USED OIL ANALYSIS

What tests and why?

Imperial Oil Lubricants and Specialty Products

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What is used oil analysis?

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One component of a preventive maintenance program Evaluates lubricant and equipment condition Monitor wear metals trends Monitor contaminant levels Determine suitability for continued use

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Why do used oil analysis?

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Reduce unscheduled downtime -lost productivity -high cost Balance of lubricant performance vs equipment risk No lubricant can fix mechanical problems or bad maintenance practices

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What tests are required?

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Type and number of tests determined by application -mobile equipment crankcase oils require very different tests than a paper machine bearing lubrication system Consult testing laboratory to ensure correct testing profile for your needs

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Keys to oil sampling

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Representative sample -take while running -same location each time -clean sample point -avoid dead spots -flush sampling port -clean sample container -take upstream of filters Sample identification -product name and grade -unit (specific and consistent) -service on oil and unit -specific concerns

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Kinematic viscosity
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Measured at 40C and/or 100C Determines if oil in grade Equipment manufacturer determines viscosity requirement Critical to ensure maximum lubrication and protection Viscosity can change depending on service environment

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Kinematic viscosity (contd)

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Increase -exposure to oxygen/nitrogen forms varnishes/sludges -mixing with heavier grade oil -sootloading Decrease -mixing with lighter grade oil -shear down of multigrades -fuel dilution

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Factors affecting kinematic viscosity

LUBRICATING ABILITY
NORMAL VISCOSITY OF AN OIL - FUEL - LIGHTER OIL - SHEARING OF - MULTIGRADE - SOOT - HEAVIER OIL - OXIDATION

KINEMATIC VISCOSITY

Metals analysis
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Detects metals from three sources -additives -wear -contaminants Additives -metallic containing additives are blended into finished lubricants -type and quantity vary for given type of oil mixing oil types common cause variation

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Metals analysis
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(contd)

Internal Wear -iron, copper, lead, etc. - component wear -source varies depending on equipment Contaminants -silicon -dirt, seal material, antifoam agents -sodium -engine coolant,

-road salt

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Sediment
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A measure of the solids content Fresh oil has 0% sediment Sources include internal wear metallic debris products of oxidation sludges combustion soot external sources airborne dirt

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Water content
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Water can cause -corrosion -filter plugging -wear (poor lubricant) Quick screener - use hot metal surface Water content may be quantified by Karl Fisher titration industrial oils Distillation engine oils Most common source is lubricant storage

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Total acid number (TAN)

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Measures acidity Fresh oils exhibit some level of acidity Heat, air, combustion increases acidity Significant increases in acid number usually indicate oxidation/degradation Additives add protection but have limits

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Acidity and kinematic viscosity increase over time

FACTORS WHICH AFFECT RELATIONSHIP: -OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND LOAD -SERVICE TIME -MAKEUP RATES -OIL QUALITY

ACIDITY

ACIDITY VISCOSITY TIME

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Total Base Number (TBN)

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Diesel engine applications where sulphur containing fuels are used Byproducts of combustion are acidic in nature Alkaline buffers required to neutralize acids TBN measures remaining buffer

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Glycol testing
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Detects presence of ethylene glycol in crankcase oil Creates an acidic environment aggressive to bearing metals Reduces strength of lubricating film, resulting in metal to metal contact Quickly leads to sludge buildup/seizure

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Interpretation
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Look for inconsistencies in values from fresh product typicals trends over a period of time, snap shot can be misleading abrupt changes in trends Compare with used oil guidelines OEM guidelines / field testing / field experience Rating of oil condition and recommendations

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Questions

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