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ICP Spectroscopy

ICP Spectroscopy Tests

Measures the concentration of wear metals, contaminant metals and additive metals in a lubricant.

Operating Principle

A diluted oil sample is pulverized by inert gas (argon) to form an aerosol. This is magnetically induced to form a plasma at 9000 degrees C. The high temperature causes metal ions to take on energy and release new energy in the form of photons. A spectrum with different wavelengths is created for each element. The instrument quantifies the amount of energy emitted and determines the concentration in parts per million (ppm) of 20 elements present in the sample.

Significance

The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Spectrometer measures and quantifies the elements associated with wear, contamination, and additives. This information assists decision makers in determining the oil and machine condition. The following list outlines the specific elements detected and possible sources of the element.

Applications

All industrial lubricants.


Elements Possible Source
Iron (Fe) Shafts, Gears, Housing, Piston Rings, Cylinder Walls
Copper (Cu) Brass/Bronze Alloys, Bearings, Bushings, Thrust Washers
Lead (Pb) Bearings, Anti-Wear Gears
Tin (Sn) Bearing Alloys, Bearing Cages, Solder
Aluminum (Al) Pumps, Thrust Washers, Pistons
Chromium (Cr) Roller Bearings, Piston Rings, Cylinder Walls
Nickel (Ni) Pumps, Gear Platings, Valves
Titanium (Ti) Exotic Alloy
Silver (Ag) Some Bearings
Magnesium (Mg) Detergent Additive, Coolant Additive
Silicon (Si) Dirt, Defoamant Additive
Boron (B) Anti-corrosion in Coolants
Sodium (Na) Detergent Additive, Coolant Additive
Barium (Ba) Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors
Calcium (Ca) Detergent/Dispersant Additive
Phosphorus (P) Anti-wear Additive, EP Gear Additive
Potassium (K) Coolant Additive
Molybdenum (Mo) EP Additive
Zinc (Zn) Anti-wear Additive
Vanadium (V) Turbine Blades

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Insight Services, Inc.  •  20338 Progress Drive  •  Cleveland, OH 44149  •  Phone: 216-251-2510  •  Fax: 216-251-2515
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