ana, 2490 (ELCHECK tre apeseesny ¢ ‘OELCHECK WIKI 4 Test methods and equipment in our OELCHECK laboratory Infrared spectroscopy - key element of modern oil analysis Whether itis a question of identity testing or assessing the continued serviceabiliy of lubricants infrared spectroscopy is one of the most important elements of modern oil analysis, iis contained in every OELCHECK analysis kt The measuring principle, some ofthe characteriatic values determines with it and ther role in the used ot evaluation were already explained inthe OicheckerFrjahr 2000 lonly available in German}. Because ofthe great importance ofthis FT-IR method, which has now been expanded to include about 10 parameters, sample and reterence spectre ae printed on each aborstary report whenever possible. In order to deepen the basic understanding, the ‘most important fundamentals ofthe evaluation of infrared spectra are presented here. We speak ofan “FT” IR diagram because the diagram i transformed into more readable form by means af the Fourier transform. n the diagram, the transmission ofthe light is shown on the vertical Y-axis, and the wavelength ofthe infrared light, given in wavenumbers, is shown onthe herizontal X-axis. This shows how much ofthe light introduced int the measuring cells stil detected ator Leaving this cel. The IR diagram is often referred to as the Fingerprint ofthe ol type in question. Gy ‘olbasisches 61 Esterbasisches O1 Mineral ‘Transmission in % 40000 Wellenzaht in cm ‘An FT-IR diagram can be divided into two diferent sections: The range of wave numbers above 1,500 cm-1 identifies lunctional groups of chemical compounds such as esters, glycols oF mineral ol ‘The range of wave numbers below 1,500 rs-1 provides information about the “skeletal vibrations", Le the structure of the molecules as a whole. This area is also called the “ingerprint area The observer can already tel witha litle practice whether the ois |a mineral lester ail or glycol-based synthetic ol al based onthe IR diagram printes on the OELCHECK laboratory report In adelton significant addlitve compounds are detectable inthe IR spectrum, with changes indicating additive degradation, blending, ora diferent of ‘Asa general rule, compounds atiriduted tothe “natural” constituents af ol are visible in the slagram as rather wide cuts, often reaching the “bottom”, This applies, for example, tothe °C-C" or "C-H" bonds contained in any hydrocarton o to the "C=O" bonds contained in an ester-based oil. The aelitves, on the other hand, which are often present only in small quantities, tend te show a pinhle-tike” appearance inthe diagram. These "peaks" have only 3 relatively smal extension. This applies, for example, to phenolic antioxidants, orto additves that change the viscosity-temperature behavior IV improvers| However, the diagram on the laboratory report, which can be enlarged at lab.rsportlapp/, snot suited far precise evaluation Te provide accurate values high-resolution graphics and special evaluation software are required to compare the spectrum ofthe fresh cil with that of the used il The evaluating ‘trbologst must have a profound knowledge ofthe structure of different cil types, their adltives andthe influence of aging onthe ollithe wants to comment on all parameters individually. In practice, itis nat uncommon for different types of eta be mined, Sometimes a diferent type of oil's used than the one specified by the customer in good fat, or residual amounts of the prevcus ll remain inthe system when the oil's changed. The spectrum of each individual ol sample, including the reference spectrum, i immediately availabe to the experienced tribologst on the sereen when calling up the sample data. He can thus see at first glance whether the IR used ol spectrum corresponds at alls the fresh oll spectrum af the oil class specified bythe customer. For this purpose, the software suuperimposes the we spectra and shows whether they are congruent atthe decisive pants Ine oll designation s given on the Sample Information Form, ‘the best matching reference spectrum must be selected from the extensive OFLCHECK darabase according tothe “best match principle For comparison, an extensive database with hundreds of fresh ci samples can be accessed immediately. Only when the ol ype i identified does the ‘ribologst begin evaluating the metrics determined at specfc "bang areas" af the IR. Inthe case of synthetic base els or els containing certain additives, however, a value determined by the I method may not be relevant fer ths ype of oil because, for exarmple,ester-based components prevent the oxidation value vali ony for pure mineral alts rom being determined. psenostackomikintare pecroacep! teana, 2490 (ELCHECK tre apeseesny ‘The new FT infrared device by Bio-Rad, Boston Also read: Oxidation of gas engine oils > ‘This is how precisely OFLCHECK detects water > Relative humiityat defined temperature ané water saturation curve > AOS & ice 0002942 - Imprint - Data pro lon declaration - GTC - Privacy settings OELCHECK ipslenostackomikintare specroacep!