{"id":5371,"date":"2021-09-27T01:08:04","date_gmt":"2021-09-27T07:08:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/?p=5371"},"modified":"2025-05-30T13:06:17","modified_gmt":"2025-05-30T19:06:17","slug":"oil-analysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/limblecmms.com\/blog\/oil-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Oil Analysis?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oil analysis is the process of testing oil-based lubricants to help determine oil health, contamination, and machine condition and wear.\u00a0 It is an integral part of \u201ctribology\u201d which is the study of <\/span>wear and tear of machinery<\/span><\/a> and is a common element of <\/span>condition-based maintenance<\/span><\/a> programs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oil analysis uses various tools and techniques to reveal the properties of lubricating oil. It is important because the condition of the oil reflects the condition of the machine. It is like a blood test for your machinery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of oil analysis<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are many different types of oil analysis that evaluate a variety of oil characteristics. Each type provides its own insight into equipment health. Here are some of the most common routine tests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viscosity<\/b><\/h3>\n

Viscosity is the most critical characteristic of a lubricant. A reading that is too high or too low can be the symptom \u2013 or the cause \u2013 of various problems.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A sub-optimal viscosity can result from using an incorrect lubricant or contamination from antifreeze or other solvent. Changes in viscosity can lead to problems such as oxidation or thermal stressors.<\/span><\/p>\n

Elemental Analysis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Elemental analysis tests are used to detect specific elements, chemicals, or wear metals that may exist in oil due to machine wear, oil contamination, or additives. This test measures the concentration of elemental metals in oil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This test uses a spectrometer to measure the concentration of specific elements present in an oil. Because the spectrometer can only detect the smallest particles \u2013 typically 5 microns or less \u2013 this type of analysis cannot detect all kinds of contamination.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ferrography<\/b><\/h3>\n

Where elemental analysis falls short, analytical ferrography can fill in. This type of test is used to examine particles, wear debris, and solid contaminants in engine oils without any particle size limitations.<\/span><\/p>\n

A ferrograph is used to apply a magnetic field to the oil, separating and sorting the wear particles from the oil to allow for inspection and further analysis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FTIR<\/b><\/h3>\n

FTIR or \u201cfourier transform infrared\u201d spectroscopy is another efficient way to test for contaminants such as fuel, water, and soot. Infrared lights are applied to oil samples so that particles can be identified and their properties observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Acid number and base number<\/b><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>acid number <\/b>(AN) test is performed by mixing an oil sample with chemical solutions to determine its acidity level. The AN then represents an estimate of the amount of additive depletion, acidic contamination, and oxidation in the oil.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Similarly, the base number is used specifically for combustion engines and represents the ability of the oil to neutralize acids that occur as a result of combustion and oil degradation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Particle Counting<\/b><\/h3>\n

A particle count is a method of testing that uses lights and microscopes to detect particles in all kinds of samples like air, water, and chemicals. In oil and grease, it is used to measure the contamination ratio of oil and determine its suitability for continued use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moisture Analysis<\/b><\/h3>\n

Water contamination in oil can cause accelerated wear and corrosion in machines. To conduct moisture analysis, oil samples are distilled so that any moisture content is vaporized, collected separately, and measured to determine moisture levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why perform oil & grease analysis?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Oil analysis reveals important information about the health of a machine without the need to cut open, destroy, or disassemble it. In this way, oil analysis is similar to other forms of <\/span>non-destructive testing (NDT)<\/span>. It provides useful information on the condition of the machine without having to damage the machine in the process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When combined with other test methods, maintenance teams can gather enough information to plan and perform corrective maintenance. In the end, incorporating regular oil and grease testing can provide many benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n