Monitoring the additive levels provides information to ensure that the proper lubricant is being used for the application and for topping off. Generally, four types of lubricants are used inmost industrial applications, and each has different additive levels. \u00a0Note that an oil\u2019s level of additives measured by spectroscopy isn\u2019t necessarily an indication of the oil\u2019s quality, because the pressure of the element doesn\u2019t indicate the functionality of the additive.<\/p>\n
\u2713 Engine oils: They typically contain antiwear additives composed of zinc and phosphorus. Expect to see these elements present in about 1,000 ppm (plus or minus 200ppm). A detergent package should also be present, composed of some configuration of barium, magnesium, and calcium. These levels vary depending on the oil, but are usually above 1,000 ppm.<\/p>\n
\u2713 Extreme pressure (EP) oils: \u00a0EP oils are typically for gear applications. You commonly see significant amounts of phosphorus.<\/p>\n
\u2713 Anti-wear (AW) oils: AW oils include many bearing oils, some gear oils, and hydraulic fluids. These oils contain both zinc and phosphorus from 200 to 600 ppm. They may also have low levels of detergent (magnesium or calcium)present.<\/p>\n
\u2713 Rust and oxidation inhibiting (R&O) oils: R&O oils are the easiest to identify. They include turbine oils, compressor oils, and some bearing and hydraulic oils. These oils have no additives that spectroscopy can measure, so they should have extremely low numbers for all additive metals.<\/p>\n