Examination of the Complete Oil Breakdown Rate Analyzer Model 2 (COBRA 2) and the Tandem Conductivity Tester (TCT) for Detecting Synthetic Aircraft Oil Degradation
Abstract
At the request of the U.S. Air Force Oil Analysis Program (AF OAP) Office, two commercial products were evaluated for applicability to the analysis of synthetic ester (polyol) aircraft lubricant with a base stock of 1,1,1-(trimethylol)propane triheptanoate (TMPTH): the Complete Oil Breakdown Rate Analyzer (COBRA 2) and the Tandem Conductivity Tester from Spectro, Inc. The two units were examined by running a series of conductivity standards of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) in TMPTH. Because no aircraft oil samples were available at the time of testing, marine diesel engine oil samples were used to investigate the impacts of worst-case contaminants found in engine oil. The COBRA 1 tester provided the benchmark for comparison/contrast. This study was of limited scope, using a single instrument of each model for testing; however, no major problems or differences were identified based on available samples. Precision and accuracy were similar to the COBRA 1; nevertheless, some confounding factors were observed with the TCT, especially regarding differences among measurement boats. Both instruments met minimal performance standards for consideration of adoption by the joint military services within the scope of the AF OAP needs. Recommendations are made for the improvement of the devices as well as for standardization and optimization of performance should either unit be adopted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA451073
Entities
People
- Denedra Brown
- Edward T. Urbansky