Announcement: New In house Test capability

BTS announces additional testing capabilities in the Peabody Laboratory. We are now able to perform the following tests:

Measurement of Sulfur by XRF (X Ray Florescence) (ASTM D4294)

Measurement of Chlorine in Lubricating Oils by XRF (ASTM D6481)

Measurement of sulfur is important in lubricant analysis is several instances. Sulfur compounds can be present as:

1. Additives:Most EP (extreme pressure) lubricants such as those used in high load gear applications rely on sulfur based anti-wear compounds as a key active component for reducing wear. Measuring the sulfur concentration allows us to evaluate the condition or presence of the additive.
2. Contaminant:Sulfur compounds can be present as an aggressive chemical contaminant in lubricating oils. Sulfurous gases entering by blowby, seal failure, or breather ingression into a lubricant system can form sulfuric acids, which break down the lubricant and promote corrosion of the equipment.
3. Residual element in Fuel: Sulfur is present up to 500 ppm in conventionally refined diesel fuel (US market). Current efforts to reduce harmful emissions into the atmostsphere involve companies switching to ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel) and biodiesel. BTS can now measure sulfur in fuels -quickly and accurately.

Measurement of Chlorine is significant for lubricating fluids in the following cases:

1. Constituent Additive/Base chemical: Some high performance lubricants are chlorinated, i.e. they contain a chlorine based compound that is chosen for it’s high lubricity properties. Measurement of total chlorine will help determine the additive/base compound present.
2. Contaminant: Chlorine is most often seen as a contaminant in lubricants. In the case of refrigerant systems, the freon (Chlorofluorocarbons) contamination actually aids lubrication, however the volume present is what is cause for concern. In other lubrication systems, chlorine may be present as a result of ambient air contamination, or process problems. Elevated levels promote acid formation and subsequent corrosion.

Please call us (978-535-9990) to get quotes for testing, or to discuss how this may add in problem solving.