Shimadzu Solutions for Lubricant Monitoring

Significance of the Topic

Lubricants are essential for reducing friction, providing cooling, and cleaning in mechanical engines. Degradation of these fluids through thermal, mechanical, and chemical stresses can lead to reduced performance, increased wear, and shorter equipment life. Routine chemical analysis of lubricants enables proactive maintenance, cost savings, and enhanced reliability.

Objectives and Article Overview

This article examines the mechanisms of lubricant degradation, reviews industry-standard test methods, and highlights the use of Shimadzu analytical instruments for comprehensive monitoring of lubricant condition.

Methodology

Analytical techniques covered include Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for molecular changes (oxidation, nitration, hydration, and soot), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for elemental additives and wear metals, and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for fuel dilution. All methods comply with relevant ASTM standards.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu IRSpirit FT-IR spectrometer with Pearl Liquid Analyzer and Q-ATRS/QATR-S prisms
• Shimadzu ICPE-9800 ICP-AES system with vacuum-purged optical bench and vertical torch
• Shimadzu GC-2030 gas chromatograph with ClickTek one-push column connectors and AOC-6000 autosampler

Key Results and Discussion

FT-IR analysis detected oxidation, nitration, water incorporation, and soot content by monitoring characteristic bond absorptions and baseline shifts. ICP-AES quantified trace and major elements (e.g., Al, Ca, Fe, Zn) in used versus new oils, demonstrating high sensitivity, low detection limits, and excellent spike-recovery. GC-FID measurements accurately determined fuel dilution levels, exemplified by the detection of 11 % diesel in engine oil.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Early identification of lubricant breakdown and contaminants to prevent mechanical failure
• Optimized maintenance schedules for engines and turbines, reducing downtime
• Standardized, high-throughput analyses suitable for QA/QC laboratories
• Comprehensive monitoring of additives, wear metals, soot, water, and fuel in a single workflow

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Development of portable, in-line sensors for real-time lubricant condition monitoring
• Application of machine learning for predictive maintenance and anomaly detection
• Miniaturization of spectroscopic instruments for field analysis
• Integration into IoT platforms for automated data collection and reporting

Conclusion

Combining FT-IR, ICP-AES, and GC techniques provides a robust, multi-dimensional approach to lubricant analysis. This synergy supports improved engine reliability, cost efficiency, and extended service life through timely detection of degradation and contamination.

Reference

• ASTM E2412
• ASTM D3525
• ASTM D7593
• ASTM D3524
• ASTM D5185
• ASTM D4951