, nickel, tin (other elements available on request).
• Additives - monitored to detect additive depletion or the possibility of mixed or incorrect oil types. Common additive elements are calcium, zinc, magnesium, molybdenum (other elements available on request).
• Contaminants - can be hazardous to any piece of machinery. Early detection of dirt or water entry, excess soot in engines, internal cooling system leaks and fuel dilution will save on costly repair bills.
• Kinematic Viscosity - determined to ensure the correct grade of oil is used and to indicate oxidation, contamination, mixed or incorrect oils. Viscosity @ 40°C and 100°C available. Viscosity at both temperatures can be used to calculate the oil viscosity index.
• Flash Point - used to determine contamination by light fluids such as diesel or petrol and to ensure the flash point remains within the manufacturer's specifications.
• Acid Number - a measure of base required to neutralize acids (oxidation by-products) in oil. Used to monitor the levels of anti-oxidant additives and oxidation of lube oils.
• Base Number - a measure of the alkaline reserve or the oil's ability to neutralize acids from the combustion process. Severe depletion results in acid corrosion and fouling within the engine.
• Colour Index (ASTM D1500-98).
• Particle Counting - to monitor the cleanliness of circulating oils. ISO 4406:1987(E) or NAS 1638, particle sizes from 5-400 micron.
• Direct Reading Ferrography - a measure of the bulk ferrous content. Trends the relative concentrations of wear particles in two ranges; 1-5 micron and greater than 5 micron, allowing the early detection of abnormal wear conditions.
• Wear Debris Analysis (Ferrography, Filtergram and Scanning Electron Microscopy) - characterisation of particles in a lubricant. Allows characterisation of metal types (particle sizes and wear modes) and any contaminants that may be present. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) can provide compositional analysis of any metals or contaminants detected.
• Oxidation, Sulphation, and Nitration By Products - analysed to determine the levels of by-products of oil oxidation, degradation and combustion.
• RBOT (ASTM D2274) - a measure of the oxidation stability of in-service and new turbine oils.
• LMOA - a measure of insoluble material (eg. pentane insolubles) in engine oils, formed by combustion, oxidation/degradation, contamination and wear.
• Microbiological Testing of Diesel Fuel - performed to detect biological contamination in diesel fuels.
• Coolant Analysis - carried out to monitor the condition and service ability of coolants. Available tests include pH, sodium chloride, sodium nitrite, conductivity, total dissolved solids, glycol content, molybdenate, borate plus a wide range of elemental analyses as required.
• Grease Analysis - an acid digestion process is used to ensure complete breakdown of greases and any wear metals and contaminants.