Within oil industry analysis, quality of oil has become a critical factor in achieving the goals in various applications. One of the ways it is possible to understand and gauge the health of any type of engine is through an analysis of the oil that comes from it. This is a quick look, rather than an overall understanding of the health of an engine, but it can provide outstanding information and resources to a vehicle owner. From cars to airplanes, this process helps gather important information.
What Should This Type of Examination Include?
Those in oil industry analysis need to consider a variety of components. No matter the application, a breakdown of the quality of the material is essential. This is done through these three exams:
1. Viscosity testing
In this type of test, the goal is to understand the thickness of the product, also known as the grade. This varies, of course, by the selected ratio, such as 5w/30 or 15w/40. Once the lubricating material is added to the engine, it is possible to test the viscosity at that point. In doing so, it is possible to note the condition. In situations where the viscosity is not within the provided range, this could indicate that the engine has overheated or that there is coolant or another moisture present.
2. Insoluble examinations
One of the most common reasons engines wear down is because of the presence of contaminants. In fact, one of the jobs of lubrication is to strip away any debris that gets lodged within the engine. In an insoluble examination, it is possible to measure the amount of solid (specifically abrasive-based solids) that are in it. In particular, this test looks at those solids that come from oxidation. Oxidation occurs when the material breaks down because it comes into contact with oxygen. Though older material is going to have a higher amount of solids in it, this test can give an indication of the effectiveness of the filtering system.
3. Spectral test
With the use of a spectrometer, it is possible to gather more information about the condition of the lubricant. Specifically, a spectral test provides information about how much wear is occurring or is present within the engine by alerting the tester to the presence of various additives and metals. In many ways, this test provides key information about the condition of the engine itself and guidelines about what to do to improve function.