INSIDE The Atom
INSIDE The Atom Emissions Spectrometer (AES) rapidly and precisely identifies trace elements such as wear components (metals) and additives. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS FOR OUR CUSTOMERS MOTOREX is continually expanding its laboratory capacity. Additional staff and state-of-the-art equipment guarantee the MOTOREX lab’s capacity. For our customers, this means cutting-edge products, guaranteed quality and fast analytical services. As an independent lubricant company, MOTOREX has a tradition of ongoing investment in research and development and has made R&D a key factor in its success. The laboratory in Langenthal, with its expert staff and innovative infrastructure, exemplifies this commitment. “New analytical methods” AUTONOMOUS AND FORWARD-LOOKING MOTOREX is currently capable of conducting over 95% of analysis and development processes in its own laboratory. This is especially important for technologies that have not yet been patented. Tribology experts are constantly inventing new analytical methods and ingenious equipment, often developed in-house. The lab also has close relationships with technical institutes for farther-ranging investigations and test bench trials. MOTOREX performs some 120 types of analysis and investigation in its own facilities (see chart on page 15). RAPID ANALYSIS The emphasis in the MOTOREX labs is not only on pure science, but also on practical results. Countless customer samples are analyzed every day. The objective is to conduct the analyses as rapidly, but also as precisely as possible. In recent months, many analytical methods have been automated. This lets customers know in a 14
timely fashion whether a lubricant needs changing or if it’s safe to keep using it. A TYPICAL ANALYSIS The following scenario gives a clear picture of the lab’s day-to-day work in analysis of raw materials, finished products and customer samples from actual use. This specific analysis can be used to determine the condition of the machine and the medium, which in turn makes it possible to predict the remaining service life of the fluid. For hydraulic fluids, the relevant examination methods are combined in a set of tests. In most cases a representative view of the condition of the lubricant is not pro - vid ed by a single test value, but rather a number of test results and the way they are interpreted. Every day the MOTOREX lab receives a large number of customer samples for quick, high-precision analysis. HYDRAULIC FLUID ANALYSIS 1. Visual inspection of incoming sample: The specialist can often recognize certain problems by sight (color, water, wear) or smell (burnt). 2. Viscosity at 40 °C/100 °C and the viscosity index calculated from these figures: This is where test values are compared with specification tolerances. This phase provides information on shear stability, lubricity, etc. 3. Infrared readings: By comparing with reference samples, IR spectra can be used to identify even minor variances from fresh oil. 4. Aging stability by measuring total acid number: The TAN increases as oxidation products accumulate during operation – the concentration of acidic oxidation products rises. If the concentration exceeds a critical point, a deterioration in the lubricant’s tribological properties may result. 5. Measurement of elemental content: This measurement enables conclusions about changes in concentrations of additives and wear elements such as chromium, molybdenum, copper, etc. Modern alloys and composite materials have made additional elements such as silicon and tungsten a focus of testing. 6. Measurement of water content: Water content is particularly critical in hydraulic fluids, since water evaporation can lead to failure of hydraulic systems. Moisture content is measured using the Karl Fischer titrometer (DIN 51777). 7. Determining cleanliness class (ISO 4406): Hydraulic fluid cleanliness classes are growing in importance as microfiltration systems are becoming more widespread in modern hydraulic equipment. Particles should also be prevented from circulating within the hydraulic system to avoid a large increase in wear. The MOTOREX laboratory team and the services it performs will always be a key success factor in compelling products and well-received services from MOTOREX. • Rapid, precise analysis of incoming raw materials and production batches saves time and enhances productivity. Equipment Viscosimeter IR spectrum (infrared spectroscopy) Cold cranking simulator Karl Fischer titrometer pH titration RFA/spectroscopy Pour point test device NOACK test device Flame point measuring device BOSCH pump Particulate measuring device Filterability measurement device Analysis Dynamically/kinematically determining viscosity Determining identity and divergence from reference values, lubricant composition analysis Low temperature resistance to starting Water content of lubricants Measurement of acidic components, determining changes in concentration of acidic compounds, for example due to oxidation processes. Determining alkali reserves of oil formulations Determining elemental content of oils Automated low-temperature flow characteristics of oils Evaporation loss of base oils and final formulations Fuel contamination, quality characteristics/ deviations Shear stability, viscosity loss during lubricant use Particulate contamination through wear and foreign matter Determining filterability See also Tribology A–Z at www.motorex.com for explanations of technical terms. MOTOREX MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2010 15
