Oil Science Laboratory

Oil Analysis as the term is often used means the testing of and reporting back on in-use lubricating oil from a mechanical system. Its effectiveness stems from the oil’s remarkable property of “mirror imaging” the system when accurately tested and interpreted. It will tell one exactly what is going on within the system.

Oil Science Laboratory has reliably performed this service for many years. Satisfied customer companies who depend on transportation for their livelihoods are numerous. Our test program of in-use lubricant includes:

• Wear Metal Constituents. DC Argon Plasma.
• Additive Levels in Oil. Correct levels for the use.
• Viscosity. Correct/ or incorrect/ thickness.
• Contaminants: Water; Soot; Particulates; Fuel; Other.
• Oil Oxidation & Degradation Parameters.

These accurately determine wear; oil efficiency; contaminants; and as importantly, system conditions which are causing the measured result in the sample. We compare test results to the established database for the given system. This allows accurate feedback and assessment to be provided to the manager. He or she then can make the best decisions. And as necessary, to take timely, effective action to correct problems: when they’re small!

Hydraulic, Skydrol, Mil Fluids Testing

These fluids perform important functions in hydraulic systems. Not only do they provide lubrication, but as incompressible fluids they serve to transmit power. They also wet vital surfaces; O-rings, valve orifices, synthetic bushings; and the like. Particulate contamination of fluid; is also a vital concern.

Toward the determination of cleanliness and condition of the sample fluid, Oil Science Laboratory employs a test procedure including the following:

• Particle Count: to NAS 1638 requirements. Hyac-Royco laser counting system, sample flow through.
• Water content; Karl Fisher coulometric. Very accurate.
  
• Viscosity: Kinematic (dynamic) fluid viscosity.
  
• Specific gravity: Fluid compliance; solvent contamination.
  
• Total acid number: quantitative measure of all acidic constituents, in mgs per gram of sample.

Allowable limits in the test results have been established by the manufacturers (Boeing; M-D; Allied Signal) as to what is acceptable. You can be sure that your fluids will be evaluated in accord with established criteria. Wear metals analysis could also be a useful. The listed ones, however cover widely accepted specs for fluids in use.

Fuels Testing

The safe and economical operation of engines requires fuel that is essentially clean and dry and free of contamination prior to use. The fuel is also matched to the duty. To insure that cleanliness and serviceability is met, we recommend the following test:

• Distillation.
  
• DCP, metallic impurities.
  
• Water & Sediment.
  
• Algae & Fungus
  
• API Gravity, or Density.
  
• Flash Point.

These will determine any abnormalities promptly. Fuel storage tanks are particularly prone to developing contamination problems. The above will rapidly indentify problem areas in stored fuel and allow prompt corrective measures to be taken.