Lubricating Oil Analysis

Lubricating oil analysis is one of the most cost-effective condition monitoring tools available. Routine sampling provides measurable insight into machinery wear rates, oil degradation, and contamination before failures develop. ORDNEX coordinates sampling and analysis through qualified UAE-based laboratory partners.

PURPOSE & ENGINEERING VALUE

Why Lubricating Oil Analysis Matters

Every operating engine, gearbox, or rotating machine sheds microscopic wear particles and chemical by-products into its lubricating oil. These markers are measurable long before symptoms become visible or cause operational disruption.

Trending results over multiple sampling intervals is more informative than a single analysis. ORDNEX recommends regular sampling at fixed running hour intervals to build a meaningful condition history.

Typical Sampling Intervals

·Main engines: every 250–500 running hours
·Auxiliary engines: every 250 running hours
·Gearboxes: every 1,000 running hours or 6 months
·Compressors: every 500 running hours
·Stern tube: every 6 months or after anomaly

Typical Report Turnaround

24 to 48 hours for standard routine analysis. Extended parameters may require 3 to 5 business days.

ORDNEX coordinates testing through qualified laboratory partners. Turnaround times are subject to laboratory capacity and sample condition.

TEST PARAMETERS

Analysis Parameters & Interpretation

Viscosity at 40°C / 100°CConfirms the oil is within the correct viscosity grade for the application and detects thinning or thickening due to contamination or degradation.

Total Base Number (TBN)Measures the remaining alkaline reserve in engine oils, indicating capacity to neutralise acidic combustion by-products.

Total Acid Number (TAN)Quantifies the acid content of the oil, relevant to oxidation degradation in turbine and hydraulic oils.

Water Content (KF or Crackle)Detects water ingress from cooling systems, condensation, or seal failure, which accelerates bearing corrosion.

Wear Metals (ICP Spectrometry)Identifies iron, copper, aluminium, lead, tin, and other metals shed by internal components during operation.

Contaminant MetalsSilicon (dirt ingress), sodium (coolant ingress), and boron (coolant contamination) provide early warning of system breaches.

Fuel Dilution (Flash Point)Detects fuel contamination of engine oil, which reduces viscosity and lubricating film strength.

Oxidation / Nitration (FTIR)Infrared analysis identifies oxidation products and nitration compounds that reduce oil service life.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Equipment Categories

·Main diesel engines (two-stroke and four-stroke)

·Auxiliary generator engines

·Reduction gearboxes and reverse gearboxes

·Stern tube lubrication systems

·Turbocharger bearings

·Compressor crankcase oil

·Industrial gearboxes

·Rotating machine bearings

INDUSTRIES SERVED

Operational Sectors

·Commercial Shipping

·Naval & Coast Guard

·Offshore Support Vessels

·Power Generation

·Shipyards

·Industrial Manufacturing

·Oil & Gas Facilities

·Marine Service Companies

Related Services

Wear Metal Analysis →Particle Count Analysis →Hydraulic Oil Analysis →

LABORATORY INTAKE

Submit a Lubricating Oil Analysis Request

Provide equipment type, oil grade, running hours since last change, and sample source. ORDNEX will coordinate collection and laboratory routing.