•Viscosity Testing
The Particle Count test measures the thickness of a lubricant.

•Operational Method
Viscosity is measured at 40°C for industrial applications and is classified by the ISO Viscosity Grade standard. The unit of measure is centistokes (cSt).

•Importance
Viscosity is the most important physical property of a lubricant. A mechanical failure can occur rapidly without the use the correct viscosity for a specific application.

•Particle Count Testing:
The Particle Count test measures the size and quantity, with in the ISO 4406 measuring parameters, of dissolved particles in a lubricant.

•Operational Method:
Laser Light Obstruction Method - Oil is passed through a laser sensor that calculates the amount of light obstructed as the sample flows through the laser cell. The amount of light obstructed during this process is determined and measured by a photodiode detector. The instrument then calculates the distribution of the predetermined size ranges. This value or result is the ISO Code.

•Importance:
Particle Count determines the overall cleanliness of the fluid. It also provides details on the overall function ability of the systems filtration.

•Dissolved Water Testing
The Karl Fischer test measures the amount of dissolved water in lubricants.

•Operational Method
The Karl Fischer test method is the most accurate water measuring technique. Excess iodine is used to measure and correlate part per million levels the dissolved water in lubricant samples.

•Importance
High amounts of dissolved water can significantly shorten bearing life. High moisture levels can also promote corrosion.

•ICP Spectroscopy:
The ICP measures the amount of dissolved wear, contaminant and additive metals in a specific lubricant.

•Operational Method:
Diluted lubricant samples are misted in an inert gas environment. The high temperature (>8000°C) causes the excitation of the metal ions which emits a spectrum with different wavelengths that is unique to each tested element. The instrument quantifies the amount of excitation that is produced and then determines the concentration in parts per million (ppm). Analysis of all 20 elements occurs simultaneously.

•Importance:
This information allows for decisions to be made in determining the oil and machines condition. Results are compared to new fluid parameters and past trends to determine if action is required.

•TAN Testing
The TAN measures the amount of oxidation or the amount of weak acids present in a lubricant.

•Operational Method
The TAN is determined by measuring a specific amount of lubricant sample dissolved in a solvent with an indication. A base is then titrated to reach an endpoint. The TAN is determined by the amount of base required to reach the endpoint.

•Importance
The TAN is used to condemn most all lubricants that come in contact or are mixed with oxygen. The TAN can also indicate the presence of other acidic gas components.