Lubricant Analysis and Importance: Performance and Durability Evaluation

Lubricant Analysis and Importance

Lubricants are critical components used in a wide range of applications, from industrial equipment to vehicle engines, ensuring the efficient operation and long life of machine parts. Changes in the properties of lubricants over time can affect equipment performance and safety. Lubricant analysis is therefore a fundamental requirement to assess the performance and durability of products.

Purpose of Lubricant Analysis

Lubricant analyses aim to determine the chemical and physical properties of the oil to evaluate its performance and lifetime. These analyzes are carried out for the following purposes:

1. Prevent Machine WearPrevent equipment wear by checking that the oil has the correct viscosity, oxidation resistance and additive ratio.
2. Optimize Oil Change TimesAnalyses determine when oil needs to be changed, avoiding unnecessary changes.
3. Prevent Breakdowns and LossesIndicators such as metal particles, contaminants and acidity in the oil are examined to detect machine breakdowns in advance.
4. Cost SavingsRegular analysis reduces equipment maintenance costs and energy consumption.

Important Tests Performed on Lubricants

1. Viscosity Test

• Objective: To measure the degree of oil fluidity.
• Importance: Insufficient viscosity can increase friction between machine parts, while excess viscosity can lead to energy loss.

2. Total Base Number (TBN) Analysis

• Objective: To determine the capacity of oil to combat acidic compounds.
• Importance: Especially in diesel engines, a high TBN value indicates the engine protection capacity of the oil.

3. Total Acidic Number (TAN) Analysis

• Objective: To measure the acidity level of oil.
• Significance: High acidity indicates oxidation and oil deterioration.

4. Flash Point Test

• Objective: To determine the lowest temperature at which oil vapors can ignite.
• Importance: This safety-critical test assesses the risk of oil combustion.

5. Metal Analysis (ASTM D5185)

• Objective: To measure the amount of wear metals, additives and contaminants present in the oil.
• Importance: Provides preventive maintenance by detecting equipment wear early.

6. Foaming Test

• Objective: To evaluate the amount of foam that can form in oil.
• Importance: Foaming may cause the oil not to lubricate the surfaces sufficiently.

7. Oxidation and Thermal Stability Tests

• Objective: To determine the resistance of oil to high temperatures and oxidation.
• Importance: Higher oxidation resistance means longer service life.

Areas of Use of Lubricant Analysis

Lubricant analysis has various applications in different industries:

• Automotive: Monitoring the performance of lubricants in vehicle engines.
• Energy: Assessing the durability of oils in generators and turbines.
• Industrial Equipment: Checking the properties of oils in production machinery.
• Marine and Aviation: Analyzing lubricants used in engines and systems that require high performance.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Lubricant Analysis.

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