Condition Monitoring Division - Tests and Protocols...

All tests are conducted in accordance with ASTM methods or proven in-house methods. Most tests are NATA registered and GEOTECH implements stringent quality control procedures to ensure accurate analysis and reporting of results.

  Wear Metals – analysed to detect abnormal wear in any lubricated compartment.         Routine wear metals are iron, lead, copper, chromium, aluminium, nickel, tin         (other elements available on request).
  Additives – monitored to detect additive depletion or the possibility of mixed or         incorrect oil types. Common additive elements are calcium, zinc, magnesium,         molybdenum (other elements available on request).
  Contaminants – can be hazardous to any piece of machinery. Early detection of         dirt or water entry, excess soot in engines, internal cooling system leaks and fuel         dilution will save on costly repair bills.
  Kinematic Viscosity – determined to ensure the correct grade of oil is used and         to indicate oxidation, contamination, mixed or incorrect oils. Viscosity @ 40°C and         100°C available. Viscosity at both temperatures can be used to calculate the oil         viscosity index.
  Flash Point – used to determine contamination by light fluids such as diesel or         petrol and to ensure the flash point remains within the manufacturer’s         specifications.
  Acid Number – a measure of base required to neutralize acids (oxidation
        by-products) in oil. Used to monitor the levels of anti-oxidant additives and         oxidation of lube oils.
  Base Number – a measure of the alkaline reserve or the oil's ability to neutralize         acids from the combustion process. Severe depletion results in acid corrosion         and fouling within the engine.
  Colour Index (ASTM D1500-98).
  Particle Counting – to monitor the cleanliness of circulating oils. ISO         4406:1987(E) or NAS 1638, particle sizes from 5-400 micron.
  Direct Reading Ferrography – a measure of the bulk ferrous content. Trends the         relative concentrations of wear particles in two ranges; 1-5 micron and greater         than 5 micron, allowing the early detection of abnormal wear conditions.
  Wear Debris Analysis (Ferrography, Filtergram and Scanning Electron         Microscopy) –  characterisation of particles in a lubricant. Allows characterisation         of metal types (particle sizes and wear modes) and any contaminants that may be         present. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) can provide compositional analysis         of any metals or contaminants detected.
  Oxidation, Sulphation, and Nitration By Products – analysed to determine the         levels of by-products of oil oxidation, degradation and combustion.
  RBOT (ASTM D2274) – a measure of the oxidation stability of in-service and new         turbine oils.
  LMOA – a measure of insoluble material (eg. pentane insolubles) in engine oils,         formed by combustion, oxidation/degradation, contamination and wear.
  Microbiological Testing of Diesel Fuel – performed to detect biological         contamination in diesel fuels.
  Coolant Analysis – carried out to monitor the condition and service ability of         coolants. Available tests include pH, sodium chloride, sodium nitrite, conductivity,         total dissolved solids, glycol content, molybdenate, borate plus a wide range of         elemental analyses as required.
  Grease Analysis – an acid digestion process is used to ensure complete         breakdown of greases and any wear metals and contaminants.
  Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils (ASTM D892) Seq. I, II & III - the         determination of the foaming characteristics of lubricating oils at 24°C and         93.5°C.
  Water Separability (ASTM D1401) - determines the water separation         characteristics of oils subject to water contamination and turbulence.
  Varnish Potential in Turbine Oil - an in-house screening test for varnish products         in turbine oils.