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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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ASP
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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
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Fluid Scan
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FSC-01 FluidScan Capabilities
(228.26 KB)
Discussion & Findings: This Document shows the current analytical capabilities of the FluidScan. The subtraction method can be applied to obtain desired analytical results as long as the base oil spectrum matches one of the “Fluid Types” in the table. For example, the “Diesel Oils” calibration can be used on any type of petroleum based oil. Synthetic fluids are complex and have multiple bases, however the ones listed in the table are some of the most common ones in use. Additional calibrations will be made available in the future.
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FSC-02 Fluidscan Degradation
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Lubricant Degradation by Fluidscan IR Spectroscopy as determined by Acid Number(AN) or Oxidation
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FSC-03 Fluidscan Water Contamination
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Detecting Water Contamination by Fluidscan IR Spectroscopy
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FSC-04 Fluidscan Lube Mix-up
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Detecting Lubricant Mix-UP by Fluidscan IR Spectroscopy
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FSC-05 Fluidscan AN-Water-Mixup
(1.06 MB)
Fluidscan Capabilities in U.S. Navy Fluids
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FTIR
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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.
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FTIR Q410 Alpha
(872.93 KB)
Brochure
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Calibration of the FT-IR
(290.84 KB)
Calibration standards for oxidation absorbance or for any of the other parameters measured by an FT-IR spectrometer do not exist. However, reproducible results are obtained with FT-IR spectrometers because they are all manufactured the same way. A Performance Qualification (PQ) test is carried out during installation and periodically thereafter to verify performance. The PQ test checks for absorbance (y axis) and wavenumber (x axis) accuracy.
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TAN using FTIR
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SpectroFTIR Oil Analyzer TAN Performance versus ASTM D664 Potentiometric Titration.
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TBN using FTIR
(467.41 KB)
Spectro FTIR Oil Analyzer TBN Performance versus ASTM D4739 Potentiometric Titration
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Fuel Sniffer
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 analysis laboratory.
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FDM 600
(483.28 KB)
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LaserNet Fines
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Comparison of Wear and Contaminant Particle Analysis Techniques in an Engine Test Cell Run to Failure
(512.99 KB)
by: Thomas G. Barraclough, Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson - Three oil analysis techniques were applied to used oil samples from an engine that was run in a test cell. The three techniques were automatic wear particle shape classification, ferrography and spectroscopy. The analytical results from the techniques were compared to determine their effectiveness in working individually, or in combination to rapidly determine engine condition based on oil analysis.
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Direct Image Analysis for Detecting Abnormal Wear and Contamination in Used Oil Samples
(393.02 KB)
by: Thomas G. Barraclough, Daniel P. Anderson and Malte Lukas - The design of the LNF Particle Shape Classifier and Particle Counter are reviewed with emphasis on recent improvements in hardware and software. Correlation of LNF analysis with conventional oil analysis techniques, such as spectrometric analysis, particle counting and ferrography are presented and discussed with a view toward assessing the capabilities of the LNF as a routine screening tool for detecting abnormal wear and contamination in used lubricant and hydraulic oil samples.
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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.
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LaserNet Fines, A New Tool for the Oil Analysis Toolbox
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by: Malte Lukas, Thomas G. Barraclough, and Daniel P. Anderson - Most professionals require tools in the practice of their trade. For a doctor it may be a stethoscope, for the baseball player a glove, or for the carpenter a hammer and saw. The one thing that they have in common is that as a professional, the quality of the tool is important to the ability to practice the trade. This paper describes the operation of the LaserNet Fines along with several case histories to demonstrate its capabilities at particle identification and counting.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the LaserNet Fines
(491.19 KB)
Information on the use and operation of the LaserNet Fines Particle Shape Classifier and particle Counter as a condition monitoring tool in the used oil analysis laboratory.
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Using and Understanding LaserNet Fines as a Particle Counter
(168.93 KB)
The LaserNet Fines was designed primarily as an automatic wear particle shape classifier and trending tool to assist users in the field of ferrography. However, because of its direct imagining capability, it can also be used as an extremely accurate and reliable particle counter (ISO 4406:1999 compliant) without the need for calibration. Because the direct imaging technique used by LNF differs greatly from the methods used by light blocking particle counters, its use as a particle counter is often grossly misunderstood. This paper describes why the LaserNet Fines can be used as an accurate particle counter, and why direct imagining will give a more accurate result over an optical particle counter.
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LaserNet Fines Specifications
(135.32 KB)
The key specifications and features of the LaserNet Fines Particle Shape Classifier and Particle Counter are described in this document.
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LaserNet Fines Reproducibility Test with Medium Test Dust
(1.34 MB)
This application note presents data recently generated in reproducibility and repeatability tests performed on five LaserNet Fines (LNF) Wear Particle Classifier and Particle Counter instruments. The test was conducted with Medium Test Dust dispersed in mineral oil.
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LNFC-09 Establishing a Wear Particle Limit using the LNF Dynamic Limit Calculator
(581.75 KB)
The fundamental premise of machine condition monitoring by wear particle analysis is that an abnormal wear mode causes an increase in the size and concentration of wear particles above a previously defined baseline. LaserNet Fines is the ideal tool to establish dynamic equilibrium concentration and hence set alarm limits for any type of machine. Such limits can be set for the type of wear and according to particle size ranges.
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LNF-Particle Counter & Shape Recognition for In-Service Oils
(555.24 KB)
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LNF Q200 Brochure
(1.56 MB)
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LNFQ-10 Viscosity Measurements using LNF Q200
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SpectroLNF Q200 – An Improved Wear Particle Analyzer with New Capabilities for Machine and Lubricant Viscosity Condition Monitoring
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Spectro-Visc
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Spectroil
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Potential savings between $390,000 to $895,000
(187.58 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from a primary crusher at an iron ore mine. The increase in iron and fluctuations in the chromium and nickel oil analysis readings indicated possible bearing and/or gear wear. This was confirmed during strip down of the gearbox and it was apparent that the self-aligning outboard bearing fitted to the output shaft was distressed. The inside and outside bearing race, plus the bearing rollers were damaged and possibly in an early failure mode.
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Potential savings between $8,000 to $192,000
(189.73 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from a haul truck at an iron ore mine. Oil analysis results indicated increasing copper wear. Maintenance personnel removed the engine sump and found the main oil pump drive gear-retaining bolt had come loose. The oil analysis results avoided unscheduled down time and collateral damage to the engine.
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Potential savings between $21,200 to $111,000
(152.76 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from a rubber wheel dozer at an iron ore mine. Oil analysis results indicated increasing trends in iron, chromium, aluminum, and silicon. Diagnostic engineering suspected that dust (silicon) intrusion was taking place causing upper combustion area wear. During the inspection, the air-cleaner securing bolts were found to be loose and were the cause of the elevated silicon readings.
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New Developments and Functional Enhancements in RDE Used Oil Analysis Spectrometers
(652.89 KB)
by: Malte Lukas, Daniel P. Anderson, and Robert J. Yurko - Spark emission spectrometers using the rotating disk electrode (RDE) technique have become the workhorses and primary analytical tool of most machine condition monitoring programs based on oil analysis. This paper describes several new developments that have put new life into this established and well-accepted used oil analysis technique. They include performance enhancements, automation, and additional capabilities.
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Diesel Engine Coolant Analysis, Application for Established Instrumentation
(58.48 KB)
by: Daniel P. Anderson, Malte Lukas and Brian K. Lynch - Rotating disk electrode (RDE) arc emission spectrometers have been used exclusively for oil and fuel analysis for so long, that most practitioners have probably forgotten that when RDE spectrometers were first introduced more than 40 years ago, they were also routinely used for aqueous samples. This paper describes recent work to calibrate and modify Rotating Disk Electrode (RDE) arc emission spectrometers for the analysis of engine coolant samples.
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Development of an ASTM Standard Test Method for the Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) Emission Spectroscopy Technique
(150.21 KB)
by: Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson – The step-by-step process of developing an American Society for the Testing of Materials (ASTM) test method for the Rotating Disc Electrode (RDE) technique is described. The key factors that had to be considered for inclusion in the method, and compromises that had to be made to obtain agreement, will be reviewed. Particular emphasis will be placed on the inter-laboratory study (ILS) in which used oil and fuel samples were sent to participating laboratories for the purpose of developing a precision and bias statement.
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Source of Elements as Detected by the Spectroil M
(127.25 KB)
A table showing the source of elements as detected by spectroscopy in used oil samples from engines, transmissions and gears. The source of elements in hydraulic and coolant samples are also provided.
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Lubricant Mix-up
(125.89 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from the diesel engine of a locomotive. Spectrometric analysis of the additives present in the oil samples taken from the engine clearly shows that incorrect oil was used to top-off the reservoir. In this type of engine, incorrect oil that contains a zinc based additive package can result in severe wear problems. Several components such as bearings and wrist pins have silver coatings that corrode and wear in the presence of zinc. Based on the analysis, a recommendation was made to drain and flush the system and to observe correct top-off oil requirements.
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Spectroil M/C-W Specifications
(105.15 KB)
The key specifications and features of the Spectroil M/C-W Oil and Fuel Analysis Spectrometer are described in this document.
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In-Service Oil Analysis Wear Metal Data Interpretation
(507.93 KB)
An effective spectrometric oil analysis program is dependent upon interpretation of the analytical data on wear metals, contaminants and additives as measured by a spectrometer.
The interpretation of analytical results is an evaluation of the maintenance status of an oilwetted system and consists of the laboratory’s recommended service action.
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Spectroil Q100, the Latest in a Nearly 30 Year Evolution of Oil Analysis Spectrometers
(379.32 KB)
A look at a new generation of oil spectrometers for oil analysis that carries on the tradition of innovative technologies and designs seen in the Spectroil M family of spectrometers for over 20 years.
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Spectroil M-F-W
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On-Site Liquid Gas Turbine Fuel Analysis for Trace Metal Contamination
(94.27 KB)
by: Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson - Contamination levels of liquid fuel entering the combustor of a gas turbine must be low to avoid high temperature corrosion and fuel system fouling. Accordingly, each of the major industrial gas turbine manufacturers has strict contamination limits for alkali metals that must be met in order to comply with the warranty of the turbine. This paper discusses the various fuel analysis techniques available to the gas turbine user. It will review each technique’s ability to meet the need for fast and precise on-site analytical data.
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Analysis of Gas Turbine Cleaning Water and NOx Suppression
(108.71 KB)
A method has been developed for the Spectroil M/F-W Fuel Analysis Spectrometer for the analysis of corrosive elements in water in support of gas turbine operations. The method provides rapid analysis of sodium, lithium and potassium in water that is introduced into the engine combustor for the purpose of suppressing the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the exhaust gases and water used for on-line compressor cleaning and crank-soak compressor cleaning. All the elements of interest are analyzed in less than one minute and without auxiliary gases or the need for sample preparation.
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Naphtha Analysis Procedure
(2.37 MB)
The naphtha analysis procedure is a sample preparation method that makes it possible to analyze highly volatile fuel samples with the Spectroil M/F-W Fuel Analysis Spectrometer. A step-by-step procedure is described in this document.
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Sulfur Analysis in Fuel Oils and Lubricants
(1.72 MB)
On-site analysis of the element sulfur in gas turbine fuels has been a desire of the gas turbine manufacturer and power plant engineering for years. This document describes the ability of the Spectroil M/F-W to analyze sulfur in fuel oils and lubricants.
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Measurement of Alkali Metals in Gas Turbine Liquid Fuels
(121.69 KB)
(Published by GE Power Generation) An important issue facing operators of liquid fuel fired gas turbines is contamination of the fuels with salts of alkali metals. Burning contaminated fuel can result in the formation of sodium and potassium sulfates during the combustion process and the deposition of these salts in the hot gas path. To prevent this corrosion the specification GEI 41047 limits the combined sodium and potassium (Na+K) content of liquid fuel to 1 ppm. This paper describes the analysis of alkali metals in liquid fuels and the recommended test methods.
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Spectroil M/F-W Specifications
(509.19 KB)
TBD
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Spectroil M-N-W
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Aircraft Turbine
(209.99 KB)
A condition monitoring case study on used oil analysis of samples taken from the gas turbine of an F-15 Eagle aircraft. Spectrometric analysis of used oil samples exceeded alarm limits for iron from one sample to the next. A recommendation was made to teardown the turbine which disclosed a broken bearing.
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Spectroil M/N-W Specifications
(121.56 KB)
The key specifications and features of the Spectroil M/N-W Military Oil Analysis Spectrometer are described in this document.
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Turnkey
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Lubricant Analysis for Gas Turbine Condition Monitoring
(2.15 MB)
by: Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson – This applications paper details the requirements for a successful oil analysis laboratory. The components of an oil analysis program including debris monitoring and lubricant condition monitoring are discussed in detail along with a description of each analytical test. The analytical instruments of a typical turnkey oil analysis program are described and several actual case histories are provided.
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Machine and Lubricant Condition Monitoring for Extended Equipment Lifetimes and Predictive Maintenance at Power Plants
(463.83 KB)
by Malte Lukas and Daniel P. Anderson - This paper describes a comprehensive Machine Condition Monitoring Program at power plants based on oil analysis. Actual operational condition monitoring programs will be used to review basic components and analytical requirements. Case histories are cited as examples of cost savings, reduced equipment downtime and increased efficiencies of maintenance programs through a well-managed oil analysis program.
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New Technology and Developments for On-Site Oil analysis
(542.09 KB)
by: Malte Lukas and Robert J. Yurko - Condition monitoring through used oil analysis has been one of the basic tools of predictive maintenance programs and a requirement for the power plants of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The constraint for an analysis after each flight has placed new demands on available instrumentation and has created a need for on-site analytical capabilities that are effective in a Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP) laboratory and also on-site, during deployment. The past few years have seen several changes in technology that have had an impacted on oil analysis instrumentation. As a result, we are seeing changes in the objectives of condition monitoring programs along with increased capabilities of instrumentation. This paper will review some recent innovations in instrumentation and the impact they will have on the used oil analysis prerequisites of the F-16 Fighting Falcon.
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