Oil analysis is an important part of the process of testing and refining. Many factors can affect the results of a test and the quality of the end product. Using a few tools can make the job easier. These include Viscosity, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and FTIR spectroscopy.
Viscosity analysis
Oil viscosity is one of the most important parameters to monitor in lubrication systems. It can impact fuel efficiency and equipment life. Choosing the right oil for the job is key to reducing the risk of expensive repairs.
A higher viscosity can help minimize wear and reduce oil consumption. For instance, a thicker oil helps minimize friction between engine parts and the vehicle, especially in cold climates. Higher VI oils also offer greater operating ranges at a variety of temperatures.
Viscosity is measured in centistokes (cSt) or meters per second (mm2/s). Oils are classified according to their viscosity index (VI) value. The VI ranges from 90 to 105, with high-quality mineral oils having a VI of 100.
Kinematic viscosity is the most common method of measuring oil viscosity. It measures the time it takes for a capillary tube to flow through the oil. This method is based on the Hagen-Poiseuille principle of capillary flow.
Another method of analyzing oil is by FT-IR spectroscopy. Using this method, it is possible to determine oxidation values in oil.
Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) spectroscopy
ICP spectroscopy is a great tool for oil analysis. It provides accurate and reliable results. This method is easy to apply and helps to identify heavy metals and contaminants in the oil.
ICP spectroscopy is also a useful tool for fat and grease analysis. It is a simple and fast technique for simultaneous trace element determination. The ICP method has a dynamical linear range, making it suitable for multiple-element determination.
For this study, the Avio 500 ICP-OES was used to perform simultaneous analysis of in-service oils. A total of 332 samples were analyzed within six hours. An external calibration curve was created from 75 centistoke base oil, diluted to appropriate concentrations.
A high temperature source is required to fully dissociate organo-metallic compounds. This allows for full handling of complex organic matrix. To maximize sample throughput, the ICP-OES was paired with the ASXpress Rapid Sample Introduction System.
The ASXpress system uses valve-and-loop technology, which is ideal for increasing sample throughput. In addition, the system includes a valve and a valve-and-loop nebulizer, which are highly resistant to clogging.
FTIR spectroscopy
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis for oil provides a rapid and accurate method for determining whether an oil sample has been diluted or degraded. In addition to detecting degradation byproducts, it can also be used to determine whether an oil sample has undergone accidental mixing.
A total of 60 oils from four European countries were analyzed. The spectra were obtained using a Shimadzu IRPrestige-21 with a potassium bromide (KBr) detector as a beam splitter.
FTIR is known for its specificity and flexibility. It is used for a variety of applications in the chemical and food industries, as well as in clinical settings. However, precise assignment of bands to functional groups is a challenging task.
The FT-IR spectra of the samples were obtained by collecting 40 scans with a resolution of four cm-1. Each spectrum was subtracted from the reference spectrum of air. To reduce the dimensionality of the data sets, the PCs were normalized.
Results showed that a significant amount of information could be extracted from the FT-IR spectra. Five clusters were identified from the spectral measurements. These clusters were identified based on their fatty acid composition.
X-ray fluorescence machine (XRF)
X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) is a powerful analytical method. It is a versatile technique for determining the elemental content of a variety of materials. XRF can be used to detect heavy metals, trace elements, and even insoluble residues.
XRF analyzers come in many different models. They can be either handheld or benchtop. These instruments offer a wide range of applications, including metal alloy identification, coating weight and thickness, and even PMI.
XRF is a non-destructive analytical method. However, it requires a proper calibration standard. Fortunately, modern computer programs are available that can produce semiquantitative results without the need for a standard.
XRF is particularly useful for analyzing inhomogeneous samples. In particular, a polarized XRF spectrometer is ideal for detecting and identifying various elements.
Typical elements that can be detected by XRF include lead, manganese, zinc, calcium barium, magnesium, sulfur, and phosphorous. Depending on the configuration of the instrument, the detection limits may be as low as a few nanograms of a metal or as high as a few milligrams.