What are the functions of petroleum product testing?

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Oil testing laboratories use a range of advanced testing methods to analyze the inherent quality and physical-chemical properties of oils (including lubricants and fuel oils), based on their quality indicators and performance characteristics. These laboratories assess the quality of these oils, and can conduct regular monitoring of the lubricants and fuel oils in use in equipment. This allows for early detection of any signs of oil degradation or contamination, thereby enabling the establishment of appropriate lubrication methods and oil change schedules for the equipment. We safeguard your production and daily life. Oil testing laboratories use a range of advanced testing methods to analyze the inherent quality and physical-chemical properties of oils (including lubricants and fuel oils), based on their quality indicators and performance characteristics. These laboratories assess the quality of these oils, and can conduct regular monitoring of the lubricants and fuel oils in use in equipment. This allows for early detection of any signs of oil degradation or contamination, thereby enabling the establishment of appropriate lubrication methods and oil change schedules for the equipment. We safeguard your production and daily life. The routine testing parameters for oils include: kinematic viscosity, moisture content, flash point, freezing point and pour point, sulfur content, density, boiling range, acid value, alkali value, color, residue, ash content, calorific value, mechanical impurities, insoluble substances, and foam properties. There are also tests to assess the intrinsic quality of oils, such as the levels of wear elements, contaminating elements, and additive elements in lubricants; the determination of the organic and inorganic components in oils; and the assessment of the oil’s degree of contamination. (1) Determination of the flash point of oils – Basic concepts: It is a method for measuring the temperature at which vapor escapes from an oil under specified heating conditions and ignites. Testing methods: ASTM D92, GB/T 267. Purpose of testing: The flash point can be used to determine the composition of an oil’s fractions; it serves as an indicator of the safety of the oil. The flash point also helps to detect the presence of light fuel oils mixed in lubricants.

(2) Determination of the acid value of oils – Basic concepts: It involves determining the amount of acid required to neutralize all acidic components in 1 gram of the sample, with this amount expressed in terms of equivalent acid content in mgKOH/g. Testing methods: Color indicator method and potentiometric titration. Standards: GB/T 7304, ASTM D664. Purpose of testing: To assess the degree of refinement of the base oil; to measure the amount of acidic additives present in finished oils; it is also an important indicator for detecting oxidation and deterioration of oils during use.

(3) Determination of oil contamination levels – Basic concepts: This involves measuring the size, quantity, and distribution of contaminant particles in oil. Testing methods: Automatic particle counting method (light-blocking method). Standards: NAS 1638, ISO 4406. Purpose of testing: To quantitatively determine the number of contaminant particles and their level of contamination in lubricants. In precision hydraulic systems, solid particle contamination can accelerate wear on control components; in turbine systems, it can increase wear on bearings and other parts. (4) Determination of the kinematic viscosity of oils – Basic concepts: Viscosity is a measure of the internal friction force when a fluid flows, and it is used to assess a oil’s ability to resist flow at a specific temperature. Testing method: The kinematic viscosity of oils is determined using a capillary viscometer, in accordance with standards such as GB/T 265 and ASTM D445. Purposes of testing: It serves as the main basis for classifying oil grades, helps in selecting appropriate oils, acts as an important indicator of oil degradation, and enables assessment of whether the oil being used is suitable. (5) Detection of moisture in oil – Basic concept: This refers to the percentage of water contained in the oil, including free water, emulsified water, and dissolved water. Testing method: Distillation is used for this purpose, in accordance with standards such as GB/T 260 and ASTM D95. Purposes of testing: Ice formation can destroy the oil film, reducing lubricity and increasing friction, which in turn accelerates wear on moving parts. Water can react with the oil to form acids, gums, and sludge. It can also dissolve additives present in the oil, thereby reducing its performance. At low temperatures, water can impair the fluidity of the oil and cause corrosion of the metal components in equipment.