Functional Enhancements in Used Oil Analysis Spectrometers.
Abstract
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. Digital technology has been applied in the design of excitation sources, optical and readout systems to greatly improve stability, maintainability and capabilities. A robotics system has also been developed to provide automated and unattended sample introduction and analysis. Several recent new inventions and developments have also augmented the applications and capabilities of the RDE technique. They include: (1) the ability to analyze large wear particles, (2) a modification to include the ability to analyze diesel engine coolants and water, (3) the development of an additional small optical system to make it possible to analyze sulfur in oil and fuel, and (4) a modification to analyze the conductivity of a used oil sample in the same step as the normal wear metal analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA347439
Entities
People
- Malte Lukas
- Robert J. Yurko