Resources

Welcome to Spectro Incorporated’s Resource Center, a constantly expanding library of information covering all aspects of oil analysis, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Please feel free to download white papers, and technical notes, read our case studies, access product demonstration videos and explore the many other resources available here. Check back often to see what new items have been added. And, of course, if you need more information feel free to contact us.

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AES-RFS
Rotrode Filter Spectroscopy, Does It Have a Place in the Commercial or Military Oil Analysis Laboratory? (100.28 KB)
by: Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson - Several papers have been published which attest to the fact that spectroscopy is more or less blind to the larger wear particles in an oil sample. Nevertheless, oil analysis has been shown to be extremely effective in predicting potential machine failures. It is thus not unrealistic to ask the question; “Are there benefits to additional tests such as rotrode filter spectroscopy (RFS), and will they significantly improve the probability of detecting a potential failure that may otherwise be missed by conventional analytical methods?” This paper investigates and answers that question.
Detecting Failures using Oil Analysis (180.02 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from an induced draft fan 500 HP motor. Data obtained with rotrode filter spectroscopy (RFS) indicated an abnormal wear condition. The same sample was analyzed with ferrography to back up the initial findings.
Rotrode Filter Spectroscopy: A Recently Improved Method to Detect and Analyze Large Wear and Contaminant Particles in Fluids (640 KB)
by: Malte Lukas, Robert J. Yurko and Daniel P. Anderson - Routine spectrochemical analysis of used oil samples has become standard practice in machine condition monitoring programs to determine elemental content. Unfortunately, these techniques become less responsive to particles as they increase in size. To overcome this limitation, a complementary technique based on rotrode filter spectroscopy has been developed to detect large particles in used oil sample. This paper describes rotrode filter spectroscopy (RFS) and its capability to detect particles greater than 10 µm in size.
Detecting Damage to Bearing Surfaces in a F110-GE-100 Gas Turbine (1.33 MB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis samples taken from a military aircraft. Detailed analysis results provide evidence that the application of A-RFS in routine oil analysis of aviation gas turbine engines enhances the capability of conventional atomic emission spectrometers to detect failures.
Averting Catastrophic Failure of Main Transmission in a US Army Helicopter (545.34 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis samples taken from a military helicopter. Detailed analysis results provide evidence that the application of the particle size analysis capability of A-RFS enhances the capability of conventional atomic emission spectrometers.
Analytical Tool to Detect and Quantify Large Wear Particles in Used Lubricating Oil (431.53 KB)
by: Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson – Periodically, the ability and the need to detect large wear particles by the used oil analysis laboratory is questioned and papers have been published which attest to the fact that spectroscopy is more or less blind to the larger wear particles. This paper discusses three techniques that can be used to improve the ability of optical emission spectrometers to detect and quantify large wear particles in lubricating oil. They are an acid digestion differential method, ferrography and rotrode filter spectroscopy
Beyond Particle Counting - LaserNet Fines Optical Wear Debris Analyzer (635.8 KB)
by: C. Holloway, T. Sebok, D. Filicky, J. Reintjes, J. E. Tucker and P. L. Howard - LaserNet Fines (LNF), an automated optical oil debris analyzer developed by Lockheed Martin and the Naval Research Laboratory with support from the Office of Naval Research, combines the functions of a highly accurate particle counter as well as a particle shape classifier. Using laser imaging techniques and advanced image processing software, LNF identifies the type, rate of production, and severity of mechanical faults by measuring the size distribution, rate of progression, and shape features of wear debris in lubricating oil. This paper discusses the capabilities and features of the LNF instrument along and with examples from both field and laboratory evaluations.
 

ASP
ASP Performance Data (275.28 KB)
The ASP (Automatic Sample Processor) was designed specifically for the LNF (LaserNet Fines) to permit automatic, unattended processing of used oil samples. The ASP has a sample tray that holds 24 sample bottles. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to process 24 samples using the standard 2.2 minute particle counting time. Rinsing and initialization time is variable mainly depending upon particle concentration, but averages a bit over 2 minutes per sample. This paper provides performance data on the ASP to confirm that design objectives of repeatability and minimal carryover from one sample to the next were met
 

FTIR
Potential savings between $5,830 to $199,000 (188.66 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from a water truck at an iron ore mine. Data from an FT-IR spectrometer confirmed the existence of a fuel dilution problem enabling preventive action to be implemented prior to a major failure.
 

Fuel Sniffer
Fuel Sniffer Repeatability and Accuracy (134.19 KB)
The performance of the Fuel Sniffer fuel dilution meter was determined by calculating repeatability and accuracy on oil samples contaminated with fuel. Blank oil, and oil contaminate with 3%, 5% and 8% diesel fuel were analyzed ten times to demonstrate that the Fuel Sniffer is capable of detecting fuel dilution in used oil samples.
Sniffing for Fuel, NELP Identifies Shipboard Tool for Fuel Dilution Analysis (350.9 KB)
The Navy Environmental Leadership Program (NELP) has identified the Fuel Sniffer as an innovative way to improve daily operations and to minimize the impact on the environment in fuel dilution analysis of used oil samples. This paper describes how the US Navy is using the portable fuel dilution meter in the oil laboratory and aboard ship to provide rapid and accurate measurements of fuel concentration in used lubricating oil samples.
SAW Chemical Sensing Tutorial (94.97 KB)
Product information describing how the Fuel Sniffer’s surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor works to detect and quantify fuel contamination in used oil samples.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fuel Sniffer (103.74 KB)
Information on the use and operation of the Fuel Sniffer fuel dilution meter as a condition monitoring tool in the used oil an