Lubricant Analysis

Intertek offers fast lubricant analysis services, providing you with test results within 72-hours of receipt. Each analysis includes service recommendations based on the data from the analytical report.

In addition, we will attach a historical summary of all lubricant samples based on the Unit Identification number provided by your company for that unit. This historical summary can help identify and track any trends in wear, which deviations from those trends are warning signs.

Testing Standard Methods 

• ASTM D 4377 – Standard Test Method for Water in Crude Oils by Potentiometric Karl Fischer Titration
• ASTM D 974 – Standard Test Method for Acid and Base Number by Color-Indicator Titration
• ASTM D 445 – Standard Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids
• ASTM D5185 – Standard Test Method for Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy
• ASTM D 1500 – Standard Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products
• Mineral Oil in POE/AB oil

Lubricant analysis is an exceptional tool. Changes in the operation of a compressor are reflected in the properties and makeup of its lubricating oil. Scheduled analysis of lubricants identifies problems before they cost you money. The chance of compressor burnout, system failures, and unscheduled maintenance can be greatly reduced by a combination of scheduled analysis and regular tear down inspections. Overall benefits include:

• Improve Energy Efficiency
• Reduce Downtime
• Preventive Failures
• Eliminate Costly Oil Changes
• Protect Assets
• Trouble Shooting
• Failure Analysis
• Reduce Warranty Claims

Lubricant analysis also provides clues about the relative success of a compressor retrofit. Analysis can identify residual mineral oil in polyol esters (POE) and poly alkalyene glycol (PAG). Our laboratory offers an array of lubricant testing for preventative maintenance and retrofits.

Free Consulting
Based on the composition and amounts of contaminants, our skilled technicians will be able to suggest components that are experiencing exceptional wear and tear. Our technical consultants are always available to offer guidance, explain test results, discuss maintenance histories, or suggest corrective action.

When interpreting the lubricant analysis, our technicians look closely at several indicators. The water content of refrigeration lubricants must be kept as low as possible. A high moisture content can contribute to acid production and ultimately a system failure. The total acid number reflects the amount of inorganic acid present. Acid can harm the internal components of the system and ultimately breakdown the chemical make up of the refrigerant and lubricant. The viscosity of the lubricant should approximate the manufacturer’s viscosity specification. The spectrochemical analysis measures the levels, in ppm, of certain metals in the lubricant. These metals are usually either lubricant additives, compressor wear metals, or contaminants from outside the system.

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Lubricant Analysis.