SOS Analysis

Particle Quantifier (PQ)

Measures the amount of ferrous metal content in a sample, the higher the PQ index the more contaminated the sample is with ferrous metal. This test can detect imminent failures in equipment, if gears are chipping in a component the ferrous metal particles, may be too large for any other analysis to detect.

Infrared Spectroscopy (IR)

Measures sulfation, nitration, oxidation, soot and water levels in a sample. These are the by-products of combustion; therefore, this test is essential in monitoring oil degradation and combustion efficiency in order to correct problems and prevent component damage.

Elemental Analysis (ICP) Measures the concentration of wear metals in a sample. Every sample will have an amount of wear metal particles based on component type and machine hours, if this concentration increases beyond what is expected, it indicates that wear has accelerated and there may be a problem with the machine.

Viscosity (V40) or (V100)

Measures internal friction/readiness to flow. All samples have their viscosity measured at 40 degrees Celsius, engine samples receive an additional reading at 100 degrees Celsius which is closer to an engine running temperature. Viscosity may indicate fuel dilution or degradation.

Particle Count (PC)

Measures particles in a sample from 4 - 70 microns, catching large particles missed by elemental analysis. The Particle Count also reports the ISO cleanliness code, easily identifying clean and dirty oils.

Acid/Base Number (TAN/TBN) - Additional Test

TAN is the total amount of acidic compounds present in a hydraulic or transmission oil. TBN is the total amount of alkaline reserve left in engine oils. These results can be used to optimize oil change intervals.

Elemental Analysis (ICP)

Similar to oils this type of analysis is used to detect the presence of corrosion metals and the amount of additive still present in the coolant. Water hardness is also determined using this test.

Ph

Ph of coolants changes depending on brand and type however as coolants are a mixture of water, glycol and anti-corrosion additives most are in the range of 7.5 - 10. Conductivity Measures coolant's ability to transfer an electrical charge. This gives an indication of the dissolved solids in the sample as glycol will suppress conductivity.

Glycol

Glycol solutions provide three major benefits: - They increase the boiling point of the coolant, suppress the freezing point and reduce the ability of the coolant to cause corrosion by suppressing the ionic character of the fluid. Pre-mixed coolants are generally formulated with a 50/50 water/glycol mix although other proportions are used for specific circumstances. Therefore using a coolant with the correct glycol proportion is essential for equipment.

Ion Chromatography (IC)

Determines Nitrate, Nitrite, Chloride and Glycolate levels in coolant sample, these vary dependng on brand and type.

Particle Quantifier (PQ)

Measures the amount of ferrous metal content in a sample, the higher the PQ index the more contaminated the sample is with ferrous metal. This test can detect imminent failures in equipment, if gears are chipping in a component the ferrous metal particles, may be too large for any other analysis to detect.

Elemental Analysis (ICP)

Measures the concentration of wear metals in a sample along with contamination by lubricating oils, additives, dirt, salt water and fuel sulfur.

Measures particles in a sample from 4 - 50 microns, catching large particles missed by elemental analysis. The Particle Count also reports the ISO cleanliness code, easily identifying clean and dirty fuels.

Karl Fischer Water (KF)

Measures water ppm in fuels, caterpillar recommends keeping water content below 500ppm to avoid critical damage to fuel components and to prevent microbe multiplication.