Sample Types

The Kinematic viscosity of a fluid is its resistance to flow under gravitational forces. The Viscosity of lubricating oil is typically analysed at 40°c for routine monitoring. If the Viscosity Index is required the oil will be analysed at 40°c and 100°c.

The viscosity result of the oil is an indicator for incorrect oil grade, possible contamination or degradation all of which will lead to wear if not rectified.

Elemental analysis allows us to quantify the levels of 25 different elements using our OES-ICP. The elements analysed allow us to identify and evaluate wear elements, contamination elements and additive levels.

The AN allows us to monitor the acidity of the oil, increases can be caused by a number of factors such as thermal degradation, oxidation, contamination etc.

We have three methods for water detection. We can provide water results as a %, ppm or mg/kg. Whether you are monitoring the levels of your fire resistant fluids or monitoring critical assets which are affected by water, we have the test.

BN measures the alkalinity of the oil, which is proportional to the amount of detergent additives in the oil. The detergent additive helps keep assets clean and neutralises any acids within the oil.

This type of analysis can help identify mechanical issues that can potentially lead to cooling system failures.

Utilising two types of test strips, many parameters can be measured including Freeze point, pH and Nitrites that can determine the condition of your coolant. Along with elemental analysis, which can identify any wear/corrosion within the system.

Flashpoint allows the temperature at which oil vapors will combust to be identified, keeping industries safe and within standards.

Particle counts allows analysts to determine the cleanliness of the lubricant. ISO4406 & 4407 can both be carried out to allow even glycols and water-based lubricants to be analysed. Our laser particle counter also allows us to analyse the morphology of the particles.

Infrared is a spectroscopy technique which looks at the molecular bonding within the oil’s structure by utilising the fact that each unique bond has a specific infrared frequency at which they absorb energy. This allows us to evaluate the lubricant as a whole on one spectrum, identifying contaminants, oxidation levels and much more.

TIM is a measure of soot and oxidation products in engine oils. The results can give an indication of poor combustion and also provide a measure of the oils discrepancy capabilities (additives in engine oil are designed to disperse soot and prevent coagulation, which would reduce lubrication properties and potentially block filters).

Bacterial growth produces organic acids as a by-product which can attack internal surfaces, components and seals. Microbial contamination of certain circulating systems (such as steam turbines or fuel systems) must be kept to a minimum in order to prevent biocidal mats/bacterial sludge’s from forming.

FW measure the amount of ferrous debris within a sample using a magnetic field. This test allows us to identify the number of ferrous particles too big to be analysed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) instrument.