STEP 3 : Emission spectrometryEvery element of matter subjected to very high temperatures excites electrons which become charged with calorific energy. In accordance with the laws of physics, they go back into their natural orbit and thus release the energy, but this time in the form of luminous energy. The device (spectrometer) measures the amount of light emitted by the oil ingredients to reveal the presence of metal oxides indicating engine wear (normal or abnormal). These are particles of about 2 microns in size.
Phosphorus, zinc, calcium and magnesium are additives which provide oil with some of its properties. Nickel, aluminium, iron, chromium, molybdenum, copper, lead and tin are produced by wear of engine units. A lot of silica is usually due to faulty air filtering. Sodium, boron and potassium indicate an inflow of cooling fluid.
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