Elemental Spectroscopy of Used Lubricants
Mechanical
Elemental Spectroscopy of Used Lubricant is a non-destructive oil analysis technique that provides insight into both machine condition and lubricant health. A small sample of used oil is taken from the system and analyzed using methods such as Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) or Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. The test detects and quantifies: Wear metals (iron, copper, aluminum, chromium, tin): Indicating component wear such as bearings, gears, pistons, or valves. Contaminants (silica, sodium, coolant additives, fuel): Showing ingress of dirt, coolant leakage, or fuel dilution. Additives (zinc, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium): Monitoring lubricant formulation and depletion over time. By trending these results, maintenance teams can identify abnormal wear, contamination, or oil breakdown before failure occurs, enabling condition-based interventions. It is widely applied in aerospace, automotive, marine, power generation, and heavy industry where reliability and uptime are critical.
When to
Use
During scheduled preventive maintenance to monitor internal wear trends.
After detecting abnormal vibration, noise, or temperature in lubricated systems.
Following a major overhaul, rebuild, or component replacement.
When lubricant shows discoloration, metallic shimmer, or unusual odor.
If coolant or fuel ingress is suspected due to rising sodium or potassium levels.
When oil pressure drops or flow rate becomes erratic.
After startup from prolonged equipment idle or seasonal shutdown.
To validate lubricant condition before extending drain intervals.
When filter analysis reveals elevated wear particle counts.
To investigate recurring bearing, seal, or gear failures.
During commissioning of new equipment or lubricant formulations.
To support root cause analysis after unplanned downtime or failure.
When trending data shows deviation from baseline wear metal levels.
To assess additive depletion and remaining lubricant life.
