SOS Fluid Analysis

Particle count testing detects larger particles in the oil than the ones found in typical wear metal analysis. This provides our customers with another tool for the detection of excessive wear and contamination.

Oil condition analysis compares a customer’s current used engine oil sample with a previously recorded sample of their new unused engine oil to detect the amount of lubrication the oil may lose during normal operation. This potential loss of lubrication can be from several sources such as soot, oxidation, and sulfur. Engine oil contamination from fuel, water and coolant entry can also affect the oil’s ability to lubricate more. All of these various contaminants are recorded and reported.

Wear metal analysis measures and identifies the amounts and types of metals that wear inside an engine, transmission, final drive, or hydraulic system. Nine different metals are recorded and evaluated in order to monitor the wear inside each of these compartments. The wear metal readings are measured and recorded in parts per million, which is the industry-wide standard for reporting metal analysis results.

Dependent upon the level of metals in the oil, we will determine where the abnormal wear is originating within a compartment.

We test for Aluminum, Chrome, Iron, Lead, Potassium, Silicon, Sodium, and Tin.

Viscosity testing measures the oil’s ability to flow and lubricate. Fuel present in the oil will lower the viscosity level, reducing the ability of the oil to lubricate. Viscosity testing will determine if the wrong weight of oil is being used in a particular compartment or an oil transfer between compartments exists.

Coolant or cooling system problems contribute to more than 50% of all engine failures. These failures can be due to inadequate cooling system maintenance, incorrect coolant concentrations, and poor operational procedures, all of which can cause accelerated oil degradation, insufficient heat transfer, corrosion of liners, water pumps, and seals. Coolant analysis can determine the overall condition of the cooling system and can identify problems with maintenance procedures and practices. Level 1 coolant analysis consists of four analytical tests and three observational tests that not only show major problems with the coolant, but can also predict some major coolant system problems. Cooling system problems will also reduce the life of engine, transmission, and hydraulic components served by coolant heat exchangers. Coolant analysis is as important a tool in early prediction of potential problems, as oil analysis is in oil-lubricated systems.