New oil analysis is mainly intended for business using lubricants delivered in bulk, i.e. tanks of at least 200 litres. But it is also useful for smaller quantities when a lubricant's compliance with automotive industry requirements needs to be checked. 

For a haulage contractor, the major reason is to check for any contamination of the lubricant by: water or solid particles. This analysis usually betrays the conditions of tank storage.

The accuracy of engine diagnosis also depends on our knowledge of the oils we monitor regularly for our clients. These vary and change in formulation and viscosity.

It also enables us to tell whether the working oil used is really the one stated as per the technical data sheet:

Lubricant additivation check

Organic salts such as calcium and magnesium are dispersive and detergent agents which are essential for all lubricants, especially for diesel engines which generate soot.There is also zinc dithiophosphate (ZDTP) which is an anti-wear additive.Polymer-based viscosity number improvers help to strengthen resistance to metal shearing and limit thickening under heat.Anti-foam and deaerators are silicone products to slow down foaming which sometimes adversely affects oil pressure and flow.Esters are very popular ingredients in motorbike oils to lower lubricant volatility and oil consumption.All these additives, and more especially sulphur-based ones, will generate sulphated ash which is also limited by the manufacturer (approx. 1% in the automotive industry) because it generates calamine and causes pre-ignition or adversely affects the elasticity of segmentation due to sticking.

Viscosity check

This is essential because, when compared to that of a used lubricant, it shows its flow properties and any dilution by fuel.

Ascertainment of the alkaline reserve

This is used to ascertain a lubricant's ability to neutralise the build-up of acidity in a working oil becoming corrosive for metal parts in a lubricated unit.

Emission spectrometry to check oil additivation.

sample report

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Inspection for solid contaminants or water.

Viscosities from 40°C to 100°C to establish the viscosity number which characterises the propensity of oil to spread very quickly through the entire oil circuit when cold and stay thick enough when hot to have no effect on lubrication.

TBN (Total Base Number) to check the lubricant's alkaline reserve.