Can you identify this type of wear? Analytical Ferrography allows analysts to visually examine wear particles present in a sample. A trained analyst visually determines the type and severity of wear deposited onto the substrate by using a high magnification microscope. The particles are readily identified and classified according to size, shape, and metallurgy. The…
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Understanding Elemental Spectroscopy
Understanding Elemental Spectroscopy A wealth of information is available on your oil analysis report about wear behavior, contaminants entering the system, and the service needed. As you read your oil analysis report, ask yourself what all the data means. Ask yourself other questions like: Where is contaminant debris coming from in this unit? What am…
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Testing the Reserve Alkalinity: Base Number
Testing the Reserve Alkalinity: Base Number Base Number (BN) testing is very similar to AN testing, except that the properties are reversed. The sample is titrated with an acidic solution to measure the oil’s alkaline reserve. ASTM test methods D-2896 or D-4739 are most commonly used to measure BN. Measuring the BN can help ensure…
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Gauging Acidity: Acid Number
Gauging Acidity: Acid Number Acid Number (AN) is an indicator of oil serviceability. It is useful in monitoring acid build-up in oils due to the depletion of antioxidants. Oil oxidation causes acidic byproducts to form. High acid levels can indicate excessive oil oxidation or depletion of the oil additives and can lead to corrosion of…
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Karl Fischer Water Test: Quantifies the Amount of Water
Quantifying the Amount of Water: Karl Fischer Water Test If a crackle test is positive, further testing is needed in the form of the Karl Fischer Water Test. The Karl Fischer coulometric moisture test is a series of chemical reactions discovered in 1935 by the German chemist Karl Fischer. This method analyzes water in the…
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Keeping An Eye On Additives
Keeping An Eye On Additives Monitoring the additive levels provides information to ensure that the proper lubricant is being used for the application and for topping off. Generally, four types of lubricants are used inmost industrial applications, and each has different additive levels. Note that an oil’s level of additives measured by spectroscopy isn’t necessarily…
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