Tag Archives: Elemental Spectroscopy

Sources of Chromium Chromium is a wear metal found in the coating of parts like valves, rods, rings, and bearings. Typically, increasing levels of chromium, and possibly nickel, disproportional with iron, indicate coating wear, whereas proportional increases suggest steel alloy wear. One form of proportional chromium and iron increase may arise from non-wearing parts made…

Sources of Molybdenum Molybdenum is an additive metal commonly used in friction modifier additives. Only when the molybdenum 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. This type of friction modifier is found in…

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…

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.…

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…

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…