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July 2017
Optional Tests
When specific problems are detected, more detailed information may be required. Labcheck
Next Generation "Optional" tests provide these details. These tests include:
1. Oxidation & Nitration
Excessive oxidation can cause increased wear, decreased engine performance, shortened
equipment life, deposits, oil-filter plugging, increased oil viscosity, corrosion of metal parts,
increased acidity in oil and restricted oil flow. Heat and oxygen in oil can cause it to break
down. Low crankcase oil temperatures accelerate the rate of nitration. By-products cause
accelerated oil thickening, formation of acidic by-products, increased cylinder and valve train
wear, combustion-area deposits, increased acidity in oil and accelerated sludge formation.
Our oxidation & nitration test looks for evidence of all these elements, including the presence
of nitrogen by-products, which can accelerate oil breakdown.
2. Acid Number
Increases in the acid number of a fluid may be caused by oxidation, nitration or contamination.
The acid number can determine the serviceability of a lubricant in specific applications. A high
acid number may indicate corrosion of metallic components, oxidation, oil degradation and
additive depletion.
3. Base Number
Engine oil usually begins with a relatively high base number that decreases during use — this is an
important factor in establishing oil drain intervals. By monitoring the base number, the potential for
oil degradation, increased wear and corrosion of metal parts can be detected.
4. Particle Counting (hydraulic, turbine, and transmission fluids)
This test measures the cleanliness of an oil by determining the level of contaminants. Utilizing two extremely accurate
methods, particles over two microns in size can be detected. By closely monitoring the particle counts in a fluid,
maintenance professionals can detect wear-causing abrasion at the onset and correct conditions that can cause the
level of particulate matter to increase.
5. Ferrography
This test quantifies larger particles that cannot be seen by standard used oil analysis equipment and can correlate
them to a problem in the system. Ferrography is typically run for forensic investigative measures to identify the origin
and nature of wear or failure mode.
A Closer Look at Tests
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