Lubricating Oil Analysis and Testing
Lubricating oil plays a crucial role in the operation of mechanical equipment. It not only reduces friction and minimizes wear but also effectively extends the service life of the equipment.As a professional third-party analytical testing laboratory, Alfa Chemistry provides comprehensive lubricating oil analysis and testing services supported by advanced instrumentation and an experienced technical team. We help clients assess oil quality, monitor equipment condition, and develop effective maintenance and replacement plans.
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Why is Lubricating Oil Analysis Important?
Lubricating oil is not only a medium for reducing friction but also serves as a “signal indicator” of equipment health. Through systematic testing and analysis of lubricating oil, valuable information can be obtained, including:
Regular lubricating oil analysis enables enterprises to implement predictive maintenance, reduce unexpected downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extend equipment service life. This technology has significant application value across industries such as automotive manufacturing, aerospace, energy and power, metallurgy and machinery, and marine transportation.
What Capabilities Does Alfa Chemistry Offer for Lubricating Oil Analysis?
As a professional analytical testing laboratory, Alfa Chemistry offers a comprehensive range of testing services covering everything from basic physicochemical properties to trace element determination, ensuring that all data are scientific, accurate, and fully traceable.
Physicochemical Property Analysis
Elemental Analysis
Contaminant Detection
Performance and Aging Analysis
Physicochemical Property Analysis
- Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D445): Reflects the flow characteristics of lubricating oil at different temperatures.
- Density (ASTM D4052): Used to determine oil composition and purity.
- Flash Point (ASTM D92): Evaluates the safety and volatility of the oil.
- Acid Number (TAN) and Base Number (TBN): Measure the oxidation state and neutralizing capacity of the lubricant.
Elemental Analysis
Using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy), Alfa Chemistry accurately determines the content of wear metals (Fe, Cu, Cr, Al), contaminant metals (Si, Na, Ca), and additive elements, helping clients identify potential sources of wear and assess lubrication conditions.
Contaminant Detection
- Moisture Determination (Karl Fischer Titration): Detects trace amounts of water in oil.
- Particle Contamination (ISO 4406): Evaluates oil cleanliness levels.
- Carbon Residue and Oxidation Product Analysis: Assesses the degree of oil degradation and aging.
Performance and Aging Analysis
- Oxidation Stability Test: Predicts the service life of lubricating oil.
- Anti-Emulsification and Foaming Tests: Evaluate the stability of oil in lubrication systems.
- Low-Temperature Fluidity Analysis: Verifies oil performance and applicability under extreme temperature conditions.
What is the Standard Process for Lubricating Oil Testing?
To ensure the scientific validity and consistency of test results, Alfa Chemistry implements a standardized operational workflow:
Sample Receipt and Registration
Each sample is strictly labeled and recorded to ensure full traceability.
Test Plan Design
Customized testing plans are developed based on client requirements and lubricant type.
Laboratory Analysis and Testing
All analyses are conducted following international standard methods (ASTM, ISO, etc.).
Data Review and Report Generation
Multiple quality control steps are applied to ensure data accuracy.
Result Interpretation and Technical Support
Professional analysis and maintenance recommendations are provided to assist clients in decision-making.
What Are the Advantages of Choosing Alfa Chemistry?
Accredited Laboratory
Equipped with advanced analytical instruments and a team of experienced professionals.
Comprehensive Testing Items
Covering physical properties, elemental content, contaminants, and aging analysis.
High-Precision Data Output
Utilizing internationally recognized testing standards to ensure reliability.
Rapid Service Response
Shortened testing turnaround times to meet urgent client needs.
Which Industries Can Benefit from Our Lubricating Oil Testing Services?
Alfa Chemistry’s lubricating oil analysis services are applicable to a wide range of industrial and research scenarios, including:
Whether for research and development, equipment maintenance, or oil quality control, we provide our clients with scientific and reliable data support.
What Information Does Our Lubricating Oil Test Report Provide?
The test report includes the following information:
Alfa Chemistry can also provide customized data analysis and trend monitoring reports based on client requirements, helping enterprises establish a long-term equipment health management system.
What Success Stories Can We Share?
Here are three case studies showcasing Lubricating Oil Testing service conducted for other companies, highlighting the value and impact of our expertise.
Case 1: Lubricating Oil Condition Monitoring for Wind Power Equipment
Client Background
A wind power equipment operator responsible for the operation and maintenance of multiple wind turbines.
Client Requirement
The client aimed to identify early-stage gearbox wear and oil degradation through lubricating oil analysis to optimize maintenance schedules and minimize unexpected downtime.
Alfa Chemistry’s Solution
- Physicochemical analysis: Kinematic viscosity at 40°C: 68.5 mm²/s; Acid number (TAN): 0.42 mg KOH/g; Flash point: 210°C.
- ICP-OES elemental analysis: Fe: 15 mg/kg, Cu: 3.2 mg/kg, Al: 0.8 mg/kg — indicating minor wear.
- Contamination detection: Water content: 0.05%; ISO particle cleanliness code: 17/15.
- Oil degradation analysis: Slight increase in oxidation products (total acid number).
Results & Value
The test report revealed early signs of component wear and provided recommendations for oil replacement intervals and maintenance actions.
Client Feedback
"Alfa Chemistry’s analysis provided detailed data that helped us take preventive measures in advance and avoid potential downtime losses."
Case 2: Quality Control of Lubricating Oil for heavy machinery
Client Background
A machinery manufacturing company that requires rigorous quality monitoring of lubricating oils before equipment delivery.
Client Requirement
To ensure that the lubricating oil meets technical standards and maintains stability during long-term operation.
Alfa Chemistry’s Solution
- Physicochemical testing: Kinematic viscosity at 100°C: 12.8 mm²/s; Acid number: 0.35 mg KOH/g; Base number (TBN): 7.8 mg KOH/g; Flash point: 220°C.
- Elemental and contamination analysis: Fe<1 mg/kg, Si 0.5 mg/kg, water content 0.02%, ISO particle cleanliness code 16/14.
- Aging and performance tests: Low-temperature flowability at -30°C — no precipitation; Oxidation stability (RBOT): 220 min.
Results & Value
All tested parameters met the client’s technical requirements, ensuring reliable lubricating oil performance before equipment delivery.
Client Feedback
"The report was comprehensive and data-driven, providing strong support for our internal quality control system."
Case 3: R&D Validation of Engine Oil Performance
Client Background
An automotive lubricant R&D company developing a new formulation of fully synthetic engine oil.
Client Requirement
To verify the high-temperature, high-shear stability and anti-wear performance of the new additive formulation based on experimental data.
Alfa Chemistry’s Solution
- Viscosity index determination: 40°C viscosity: 72 mm²/s; 100°C viscosity: 12.2 mm²/s; Viscosity index: 155.
- ICP-OES wear metal detection: Fe: 1.5 mg/kg, Cu: 0.9 mg/kg, Al: 0.4 mg/kg.
- Moisture and particle testing: Water content: 0.03%; ISO particle cleanliness code: 15/13.
- Oxidation aging test: TAN change: 0.05 mg KOH/g — indicating stable antioxidant performance.
Results & Value
The results helped the client confirm the effectiveness of the additive package in improving anti-wear protection and oil stability.
Client Feedback
"Alfa Chemistry provided comprehensive and reliable data that enabled us to optimize the formulation efficiently and significantly shorten our R&D cycle."
What Our Customers Ask
Q1: What are the sample submission requirements for lubricating oil analysis?
It is generally recommended to submit 100–200 mL of sample using a clean and sealed sampling bottle.
During sampling, please avoid:
- Using contaminated containers;
- Taking samples immediately after equipment shutdown (it is recommended to wait until the oil temperature stabilizes);
- Introducing impurities or moisture.
If there are special testing requirements, our technical team will provide detailed guidance before sample submission.
Q2: How long does the testing process usually take?
The standard testing turnaround time is 5–7 working days.
For urgent requests, Alfa Chemistry offers an expedited service to complete analysis and issue reports in the shortest possible time. The specific duration depends on the number of testing items and the type of sample.
Q3: Can lubricating oil analysis results be used for equipment condition diagnosis?
Yes. By comprehensively analyzing wear metals, contaminants, and changes in physicochemical properties, lubricating oil testing can reflect the wear condition and operating status of internal components. This helps customers perform Predictive Maintenance and Condition Monitoring effectively.
Q4: Does Alfa Chemistry provide customized testing solutions?
Yes. We can design tailored testing plans based on the client’s industry, oil type, and testing purpose (such as R&D validation, quality control, or equipment monitoring). In addition, we offer technical consultation and data interpretation support.
Q5: Can the lubricating oil condition of the same equipment be monitored over time?
Yes. We support the establishment of an oil condition trend analysis database, enabling clients to monitor long-term changes through regular sampling. This helps track equipment health trends and optimize maintenance schedules and lubrication strategies.
