Engine/Motor Oil Testing

our engine powers your vehicle, however, it cannot and will not last without the help of the engine oil. Also known as motor oil and engine lubricant, it is like the blood that circulates in the engine, which is then delivered into various parts of the motor by the oil pump. Motor oil is used to lubricate the internal combustion engines, which is generally composed of base oils and additives. The base oils are the main component of the engine oil, which determines the basic lubrication property of the oil. Additives can make up and improve the deficient performance of base oil. Usually additives mainly include detergents, dispersants, oxidant inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors and anti-wear agents, etc. The main function of motor oil is to reduce friction and wear on moving parts and to clean the engine from sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents), this ultimately guarantees the flexible operation of the engine. Normally engine wear can be divided into physical wear and chemical wear. Physical wear mainly refers to the metal parts rub against each other, which leads to some metal particles (Sn, Cr, Ni, etc.) that the diameter less than a few microns are mixed into the oil under high temperature and high pressure [1,2]. These metal particles cannot be removed by filtration and the collector, but remain in the lubricating oil to participate in the operation of the whole system. Chemical wear is mainly caused by chemical corrosion and oxidation, which results in the breaking and recombination of chemical bonds of organic compounds in engine oil. Therefore, the property changes of some key elements in engine oil can indicate the extent of engine wear. It is necessary and meaningful to periodically check the quality of motor oil for the protection of the engine, because the degenerative oil can not play a lubricating role, and at the same time it will aggravate the engine wear [4].

Alfa Chemistry has a wealth of experiences in the detection of motor oil, and we devote to be a world leader in the field of oil & gas analysis. We can provide a broad range of method to determine the motor oil at the same time ensure the accuracy of the measurement results in a relatively short period of time using advanced instruments.

The motor oil test

• 1. Physical and chemical properties of motor oil

The physical and chemical properties mainly include the viscosity, flash point, water, spot, acid value and iron content, which can show the problem of leaks, loosening and fracture of diesel engine nozzle and tubing joint, tightness of cylinder liner and piston ring, and so on.

• 2. The elemental analysis of motor oil (atomic spectral analysis)

The elemental analysis of motor oil can find the problems in bearings, gas cylinder, piston and air filter, etc. The atomic spectroscopy is one of the main methods to analyze element distribution in lubricating oils. We can conduct extensive research on the analysis of engine oil using advanced technologies, such as atomic fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry (AF-AAS), flow injection analysis- flame atom absorption spectrometry (FIA-FAAS), electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Among them, the pre-processing of ICP, AAS and AFS is complex, and the signal is easily affected by complex matrix effect of engine oil. LIBS technology can overcome the above disadvantages, but its detection sensitivity is relatively low. In a word, we can use one or more techniques at the same time to meet your testing requirements.

We shall be greatly honored to provide you high-quality oil and gas tests. Feel free to contact us at any time. Our professional team will be glad to listen to your concerns and look forward to cooperating with you.

References

• AUCéLIO R Q, SOUZA R M D, CAMPOS R C D, et al. The determination of trace metals in lubricating oils by atomic spectrometry [J]. Spectrochimica Acta Part B Atomic Spectroscopy, 2007, 62(9):952-961.

• MCELROY F, MENNITO A, DEBRAH E, et al. Uses and applications of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in the petrochemical industry [J]. Spectroscopy, 1998, 13(2):42-53.

• VARNES A W. Analytical methods for the analysis of petroleum products [J]. Spectroscopy, 1985, 1(1):28-33.