Knowledge Base
S·O·S Oil Condition Analysis
Maximize performance by knowing your oil condition
Oxygen exposure, heat and contaminants cause all oils to degrade. Engine oil is
particularly susceptible to degradation by sulfur, nitration, by-products of combustion,
high temperatures, and water from the combustion process or condensation. Oil condition
analysis, part of the comprehensive Finning (Canada) fluid analysis program, helps prevent component
damage by monitoring your oil and keeping track of its degradation. Oil condition analysis
also allows you to correct problems that affect oil performance. The bottom-line benefit:
maximum oil performance, optimum oil change intervals and reduced repair costs.
Understanding Oil Condition Analysis (Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis)
Oil condition analysis is similar to wear rate analysis with one important exception:
It evaluates chemical compounds in the oil rather than wear element particles.
Oil condition analysis is important for oil from all systems: transmissions and
hydraulics, as well as engines.
S·O·S Oil condition analysis includes an infrared instrument that uses a
mathematical method to convert raw instrument data into meaningful terms. This test, often
called FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared analysis), identifies and quantifies organic
compound groups by measuring their infrared absorption at the specific wavelength of each
group. Besides identifying oxidation, soot, sulfur products and nitration, the test is
also used to scan for oil contamination by fuel, water or glycol (engine coolant).
Identifying contaminants before they cause problems
Oil condition analysis detects soot, oxidation, nitration products and sulfur
products/acids. This test can also detect contamination by water, fuel and glycol from
coolant. If detected, specific contaminant tests are used to confirm findings. Oil
condition analysis focuses on:
Soot
Soot is found only in engine oil. It is the insoluble residue of partially burned fuel. It
is held in suspension by the oil additive package and causes engine oil to turn black.
When soot drops out of suspension in the oil, it contributes to additive depletion and
eventually increases oil viscosity. Heavy concentrations of soot can cause bearing damage
by starving contact surfaces of lubrication.
Oxidation
Oxidation occurs in transmission, hydraulic and engine oils when oxygen molecules
chemically join with oil molecules. This chemical reaction is accelerated by high oil
temperatures, glycol contamination from engine coolant, the presence of copper, and from
extended oil change intervals. Oxidation causes the oil to thicken, form acids, and lose
lubrication qualities, which threatens the life of your components. Oxidized oil will
cause deposits on engine pistons and valves, stuck rings, and bore polishing. In hydraulic
systems and transmissions, it can cause valve scuffing and sticking.
Nitration Products
Nitration occurs in all engine oils, but is generally only a problem in natural gas
engines. Nitrogen compounds from the combustion process thicken the oil and reduce its
lubricating ability. If nitration continues unchecked, it can result in filter plugging,
heavy piston deposits, lacquering of valves and pistons, and eventual failure.
Sulfur Products/Acids
Sulfur is present in all fuels and affects all engines. During combustion, fuel sulfur
oxidizes and combines with water to form acid. Acid corrodes all engine parts, but is
most dangerous to valves and valve guides, piston rings and liners.
Optimizing your equipment with the Finning (Canada) fluid analysis program
Oil degradation may be the result of a number of factors and conditions, including
extended oil change intervals, abnormal temperatures, or contamination by fuel, water or
coolant. Lower quality oils will degrade more rapidly than a premium quality lubricant.
With oil condition analysis, you can determine the extent to which oil has deteriorated
during use and verify whether it is performing up to specification during the entire oil
change period. Oil condition analysis is just one part of the Finning (Canada) fluid analysis program
that provides information to maximize uptime and maximize profits.