Engine Oil Analysis

Although oil analysis was originally used as a predictive maintenance tool for engines, it is still a widely used method to guarantee the reliability of engine systems. Most mobile equipment worldwide, such as locomotives, cars, mining equipment, trucks, agricultural equipment, buses, as well as oil and gas exploration rigs, stationary backup power generators and pipeline compression stations, are powered by reciprocating internal combustion engines.

Engine oil should be changed before it loses its ability to adequately perform its intended functions in an engine. Conversely, changing the oil early or frequently can have a huge cost and environmental impact. In rotary internal combustion engines (RICE), oil becomes progressively contaminated which can vary with age, load factor, environment, duty cycle and fuel types. In general, engine oils contain additive packages consisting of alkaline components and detergents to neutralize acids formed as a result of fuel combustion. The depletion of additives will come to a point where the combination of additive and oil cannot adequately protect the engine. It is important to know the type of contaminant in the oil as it often provides indications of engine condition to allow a more direct solution to take corrective action.

Oil analyzes provide information on the extent of this contamination and associated oil degradation.