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Sources of Sodium

Sources of Sodium
Sources of Sodium Sodium is an indicator of a coolant leak, often in conjunction with potassium and/or boron; these elements are present due to the additives used in many coolant formulations. The presence of these elements alongside detected glycol and water often indicate a severe or bottom-end leak, but the absence of glycol and water…
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Sources of Lithium

Sources of Lithium
Sources of Lithium Lithium is used in the most common form of a thickener system for greases. Generally, trace levels of grease migrating into a lubrication system are not harmful; however, the additives from the grease may create a negative synergy with the additives in the lubricant. Watch for the next article in the Elemental…
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Sources of Boron

Sources of Boron
Sources of Boron Boron is an additive metal commonly used in detergent additives and occurs in some EP or AW additive chemistries. Only when the boron 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.…
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Understanding Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

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 Silicon

Sources of Silicon
Sources of Silicon Silicon is commonly identified as a contaminant, either from dust or dirt, which must be understood to be completely different types of contaminants. Dirt has a different chemical composition than dust, though they both are silicon-based. Dirt is also made up of aluminum, with a ratio of around 3-4 times more silicon…
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What Failed Demulsibility Results Mean

What Failed Demulsibility Results Mean
What Failed Demulsibility Results Mean Demulsibility, or more correctly, water separation, is a measure of a lubricant’s ability to separate from water. Lubricants and water have a natural tendency to separate because most basestock molecules are non-polar, while water molecules are polar and will seek each other out instead of mixing with the basestock. Water…
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