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TAN Analysis in Lubricants: Oil Acidity and Oxidation Assessment

What is the Total Oil Number (TAN) in Lubricants?

TAN Analysis in Lubricants: Oil Acidity and Oxidation Assessment

What is TAN (Total Acidic Fat Number)?

Total Acidic Oil Number (TAN) is a test that measures the amount of alkali required to neutralize acidic compounds in oil. The TAN value is usually expressed in mg KOH/g (milligran potassium hydroxide / gram oil) and determines how the oil reacts to acidic compounds. This analysis is used to assess the level of oxidation of the oil and acidic contamination. As oils oxidize, acidic components are introduced, which increases the acidity of the oil.

TAN Test: How Is It Performed?

TAN analysis is usually performed by titration. The process is carried out in the following steps:

  1. Sample Preparation: The oil sample is taken and dissolved in a suitable solvent. The oil sample is taken in a certain amount and prepared for titration.
  2. Adding Titrant: An alkaline solution (usually potassium hydroxide - KOH) is added to the oil sample to neutralize the acidic components. This titrant is used to neutralize the acidic components.
  3. Titration: The titrant is added to the oil sample to neutralize the acidic compounds. The pH change is monitored during the titration.
  4. Calculation of Results: The amount of titrant added is calculated as the Total Acidic Fat Number (TAN) of the oil. This value indicates the capacity of the oil to interact with acidic components.


What Does TAN Value Mean?

The TAN value is an indicator of the oxidation level of the oil. The higher the concentration of acidic compounds in the oil, the higher the TAN value. A high TAN value indicates that the oil is oxidized and has more acidic compounds. TAN analysis can be interpreted as follows:

  • High TAN (≥ 1 mg KOH/g): This indicates that the oil has oxidized and acidic compounds have started to accumulate. The oil may have started to lose its capacity to protect engine or machine components. In this case, the oil may need to be replaced or reconditioned.
  • Medium TAN (0.5 - 1 mg KOH/g): A TAN value at this level indicates that the oxidation process of the oil has begun, but there is not yet a significant accumulation of acidic compounds. The oil can still be used, but needs to be monitored.
  • Low TAN (< 0.5 mg KOH/g): A low TAN value indicates that the oil has a low level of oxidation and is generally in good condition. Such oils can be used without further oxidation and can work efficiently for a long time.


Importance and Uses of TAN Test

TAN analysis is particularly important for engine oils and industrial lubricants. As the oxidation level of oils increases, the build-up of acidic compounds can lead to increased wear and corrosion. The most common areas where TAN testing is used are:

  1. Automotive Industry: Monitoring the oxidation of engine oils is critical to engine performance and longevity. TAN testing is used to determine when engine oils need to be changed.
  2. Industrial Applications: Industrial machinery is used under intense operating conditions and at high temperatures. By monitoring the TAN value of the oils in these machines, it can be determined how long the oil will work effectively.
  3. Marine: In the marine industry, engines are more sensitive to high oxidation and acidic contamination. TAN testing is important for maintenance planning of marine engines.
  4. Oil and Gas Industry: Oxidation levels of oils used in the oil and gas industry are monitored. Since high oxidation can lead to system failures, the TAN value can predetermine such situations.
  • ASTM D664: Standard Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Titration
  • ASTM D974: Standard Test Method for Acid and Base Number by Color Indicator Titration
  • ASTM D1534: Standard Test Method for Approximate Acidity in Electrical Insulating Fluids by Color Indicator Titration
  • ASTM D3339: Standard Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products by Semi-Micro Color Indicator Titration

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of TAN Analysis in Lubricants. We also provide services in TBN Analysis in Lubricants.

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