Most equipment used for oil and fuel is very costly and unexpected breakdowns can be costly and delay the job which in turn can result in less profit for the job. Regular oil analysis on the equipment can determine if there is any sign of a problem which can be fixed during down time. Remember, fixing a problem before it becomes a total failure can save a lot of money and time.

Most samples that arrive at out lab in the morning are processed and the results are emailed at the close out of the day. Occasional RUSH samples (depending on the test) can be rushed in a few hours. All sample results are also posted to our website which is available 24/7 with the customer number and password.

Oil analysis can not only save money by predicting equipment failure it can also determine contamination in the fluid systems or the wrong oil in the component. In some cases, it can possibly extend the oil drain interval.

Gone are the days of diesel fuel lasting years with no concern of chemical degradation. With the production of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and the introduction of Bio-diesel the stability of the diesel fuel has been lessened significantly.

Traditional fuel testing, such as those recommended in ASTM D975, can no longer predict the long-term serviceability of the fuel.

Recommended Tests for Oils:

The Basic Oil Test with Oxidation and Nitration (BOX) package which consists of 21 elements, viscosity, Oxidation and Nitration, fuel dilution on engines as well as glycol contamination, water and silicon (dirt) is our recommended test package.  Oxidation and Nitration is an excellent indicator of oil lifespan, overheating/over extension issues, and coolant intrusion.  Our pricing structure is such that when a BOX test is purchased, we apply the appropriate test packages to other oil compartments, hence eliminating the need to stock multiple test packages.  Non engine compartments that have filtration will receive a Basic Oil Test with ISO Particle Count and other non-engine nonfiltered compartments will receive the Basic Oil Test with PQ Index (Ferrous Wear Index).

Recommended Tests for Long Term Storage Fuels:

1. Field Observation of a Bottom Sample – ASTM D4176 (Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate)
2. ISO Particle Count – ISO 4406:1999 Diesel engine manufacturers require that the fuel be an ISO Rating 18/16/13 or lower before it is used.
3. Fuel Derived Deposits (FDD) – This is an inhouse method of determining if there are elevated levels of oxidation products, which form varnish-like compounds. These deposits can cause filter blockage as well as stickage throughout the entire fuel system. A system that has high FDD cannot be just drained and refilled. It needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any varnish-like residue. If a system is only drained and refilled, the new fuel will degrade even quicker.
4. FAME % or Bio Diesel % ASTM D7371- Diesel fuel can now contain up to 4.9% Bio Diesel. Bio diesel by nature degrades rapidly forming varnish-like compounds. It has been stated that fuel containing up to 20% Bio Diesel should be used within 90 days of manufacture of the Bio Diesel. Diesel fuels with more than 20% should be used within 45 days of manufacture of the Bio Diesel.
5. Petrooxy/Oxidation Stability ASTM D7545 – This is now the recommended ASTM test for long term stability testing of the fuel. This test should not be considered a one-time test as it is necessary to trend the results over time. The fuel upon delivery into the system should be tested in order to establish a baseline value of the fuel. Then, a minimum annual test is required to monitor the trend and rate of degradation of the fuel. If a system is determined to be compromised, then semiannual testing should be conducted. A low value does not necessarily require that the fuel be disposed. Fuel upon delivery should be conditioned and routinely reconditioned in order to maintain the stability.

Optional Testing may include the following –

1. Bacteria test – Test for micro-organisms in the fuel
2. Bottom Sediment and Water ASTM D2709 – If the laboratory test is required rather than the field observation test ASTM D4176

Elements Tested for:  Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Tin (Sn), Aluminum (Al), Nickel (Ni), Silver (Ag), Silicon (Si), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Boron (B), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Barium (Ba), Phosphorus (P), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V)