Category Archives: Data Interpretation

Causes of High Oxidation

Causes of High Oxidation While some new oils may produce an oxidation value due to the presence of synthetic esters, increases in oxidation generally represent degradation of the fluid. The biggest driver to oxidation is heat, as the rate of reaction doubles with every 10 °C or 18 °F increase in temperature. This type of…
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Introduction to FTIR Spectroscopy

Introduction to FTIR Spectroscopy Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measures additive depletion, contaminant buildup and base stock degradation in lubricants. This type of analysis complements wear metal and other analyses. The principle of the test is that an infrared absorbance spectrum is acquired by passing an infrared beam through a thin layer of static sample.…
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Report Interpretation Tips

Report Interpretation Tips Proper report interpretation is crucial to the success of an oil analysis program; however, many users struggle to decipher the more than 40 pieces of data included on a routine report. The best procedure is to read the whole report in a methodical order, section by section. The following three tips will…
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Understanding Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

Understanding Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measures additive depletion, contaminant buildup, and base stock degradation in lubricants. This type of analysis complements wear metal and other analyses. The principle of the test is that an infrared absorbance spectrum is acquired by passing an infrared beam through a thin layer of…
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Sources of Zinc

Sources of Zinc Zinc is an additive metal found in all anti-wear (AW) additive packages. Only when the zinc level deviates more than 25% from the new oil or reference value should a concern be raised, but the likeliest cause is mixing or topping off with a different product. The zinc level in AW oils…
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Sources of Phosphorus

Sources of Phosphorus Phosphorus is an additive metal found in all anti-wear (AW) and extreme pressure (EP) additive packages. Only when the phosphorus level deviates more than 25% from the new oil or reference value should a concern be raised, but the likeliest cause is mixing or topping-off with a different product. AW oils can…
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