A HISTORY OF OIL ANALYSIS

In this issue we will look at the inception and rise of oil analysis. Specifically, we will be looking at the development and implementation of elemental spectroscopy, ferrography and infrared spectroscopy.

Lubricants have been inspected and monitored for perhaps as long as they've been in use. But until the second half of the 20th century, inspection and monitoring was limited to temperature, pressure and the occasional check for oil color and viscosity. There are also references to blotter spot testing of in-service lubricants in the late 19th century.

Prior to the widespread use of routine oil analysis for condition monitoring, there were numerous methods to examine the physical, chemical and performance properties of new lubricants. These properties included viscosity, flash point, pour point, density, total in solubles and water contamination. These early tests were promoted by oil companies as a way to characterize the basic properties of different lubricants and to ensure the quality of their product. These tests also served the purpose of legally defending the lubricant manufacturer in the event of machine failure.

Between 1946 and 1948, the Denver and RIO Grande Railroad began using elemental spectroscopy to test lubricants for the abnormal presence of wear metals, namely aluminum, copper, iron and lead. This practice was implemented with the interest of avoiding accidents and reducing mechanical failure. The focus on wear metals can be credited for a paradigm shift regarding lubricant testing, shifting the focus (although not entirely) from testing lubricant health and-performance to monitoring machine health. This effort aimed at reliability was successful, and other railroad companies soon implemented similar practices.

EARLY USE OF ELEMENTAL SPECTROSCOPY