Determination of Additive and Trace Elements in Lubricating Oil Using ICP-MS

User Benefits

- Metal elements in lubricating oil can be accurately analyzed by dilution with organic solvents. - Solvent-resistant peristaltic pump tubing enables the addition of internal standard elements in-line, even for organic solvent analysis, thereby eliminating the need for manual addition.

Introduction

Organic metal compounds are added to lubricating oil to provide various functional properties. Therefore, monitoring the concentrations of these additives is important for ensuring quality control. In addition, the analysis of wear metals and contaminant metals in lubricating oils (engine oils) used in automobiles and ships is a crucial method for assessing the condition of the engine. Traditionally, these analyses have utilized ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) as outlined in ASTM D4951-14 and ASTM D5185-18. However, for the analysis of trace metal elements that are difficult to detect with ICP-OES, the more sensitive ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is more suitable. In this Application News, lubricating oil was diluted with organic solvents, and the additives and trace elements in the oil were analyzed using the ICP-MS 2050. To verify the accuracy of the analytical results, spike recoveries were also evaluated.

August 26, 2025 GMT