::: Application Flash

Measurement of Lubricants for Quality Control

Lubricating oils, cutting oils, and greases keep friction down
and reduce downtime for industrial machinery. The initial
quality and continued usefulness of these lubricants can be
assessed refractometrically

Keeping well-oiled machines running like well-oiled machines

Good to know

Industrial machinery faces the constant risk of unnecessary wear and tear
from lubricant used past its useful lifetime. These risks can be mitigated by
determining the initial quality of lubricating oils, cutting oils, and greases,
and by monitoring their quality over time. This allows for the replacement
of these lubricants before they begin to affect machine performance.
Refractive Index provides a quick and simple method of monitoring
lubricant health.

The Abbemat line of refractometers

from Anton Paar are ideal for assessing the quality of lubricants, in total
compliance with ASTM D1218 and
D1747.
Other Anton Paar instruments
relevant for the application

The refractive index of hydrocarbons and other liquids is an important

physical quality of hydrocarbon liquids. Its measurement in these liquids,
including lubricants, is described in ASTM D1218. For more viscous
materials, such as lubricating greases, the standard method for
refractometric measurement is described by ASTM D1747.

Abbemat refractometers can be combined with a density or viscometer from

Anton Paar to further characterize oils
by their density or carbon-type composition.

Measuring lubricant quality with the Abbemat refractometer

Abbemat refractometers from Anton Paar meet or exceed the specifications of ASTM D1218 and D1747. This means accuracy to four decimals or
better, a measuring range of 1.26 to 1.72, and measurement temperatures
up to 110 C, depending on the model. The temperature of the sample can
also be quickly and accurately adjusted to the reference temperature via
the integrated Peltier control. Particularly useful when measuring samples
may be obtained from lubricant nearing the end of its life cycle, Anton
Paars refractometers can also measure dark-colored samples, due to their
measurement principle.
Compared to other methods for determining lubricant quality, refractometry
offers a rapid and accurate method of determining quality.

Do you have any questions?

Contact Anton Paar directly:
info.optotec@anton-paar.com

D22IA039EN-A

www.anton-paar.com