Analysis of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oil According to ASTM D5185: ICPE-9820

Introduction

Analysis of lubricants added to engine oils such as those used in automobiles and ships is an effective as well as important way to diagnose the state of the engine and other equipment. According to ASTM International Standard D5185, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry with organic solvent dilution is specified for measurement of additive elements, wear metals and contaminants present in used lubricants. Also, the Japan Petroleum Institute standard JPI-5S-44-2011 stipulates the use of ICP atomic emission spectrometry in Japan for analysis of Fe, Cu, Al, Pb, Cr and Sn in used lubricating oil. Here, using the Shimadzu ICPE-9820 multi-type ICP atomic emission spectrometer, we conducted analysis of 22 elements specified according to ASTM D5185 in samples consisting of a used lubricant (commercially available automotive lubricating oil) and, as a reference, the same, but unused lubricating oil, both of which were diluted with organic solvent. The ICPE-9820, which adopts a vertically- oriented plasma torch which reduces the possibility of carbon precipitation, provides stable analytical results for organic solvent samples without requiring the flow of oxygen through the system.

July 15, 2015 GMT